The Clifton School House was built around 1890-1891 by Butler Campbell and Andrew Jackson, black…read moreland owners who homesteaded on north Merritt Island. A nearby neighbor by the name of Wade Holmes provided a one- acre lot as the building site, which was located in the north west corner of his property adjacent to the Campbell's. Prior to building the school house, the Campbell and Jackson children attended school in the home of a black man by the name of Mahaffey who lived nearby. They bought the lumber and building materials in Titusville and had them shipped by sailboat to north Merritt Island. Together, and with the help of Wade Holmes, they built a 12 x 16 wooden structure of heart pine lumber. Two sets of glass-paned windows were placed opposite each other on the north and south sides of the building. The front of the school house faced west which was fitted with a double paneled door, and the roof was made of cedar or cypress boards. The entire structure rested on wood pilings about one foot off the ground. By 1910 most of the Campbell and Jackson children were of the age to be out of school or attending a school in Titusville that offered a higher education, and the little wooden structure no longer was used as a school house. When the Government took over all of North Merritt Island in the 1960's the families had to relocate to other areas. Most of the structures were demolished or disassembled board by board until there was little visible evidence that any inhabitants had lived in that area. Somehow the old Clifton Schoolhouse was overlooked, or maybe thought not to be of any value, and would eventually fall to the elements of weather and time soon enough. Sometime in the late 1960's or 1970's, someone discovered the old wooden structure still standing under a heavy growth of vines, and after investigation of the site, found an old trunk inside, filled with old letters, post cards, receipts, greeting cards and other personnel items belonging to the Campbell family. IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO RESTORE SOMETHING SO IMPORTANT!

According to the historical landmark plaque (summary version):…read more In early pioneer times native Americans and explorers had to pull or haul their canoes and boats across this narrow strip of land from the Mosquito Lagoon to the Indian River. Hence it became known as "haulover". Fort Ann was established nearby in 1837 during the 2nd Seminole War to protect the haulover from Indians and also carry military supplies from the Lagoon to the River. In 1852, the first canal was dug using slave labor by contractor G.E. Hawes. It was 3 feet deep, 14 feet wide, and completed in time for the 3rd Seminole Indian War (1856-1858). By 1887 a new and deeper canal was dug not far from the original. This is its present day location. In 1927 the Haulover Canal was incorporated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to be maintained. It has been dug wider and deeper and a basin added for launching boats. I enjoy visiting here. It's a beautiful motorcycle ride that includes riding through the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge- just north of Kennedy Space Center. There's a drawbridge that crosses the Haulover and as one crosses over from the south, on the north side is a site for manatee watching. The manatee watching site has a paved parking lot and a raised concrete fenced platform where one can watch manatees as they forage for food and raise to the surface for air. They can stay under water anywhere from 5-15 minutes so be patient. I saw several on my visit. Several boats were going "out" into Mosquito Lagoon. I saw a pontoon boat, a fishing boat, a sailboat (that required the drawbridge to be raised), and even a person in a kayak. The boat launch is on he south side and west of the drawbridge. This is a great place to visit or bring your boat and enjoy a day on the water traversing between the Mosquito Lagoon and the Indian River by way of the historic Haulover Canal.

Love seeing Manatees, dolphins and gators at the haulover canal. Beautiful spot. Usually quietread more

I'm a fan of rockets, launches and photography in general and I have driven from Miami several…read moretimes to witness many launches. I remember the rollout of Artemis I and the many scrubs, multiple times and drove to and stayed at Titusville for this historic experience, until it finally happened on the early morning of November 16th 2022. This time I watch it from the rooftop of the newer Courtyard Hotel. It was quite an experience, everyone clamping and screaming and happy! The closest point to LC-39b with public access is Playa linda but due to its proximity it's always close 48 hours before any launch attempt. So the really best option will be from inside KSC at the banana creek or the Apollo/Saturn V Center but those options are quite expensive and they sellout in few minutes. I'm looking for ways to the next Artemis II schedule for the end of 2026...

I came here with my homeschooling co-op, they did a free mini class event for us. Very nice of the…read moreteacher to take the time to teach the kiddos all about navigation and she made it really fun for them as well as broke it down for them to understand in game form. I think it lasted about 25 mins or so. Only wish I would have walked more into their trail to see the water view if there is one I didn't get to see it. In all a cool spot to get a bit of history and sight seeing.

