Although not really "nearby", you can also try to view a launch yourself: http://www.marsspaceport.com/ http://www.marsspaceport.com/ I saw a satellite launch

Although not really "nearby", you can also try to view a launch yourself: http://www.marsspaceport.com/ http://www.marsspaceport.com/ I saw a satellite launch from this site a few years ago. It's one of my favorite memories.