I moved to Daytona Beach in Fall 2006. The town in Ohio that I came from had a firehouse, a post office and a country store. Twenty miles away was the department and grocery stores. The first thing I noticed was the aura of the area. Everyone was excited and generally happy, which was something I wasn't use to. The area I came from was a depressing place called the 'Rust Belt', and rightly so. Jobs were scarce, money was short, and everyone seemed to be waiting for the inevitable end and very pessimistic. I am extremely glad I had the opportunity to come to the Daytona Beach Area. I received an employment offer and jumped at the opportunity. So, my fiancé and I relocated.

Where do I start? Racing, Bike Week, Spring Break, the weather, the ocean, the list is virtually endless, so, I'll attempt to cover some of this alphabetically.

A is for 'Aura', the aura that surrounds this area. The happiness that people feel here is contagious. Everyone is generally happy, whether it's the events that they look forward to going to, the sunshine, or the fact that everyone seems to be a transplant from somewhere else and are now genuinely happy to be here and not there.

B is for 'Bike Week'. A time of year, when one hundred thousand plus motorcycles surge into the area for a week of events that includes beer, bands, and babes. Not necessarily in that order. For the biggest part, it's a tremendous amount of fun, whether it is at 'Main Street' in downtown Daytona, or out on US 1 in Ormond Beach, you have a wide variety of things to see and/or do. The food always seems to taste a little better with an ice cold draft beer, while your looking at a beautiful 'beer tub babe', as your listening to one of the numerous bands that play in the background, all surrounded by burnt rubber smoke, loud pipes, and the smell of gasoline. All in all, it's basically contained chaos and wonderful. When driving, be sure to look twice during these weeks. Incidentally, Biketober (which is the fall version of 'Bike Week') begins with 'B' also, but has the same crazy antics as Bike Week, just a shorter time frame. Did I happen to say beaches? B is also for 'Beaches', enough said.

C is for 'Cubs'. As in the Daytona Beach Cubs baseball team, which is a class 'A' affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Their home stadium is the 'Jackie Robinson Ballpark'. This is where a family of four can see a professional baseball game including snacks for approximately $75. By the way, parking is free and they have special 'all you can eat' and 'all you can drink' nights.

D is for 'Daytona Beach'. Made famous by it's racing (more on that later), and Spring Break (more on that later too).

E is for 'Excitement' of all the things to do here. There is no way possible to describe everything that goes on here or all there is to do, therefore, one word seems to sum it all up and that word is most definitely excitement.

F is for 'Fishing'. Fishing in this area is wonderful. Basically, you have the best of both worlds…saltwater and freshwater. A license to fish in both is only thirty-five dollars and well worth it. Take a boat offshore for marlin or toss a line from one of the area's numerous piers into the brackish waters of the HalifaxRiver. Either way, if you're a fisherman, you will enjoy it. Note to the northerners, down here we use live shrimp for bait, so leave the night crawlers at home.

G is for 'Get-Away'. Daytona Beach is not far from major world-renowned destinations such as Disney World, Universal Studios, Seaworld, and it's not hard to find a three-day cruise to the Bahamas. There is also a quaint little international airport nearby for your flight needs. 'Golf' could also be added to this list due to the fact that there are many golf courses around the area, not to mention LPGA boulevard is located in Daytona Beach.

H is for 'Haven' by the sea. Daytona Beach is located right on the Atlantic Ocean and is a 'haven' for surfers and beachcombers alike. Try a scenic coastal drive and stop to shop at one of the numerous stores along the way. Note: Don't forget to get your 'Can of Sunshine' or your 'Florida Snowman' souvenir along the way.

I is for 'Inexpensive'. If you journey off the beaten path, you will find that Daytona Beach is basically cheap. Daytona Beach doesn't have to break your bank. From restaurants to attractions, you can find coupons good for discounts on just about everything. Search online before your visit to take advantage of the specials.

J is for 'Journey'. Your journey will begin the day you set foot in Daytona Beach. Choosing what to do and/or creating your personal itinerary will be a journey in itself.

K is for 'KennedySpaceCenter'. Where you can ride in a 'Space Shuttle' simulator, view the 'Astronaut Hall Of Fame', or take a bus tour of all the historical launching pads. There is absolutely too much to list here, but it's a tremendous way to spend a Saturday. Personal note: They close at 5:00 pm so take an early tour so that you can attempt to see it all. If you don't get to see it all, your ticket is good for a second day just as long as you reaffirm on your way out and use it within seven days.

