Florida road trip?

This January, my girlfriend and I are taking a road trip through Fl. We're starting at FT Myers, and going to Orlando. and then heading over to Cape Canaveral. Since Classic Motorsports (and more than a few of it's readers) is based in Florida, I'm calling for some assistance:

1. any good places to go to/see between Ft Myer's & Orlando? Roadside attractions?

2. any good "midpoint" area between Cape Canaveral & Orlando to stay?

Thanks!

Some places I like to visit when crossing the state:

Colonial Photo and Hobby in Orlando http://www.colonialphotohobby.com : Just an awesome old-school hobby shop. It's about a third model trains, a third photo gear (lots of good stuff in stock) and then a third "misc. hobbies:" r/c cars, slot cars, rockets, plastic models, etc.

Skycraft Surplus in Orlando http://www.skycraftsurplus.com : If you ever wanted to build a battle-bot or UFO, this is the place. You can buy O-rings, nozzles or diamond plate by the load. Just cool. Plus it's right off I-4 so it's not too far out of the way.

Downtown Winter Park is just a neat place to walk around. It's the same exit as Skycraft. The Morse Museum, located in Winter Park, has a huuuuge Tiffany glass collection: http://www.morsemuseum.org

Even though it's right off the highway, getting there is a pain: http://www.ferraricf.com .

When are you passing through Daytona? Don't forget that the Rolex 24 At Daytona takes place during the end of January and we're doing our big party: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/events/daytona-experience/

Rolex test days take place Jan. 4-6.

If you're coming through Daytona, there's The Race Place--our official slot car supply house. It's on Cave Avenue in Holly Hill, right around the corner from our new building.

While at Merritt Island you have to see the Manatees: http://www.fws.gov/Merrittisland/Wildlife.html . We were actually there last week. For whatever reason, there's a spot where manatees like to hang out. We saw four or five there last weekend.

Orlando Wetland Park is also neat: http://www.nbbd.com/godo/orlandowetlands/

And I assume you're going to the Space Center, right?

As far as a place to stay between Orlando and Merritt Island, there's not much between the two unless you're coming up to Daytona. We just did that drive last week, too.

There is a cool old warplane place in between Ft. Meyers and Orlando called the Fantasy of Flight http://www.fantasyofflight.com

David is right---there isn't much between Merritt Island and Orlando, but it is also only about a 45 minute drive.

Cocoa Beach can be entertaining, as can downtown Melbourne.

Patrick Airforce base is in Cape Canaveral, they may have a guided tour or something fun to do.

If you haven't been to the Space Center you should check it out, it's pretty amazing.

If you head a little North (but South of Daytona) Ponce Inlet is a quaint little place. Quiet, pretty, and relaxing.

If you are a wildlife person, check out Mosquito Lagoon. You can easily charter a small boat and see manatee, dolphin, sea turtles, egrets, and all kinds of wildlife. It's really an amazing, thriving place.

If you make it to Ponce Inlet, the lighthouse is worth a look: http://www.ponceinlet.org/

And a good place to eat in the area: http://chefmoz.org/United_States/FL/Wilbur-by-the-Sea/Boondocks1041522608.html

The best road in the state is between Sebring and Orlando. It is called 17A. The drive from Ormond Beach to St Augustine is awesome if you like seaside scenery. The roads in Ocala state forest are some of the best we have. The springs, like Silver Glen, Salt Springs, Juniper and Alexander Springs are miraculous, as is Blue Springs in Orange City. If you go to the pancake house in Deleon Springs, you will thank me.

A little bit from where you are going but don't forget about the Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala. Even if you are not a huge drag racing fan it is very impressive and well worth the trip. Don Garlits is THE legend of Drag racing and has the finest collection of drag cars and memorabilia anywhere including the NHRA. He was good friends with a lot of the pioneers and acquired a lot of these historic drag cars before anyone else really wanted them. They also have a big classic, hot rod and muscle car collection as well. The museum is located on Don's property along with his house, so if you are lucky you may run into him at the museum.

http://www.garlits.com/

There is also a classic car museum in Tampa, that I have not yet been able to visit, but plan to soon. Looks pretty impressive from what I can tell with a lot of rare and unusual cars.

http://www.tbauto.org/

Thanks for the suggestions, and keep em' comin, as we're leaving for florida on Jan 9th!

I was re reading the issue on micro cars, and that area you referred to as "the loop" seemed nice..

The loop is nice.