After a 30-year run, the space shuttle program is ending this year. NASA has set Friday, July 8, 2011, as the date for the final space shuttle mission (STS-135) when Atlantis will make its last flight from Kennedy Space Center. Officials in the Florida’s Space Coast are anticipating about one million visitors will be taking part in the historic event. Following are three ways to see the final space shuttle launch in person.

NASA Tweetup – put your Twitter account to work by registering for one of 150 spots to attend the NASA Tweetup scheduled for July 7 and 8 at Kennedy Space Center. This blogger participated in the April/May NASA Tweetup for Endeavour’s final launch and trust her – being selected and attending is like winning the lottery. A Tweetup is a gathering of Twitterers (or Tweeps or Tweeters) and NASA does it right with presentations by NASA officials including scientists, engineers and astronauts. The two-day event includes tour of Kennedy Space Center, most likely a visit to the launch pad to see the rollback of the rotating service structure and space shuttle launch. NASA Tweetup is held in the press site which is about 3.1 miles from the launch pad meaning these are the best seats in the house.

Selection for the 150 slots is done by lottery and registration opens Wednesday, June 1 at Noon EDT and will be open for 24 hours. Having a Twitter account and following NASA (twitter.com/NASA) are some of the requirements to attend. Visit the official NASA Tweetup website (http://go.nasa.gov/135tweet) for additional information.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – There are multiple viewing options at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Due to demand, tickets for the final shuttle launch will be done through lottery. Registration for the opportunity to purchase tickets opens Monday, May 30 at 9 a.m. EDT and closes June 5, 2011, at 5 p.m. EDT. Registrants will be chosen at random for the opportunity to purchase tickets. Visit the website (http://go.nasa.gov/ieX1Mx) for additional information.

View a Launch from Off Site – Viewing a space shuttle launch is an incredible experience yet you don’t need to be on Kennedy Space Center property to see it. There are several vantage points in the Space Coast to see the final flight of Atlantis. Visit this NASA page (http://go.nasa.gov/OVlaunch) to view suggested launch viewing locations in Titusville and Cocoa Beach, Fla.

The best advice when planning a Florida vacation around the final space shuttle launch is to be flexible. Launch dates are subject to change with as much as two week’s notice to as little as an hour’s notice. When booking your travel, find an airline that offers flexibility in changing dates and check cancellation and change policies with your accommodations. Chances are, accommodations are booked in the Space Coast for the final space shuttle launch but Orlando is about an hour to the west and Daytona Beach is about an hour to the north and both offer reasonably priced lodging.

Those living in the Midwest and Northern United States experienced a pretty harsh winter this year. To remind those hit with snow storm after snow storm, Florida Governor Rick Scott and VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, hit the road earlier this month to invite potential travelers in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Chicago to vacation in Florida.

March 1 and 2, the governor and tourism ambassadors kicked off the mission with a rally in Florida’s tourism capital, Orlando. Gov. Scott and his entourage then traveled north on a whirlwind trip spreading sunshine in the form of personal invitations to vacation in Florida, tchotchkes and Florida vacation giveaways.

Those in Chicago were the biggest winners. While the Florida vacations given away throughout the journey were valid for a year, up to 120 Windy City winners boarded a Southwest Airlines charted jet bound for Orlando for a four-day vacation. Almost sounds like an Oprah move, doesn’t it?

If you’re tired of the cold Mother Nature bestowed on you this year, an affordable Florida vacation is in reach and the Sunshine State offers many vacation options. Escape the cold by visiting the Southern Most Point during a Key West vacation or play on the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean during a Daytona Beach trip. Get your thrill on during an Orlando family vacation or chill out and enjoy Florida’s Gulf coast during a getaway to Naples.

Remember, Florida’s called the Sunshine State for good reason so head south and defrost.

Image Source: VISIT FLORIDA

Punxsutawney Phil, probably the second most famous rodent next to Mickey, did not see his shadow this Groundhog Day meaning winter is ending and spring is on its way. But after all the snow this winter, can you wait until spring to defrost?

We have some ideas to escape the winter cold and soak up the sunshine and heat in the near-future. Here are our top warm-weather picks in the United States for this winter:

Las Vegas, Nev. – Seriously, you don’t need an excuse for a Las Vegas vacation but if you need one, four or five wallops of winter snow is good reason. Las Vegas is always evolving with grand resorts, superb entertainment and non-stop action. We can’t guarantee you’ll win big in the casinos but are pretty sure you’ll be filled with unforgettable memories.

New Orleans, La. - Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll during a New Orleans vacation.  Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare Cajun cuisine, get spooked during an evening city ghost tour, and let loose (but in control) on Bourbon Street when the music is pulsing. It’s not too early to find your New Orleans accommodations for Mardi Gras, which is Tuesday, March 8, 2011.

Palm Springs, Calif. – If winter has given you the blahs, travel to Palm Springs where average high temperatures range between the upper-70s to low-90s. Just reading that fills me with warm fuzzies. Explore canyons, tee it up on a golf course and soak up the snazzy sophistication while soaking up the sun.

Florida – There were reported sightings of Groundhog Phil basking in the Sunshine State’s warm rays the end of January. Apparently, the groundhog had enough of snow and boogied on down south for an early spring. Make like Phil and travel to Florida to enjoy eclectic Key West, flare of Naples, vroom of Daytona Beach and thrill of Orlando. Whether seeking beaches, nature, or exhilarating theme park rides, Florida offers something for everyone.

There’s only so much a cozy fireplace and grandma’s quilt can do to keep you warm. Escape on a warm-weather vacation to warm the spirit and soul.

Image Source: Naples, Marco Island & Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau