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I've had the privilege of living along the space coast within easy view of the shuttle launches (and all the other launches at the cape) for the past 8 years. I usually ride out to Cocoa Beach to watch the launches or just watch them from where I live but it is definately worth it to get the bus ticket that takes you within about 5 miles (which is as close as the public can get). Even from that distance the launch is bright enough to hurt your eyes and loud enough to hurt your ears. It is truly an impressive thing to watch and the Shuttle has allowed us to do some pretty amazing things.

However, it is definately time to move on. The Shuttle is an old system, it is not as safe as it could be and it is very expensive to operate. My only worry is that they will commit to ending flights before a suitable replacement is ready.

Im going to make it a point to get to the east coast and see a shuttle launch someday. Im on the other side of the country. I imagine the shuttle derived unmanned stack for getting the mission specific hardware up there will make a bit of noise too. Its going to be a monster. The manned CEV rocket will not be as impressive.