L is for 'Launch', as in the Space Shuttle launch. Daytona Beach is just about fifty miles north of the launch pad at KennedySpaceCenter and you will, weather permitting, see the launch from practically anywhere in town. My personal favorite is watching the launch from the beach. However, although you can see it from here, it is much more impressive to travel down to the KennedySpaceCenter to watch it.

M is for 'Museums'. There are a wide variety of museums around the area as well as a MarineScienceCenter. Daytona Beach is full of history. Be sure to check out 'The Casements' aka the Rockefeller House just north in Ormond Beach.

N is for 'Need', as in need another week to see it all. Fortunately, this is not one of my dilemmas since I live here.

O is for 'Ocean', which is probably the number one reason people travel to here. Like I've said previously, it is 'The Worlds Most Famous Beach'.

P is for 'Ponce Inlet Lighthouse'. See the entire area from the top. Bring your camera. The view is worth remembering and saving for posterity.

Q is for 'Quiet' which Daytona Beach relatively is, with the exception of 'Bike Week' and 'Race Week'.

R is for 'Racing'. This area is the birthplace of speed. Cars, motorcycles, buses, boats, campers and more surge into Daytona Beach at certain times of the year… all for racing. There are numerous dirt tracks located within a thirty-mile vicinity of Daytona International Speedway, from Volusia Speedway to New Smyrna Speedway.

S is for 'Spring Break,' or what's come to be known as 'Spring Family Beach Break.' This is the time of the year when students and families alike converge upon the area in their swimsuits and shorts, with a great beach getaway in mind.MTV used to come here, but they've since decided to take their cameras and head a bit further south.Now there's a great mix of students, seniors and families - perfect for everyone.

T is for 'Traffic'.Daytona Beach is spread out. Traffic congestion, with the exception of certain times of the year, is virtually unheard of. And even at those times of the year, it is really not that bad. Air-conditioned public transportation is inexpensive and will take you practically anywhere.

U is for 'Underwater'. Whether SCUBA or snorkeling, either is just a short distance away. The area's numerous natural constant seventy-two degree, crystal clear water filled springs is both inexpensive and enjoyable. Don't forget to buy a disposable underwater camera to document your underwater adventures.

V is for the 'Vacation'.Daytona Beach is one of the world's premiere destinations and is called 'The Worlds Most Famous Beach' for a reason.

W is for 'Weather'. This area's weather is wonderful. Sometimes it rains, but mostly it's sunny and warm and it never snows. Well, almost never, if I'm not mistaken, they have seen a flake here and a flake there. After all, it is extremely hard to be depressed when you walk outside. It's warm, bright and sunny and the birds are chirping while the squirrels are playing through the rushing sound of the ocean waves…. You get the picture.

X is for 'xenophobia' which Daytona Beach is not. What is 'xenophobia'? It's a fear or hatred of strangers. If we were, we would be terrified 85% of the year. No, I would have to say that this area enjoys its visitors and will strive to make their visit memorable and enjoyable.

Y is for 'Yankee', which Daytona Beach has many. Transplants (folks from other states) are plentiful and odds are, you will find someone from your home state, if not your home city

Z is for 'Zoos', many of which are located within a fifty or seventy-five mile perimeter around the area.

This is what I like to call the Daytona Beach Alphabet. I hope it's enlightened you to all the wonderful and exciting things this area has to offer. I'm sure that I've missed a few things, but that's only because I haven't experienced them………yet!

T. M. Scopel
tscopel@bellsouth.net
(blog text and photography by T. M. Scopel)

My husband and I decided we would take our grandchildren (ages 12, 10, 7 and 5) to the Daytona 500 Experience at the Daytona International Speedway.This was definitely a plan that did not excite me, especially taking the children and the possibility of us not being able to keep up with them and that they may wonder away from us, jeopardizing their safety.

Once there, I noticed that the staff were very attentive to everyone who entered, especially with children.All exit doors had at least one staff member (most had two) there to assist all who wanted to exit, making sure no children were allowed out of the building alone.They also watched the entrance, seeing which children entered with what adults.When it came to going outside to take the Speedway Tour, I noticed that the doors were not opened for the children to go out until we arrived to go out with them.This was great!I then began to relax and enjoy myself.