Wow! What a cool place. My husband and I have been choosing a different nature sanctuary in…read moreBrevard county to explore and walk, today we chose Sams house and Pine Island sanctuary. We decided to park at the Pine Island end of the trail, there are a couple of rustic areas to park. The trail head for the Pine Island loop which is about 3/4 of a mile is near the manatee viewing area and kayak launch. The walk from parking area to the start of the garnet trail which takes you to Sam's house is a wide open green area that is used for walking or horseback riding, there is no shade but if you're lucky there is a beautiful breeze along the lake. The trail to Sam's house is very rustic with some boardwalks and lots of root covered ground. The path is clear but some areas a a little soft due to the surrounding canals. Sam's house is one of the original homes in Merritt Island. There are areas with explanations and examples of what was grown and sold in the area. Apparently there were prehistoric animal remains found in the area as well as the burial mound of Indigenous people. This is a definite place to revisit and explore the other trails and bits of history.

**INITIAL REVIEW**…read more The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Tour (which I will shorthand simply to the Lighthouse Tour) has been one of those "backyard adventures" I've been wanting to go on for the longest time. Eventually, I was able to partake in said adventure with my friends, Nate and Chops. Afterwards, I have to say that even for a probably "one-and-done" for a tour, it is definitely worth every penny spent. This tour was everything I wanted and loved, and it delivered. First and foremost, the actual business building for the Lighthouse Tour is nothing you have to worry about. According to all the tours, you will meet up at the Sands Space Museum and take a charter van to multiple locales on the tour. Before we get to the actual tour I partook in, it should be noted there are numerous tour options such as the museums alone, the lighthouse alone, or the full experience. Prices range from $35 (lighthouse only) to $65 (full tour). I went with the latter which includes numerous museums, historic launch sites, and the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse. It should also be noted that the more you do, the longer the tour. The full tour is four hours long. Please take note the things you need to check before the tour such as wearing shoes if you plan to walk up the five floors of the lighthouse, small bags allowed with small closed-contained foods and drinks only. Finally, you need to fill out a clearance check as all the stops, with the exception of Sands Space Museum, is on the Cape Canaveral Air Force Military Base. With those in mind, the full tour - known as the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse and Space Flight Tour - is all the stops if possible. I say "if possible" because some stops may be closed for maintenance or upgrades. For us, The Sands Space Museum, where the tour stars, was closed for renovation. However, the museum is free and not on protected property so I can go back and check it out. We visited four different launch sites, three museums, and the Cape Canaveral lighthouse. I personally loved the lighthouse and Hanger "A" which housed some of the larger historic rockets and jets that have helped bring NASA and the U.S. military where it is now. I personally was surprised that the first drone was used as target practice. I can't really detail everything I saw or this would become one my longest reviews, longer than I usually do. Just know that, like I said earlier in the review, for a possible one-and-done, it is worth every penny. However, if you really want to make sure the tour is a one-and-done, pay for the full tour. You'll have enough time to visit everything within the four hours, and if anything is closed, they'll take you to the Canaveral National Seashore, which was amazing because it is literally almost "untouched" by tourism. I will give this tour four out of five stars. I am not going to say consistency will earn the fifth star because only a super fan will take this tour numerous times... or work for the tour company. I will say that the lacking star has to do with the price. It can be high overall especially if stops are closed for some reason.

Great experience an excellent adventure for all in the family. Make sure add to you agenda.read more

Cocoa Beach will always be associated with the classic sitcom I Dream of Jeannie. Airing from 1965…read moreto 1970, the television series starred Barbara Eden as a 2,000 year-old genie and Larry Hagman as astronaut Major Anthony Nelson. After a wayward space mission, Nelson crash lands on a deserted island where he discovers Jeannie sealed inside an ornate bottle. She hitches a ride back to Cocoa Beach in his bag, where her magical powers and love for him lead to five seasons of comedy. Although the series was filmed almost entirely in Hollywood, California, it was set in Cocoa Beach because of its close ties to NASA and the Space Coast. The cast and crew made two promotional visits to Cocoa beach but the city itself never served as a filming location. The show continues on through reruns and streaming. After portraying the handsome Major Anthony Nelson, Larry Hagman went on to even greater fame as the ruthless oil tycoon J.R. Ewing in the hit television drama Dallas, which aired from 1978 to 1991. Hagman passed away in 2012. Barbara Eden, now 94 continues to make occasional public appearances while supporting charitable causes. Cocoa Beach has proudly embraced the legacy of I Dream of Jeannie. In 1996, city leaders dedicated the street beside Lori Wilson Park as I Dream of Jeannie Lane, with Barbara Eden attending the ceremony. Then, on August 24, 2012, the city unveiled a commemorative roadside plaque outside the park honoring the series. I happened to be visiting Lori Wilson Park when I found this roadside reminder of the show. I couldn't help but hum the familiar I Dream of Jeannie theme song as memories came to mind. Jeannie's iconic pink outfit is still a favorite of cosplayers. This is a nostalgic stop that commemorates Cocoa Beach's connection to the golden age of the space race and one of television's most enduring comedies.

