Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine

“WONDERFALL” DAYTONA BEACH

Known for its notable attraction­s, this Florida favourite is hard to pass up.

- BY STEVE WINSTON

Daytona Beach has long been known for one of the best waterfront­s. Thirty-seven kilometres of the Atlantic shoreline feature wide, beautiful beaches. Autumn and winter are the ideal time to visit because the crowds are gone. However, in addition to the area’s notable attraction­s, restaurant­s, unique shops, historic sites and golf courses, the calendar remains filled with special events.

This time of year ushers in “Wonderfall.” The season’s outdoor festivals start with the annual Daytona Turkey Run from November 28 to December 1, with thousands of unique automobile­s and swap-meet vendors. The excitement continues well into spring; in all, the area boasts hundreds of special events during this time of the year.

Attraction­s? Besides its beach, Daytona Beach is renowned for one of the most famous automobile racetracks in the world. Daytona Internatio­nal Speedway offers world-class racing events and the Motorsport­s Hall of Fame of America as well as a chance to take one of those babies out for a spin around the track!

Shopping? Immediatel­y across the street from the Speedway is ONE DAYTONA, one of America’s most exciting retail/dining/entertainm­ent complexes, which includes two hotels. Nearby, the Tanger Outlets showcases an eclectic mix of more than 75 brand-name and designer outlets and restaurant­s.

Recreation? Boasting more than 20 spectacula­r courses, the region is touted as one of America’s top golf destinatio­ns. It’s also home to the LPGA Internatio­nal.

This is the perfect season for scenic drives, too, as local roads meander through little towns populated with unique dining establishm­ents and shops. Follow the Daytona Beach Ale Trail, along which you’ll find some two dozen local breweries and distilleri­es, tasting rooms and tap houses, as well as down-home to upscale culinary delights.

Cultural and historic spots? Jackie Robinson Ballpark is where in 1947 Hall-offamer Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play profession­al baseball. At 53 metres the historic Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, built in 1887, is the tallest in Florida. Don’t forget the Museum of Arts & Sciences, which is affiliated with the Smithsonia­n Institutio­n.

It won’t take you long to see why Daytona Beach is “wonderfall” at this time of year!

 ??  ?? TOP LEFT: Relaxing around a firepit in Daytona Beach. TOP RIGHT: The historical Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest in Florida. Daytona Beach Area CVB
TOP LEFT: Relaxing around a firepit in Daytona Beach. TOP RIGHT: The historical Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse is the tallest in Florida. Daytona Beach Area CVB

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