Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

DREAMSCAPES FALL/ WINTER 2019 26 D aytona Beach has long been known for one of the best water- fronts. Thirty-seven kilometres of the Atlantic shoreline feature wide, beau- tiful 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 "Wonder- Fall." The season's outdoor festivals start with the annual Daytona Turkey Run from November 28 to December 1, with thou- sands of unique automobiles and swap-meet vendors. The excitement con- tinues 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 Motor- sports 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/enter- tainment 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 spec- tacular 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 dis- tilleries, 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-of- Famer Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play professional base- ball. 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! DAYTONA BEACH "WonderFall" 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 TRAVEL PLANNER Scout out all there is to do in the Daytona Beach area at daytonabeach.com. BY STEVE WINSTON DS

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