I've been driving by this "historic marker" for years, like most of these markers there's nothing…read moreto see commemorating the "I Dream of Jeanie" television show. I finally turn in on the drivable lane and did a short drive through the park, the parking lot to my surprise was filled with vehicles, most were there to let their dogs run free inside the fenced in dog park. Since the sitcom ran between 1965 - 1970 a lot of today's kids are oblivious to this show which most from my generation watched religiously after school after playing outside or riding our motor-less bicycles, life was simpler. Barbara Eden is now 94 according to Wikipedia and is the only surviving member of the cast and receives no royalties since she opted for a cash payment after getting a new contract after the third season of the show...

This is not your typical tourist trap. It's a unique home that attracts the curious. The owner/tour…read moreguide is a perky lady who is renovating the house back to its original splendor and adding her own personal creativity. She talks about the history of the house and her encounters with the spirits of the original owner. Lots of antiques throughout and a few quirky collections. A diamond in the rough with the mystique of an opal. There is an assistant tour guide, Joan of Bark, who is the sweetest, most laid-back pup. Take some time to enjoy this unicorn.

The best house tour I have ever been on! Super cool to hear so many details from the owner of the…read morehouse and hear about her personal experiences in the restoration process.

I can't think of a more befitting and deserving place for our Military veterans to be placed at…read morerest. The site is surrounded by oaks and pines and the grounds are kept meticulously clean and groomed. It truly conveys a feeling of peacefulness and serenity. I had been here on two previous occasions - both involved the placing of wreaths during the annual "Wreaths Across America" that is in December of every year. This time was to pay respect for a friend who had suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. The Military Honor Guard's performance was very moving and the ceremony faithfully honored this proud veteran who had served his country. It's free to visit, and if you don't know the exact location of the grave you wish to visit, you can check in at the visitor center and they can help you and also provide you with a map. Only live flower arrangements are allowed, and there are vases at each marker. This is a very beautiful place.

The cemetery is always meticulously maintained every time I stop by to pay respects to my parents…read more The staff treated my family and I with great kindness during both funeral services, which I deeply appreciated. Huge gratitude for this wonderful National Cemetery.

While I am very familiar with the blue markers of the state wide Florida Historical Marker Program,…read moreoccasionally I will come across a county or city historic marker. On a recent walk through Overlook Park on Lake Jessup, I discovered that Seminole County has their own historic marker program. Historic markers are a great way to learn about the formative people, buildings, and events in a town's history. This marker was erected by Seminole County and recounts the history of White's Wharf at Clifton Springs. Just north of this spot, in 1765-1766 John and William Bartram discovered the springs during a search for the source during their excursion up the Saint Johns River. They set up camp next to the warm sulfur springs. The swampy shoreline of Lake Jessup became the site of at least three wharves and trading posts just after the Civil War. In the late 1870's, W.G. White built a store at this spot. White employed six clerks and traded with buyers who came by wagon and ox cart from all parts of Central Florida and as far south as Fort Christmas. Settlers gave meat, hides, and plumes from wild birds in exchange for flour, grits, cane syrup, molasses, rice, medicines, cloth, and hardware. White also owned a nearby grove that supplied his wharf. White's Wharf became an important stop for anyone traveling on the St. John River and those in the new city of Oviedo. The campground at White's Wharf became a community gathering place for church picnics until the 1950's. The site also became known as Clifton Springs, in honor of the hometown in New York of Dr. Henry Foster, a wealthy grower who spent winters at Lake Charm in Oviedo. In 1882, White formed the Lake Jessup Steamboat Company with the local postmaster and another merchant. The men purchased the Isis, a stern-wheeler that hauled fruit from the grove across the lake to the St. Johns and north to Jacksonville which boosted the popularity of Clifton Springs. The Isis eventually sank in Lake George during a bad storm, killing three crewman. The Lake Jessup Steamboat Company soon disbanded after the ship was destroyed. In the 1800's White moved his business to Orlando to take advantage of the railroads being built in Central Florida. In the early 2000's, Seminole County claimed this land and renamed White's Wharf to Overlook Park and opened it to the public. The park is surrounded by two sulfur springs, one to the east and one to the west. There is a picnic pavilion and a boardwalk on Lake Jessup for fishing.