After a terrific day at Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, I wanted to see the Atlantic Ocean and Cocoa Beach!
We were SO close, why not?
Besides, I was curious what the route would be for Major Anthony Nelson, to and from work…even though the popular I Dream of Jeannie was shot in California.
Seeing an 800 foot long pier on Cocoa Beach, we decided to explore that.
While walking up the pier, I could see Cape Canaveral launch pads in the distance!
At the end of the 800 foot long pier was Rikki Tiki Tavern, where we sat and enjoyed some wine while the Atlantic Ocean rolled underneath. How neat!
This is a popular spot to view space launches! In fact, one of the area codes for Cape Canaveral, including Cocoa Beach, is 321, established in 1999 to reflect the area’s countdown history.
What an amazing sunset after this long day…
I couldn’t stop gazing at all the sights of the sunset, hotels, beach, tide, and launch pads at Cape Canaveral!
I DREAM OF JEANNIE AND COCOA BEACH TRIVIA
After we finished our drinks, we walked around and found several historical markers for the area, which referenced the popular television show, I Dream of Jeannie, which ran from 1965 to 1970.
Further researching after we left, I learned more interesting details.
Although the show was shot in California, a few occasions brought the cast to Cocoa Beach, Florida.
See this photo from June 27, 1969, when Barbara Eden of I Dream of Jeannie posed before the Apollo 11 Saturn V on Pad 39, at Cape Canaveral.
One special scene of I Dream of Jeannie was actually shot at Patrick AFB in Cocoa Beach, Florida in December 1969…the wedding ceremony of Major Anthony Nelson, portrayed by Larry Hagman, and Jeannie, portrayed by Barbara Eden.
In 1996, Barbara Eden returned to Cocoa Beach for Jeannie Day, when the entrance to Lori Wilson Park was renamed I Dream of Jeannie Lane.
That event was celebrated at Cocoa Beach in 2015 with much fanfare at a half marathon, including the presence of 170 runners in Jeannie costumes!
Winners received medals shaped like Jeannie bottles.
A great video is at the previous link, where Barbara Eden was celebrated for putting Cocoa Beach on the map.