The tour was excellent and very informative.I learned so much about the track and the high banks that the race drivers must tackle when they are racing. (The driver stopped at points of interest to allow pictures to be taken.)

After the tour we went back inside to enjoy the museum which took us back to the days cars raced on the beach, they even had a "winners" layout with lots of information to update us.The kids joined in with other visitors at acceleration alley, where they drove car simulators and were pulverized by the other teams (the two younger kids were passengers in cars with their sisters).The entire family then went on the IMAX Experience which was a combination of a movie playing while the seats went up and down and rocked from side to side to simulate the banks and curves on the tracks.The older children were able to go on a couple of other rides/items which they enjoyed.

When we were leaving, the ladies at the exit door stopped us and said that because the two younger children were probably not tall enough to participate in a few of the "rides" due to height restrictions (they are really short for their ages), there was a game room just outside the PIT shop (the memorabilia store) where they could play video games.They each then reached into their pockets and pulled out fist fulls of tokens and gave them to them to play for free.This was really a special moment for us - knowing that people actually cared that everyone had fun before leaving.

My name is Steve Deal, and I have been a quadriplegic in a wheelchair since 1990. I live in the Daytona Beach area, and I do some consulting re: accessible travel. I also do a bit of writing for the Daytona Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau for the Accessible Daytona Beach section of DaytonaBeach.com. I pretty much get paid to take Daytona Beach family vacations. I visit area hotels, restaurants, attractions, parks and anything else I can find and I write about the places I like that are disability-friendly. For more information visit http://daytonabeach.com/accessible.cfm. The purpose of the site is to provide visitors to the area that have disabilities an insight to some of the more accessible Daytona Beach attractions, establishments and recreational areas.

 

When I write these articles, I usually don't break out a ruler and take measurements. Instead, I visit the place and actually take a ride around and see how accessible it is for me. For Daytona Beach hotels, I'll also make sure there is equipment for visually and hearing impaired. Nothing I do is scientific, but it is fun to visit these places and help others at the same time.

 

For example, I recently visited the Main Street Pier in the heart of Daytona Beach. You know, 18 years ago I could climb the stairs to get up on that pier. But since I've been in a chair, this has been impossible. I really enjoy the nearby Daytona Beach Boardwalk because I can experience the beach without the risk of getting sand and salt water in the electronics of my wheelchair. But I always looked up at that pier and the tall set of steps that led to it, and wished there was a way for me to get up there. Now, there is!

 

Recently, the city of Daytona Beach built a new park, Breakers Oceanfront Park, directly next to the Main Street Pier. Included in this project was a brand-new ramp that leads up to the pier. I was pretty excited about this, and I couldn't wait to get up there. My electric wheelchair had no problem going up the ramp, but I believe that some people in manual wheelchairs, who aren't very strong, may have to be pushed.

 

It is easy riding up there on that pier, and the view is spectacular! I went with a friend, Lori, and decided to check it out and have lunch while we were there. Did I mention the restaurant? As we strolled out on the pier, we first saw the sky lift. This is just like a ski lift and it will take you high above the pier out to the end and then back. People love this, but I could probably never get in one. We continued and passed by several kiosks selling gifts such as T-shirts, jewelry, tattoos and more. I also spotted a viewing telescope that will let you get a close-up of anything for only $.50.

 

In the middle of the pier is the restaurant and gift shop. As we approached this building, I noticed a Tiki bar that is probably only used at nighttime. Lori opened the door for me and we went in to take a look around. I saw lots of interesting old photographs of how Daytona Beach looked in the past. I like seeing the old cars and styles of the early to mid 1900s. I'm pretty glad bikinis caught on like they did.

 

We passed a full bar on our way in before going into the gift shop. The shop was large enough for me to maneuver around and it was like most other gift shops. We could have paid a small fee to walk through the gift shop to the other half of the pier. This is where people fish or just hang out, but we opted to go ahead and just have some lunch. The only seating I saw was a narrow strip of tables and booths on the outside overlooking the water. The aisle was definitely wide enough for my chair to get through, and we chose the booth closest to the entrance. It was pretty cool seeing the surfers right next to the pier.

 

I had clam chowder, a fried fish sandwich with fries, and some iced tea, and Lori had a grilled grouper salad. Everything was absolutely delicious. On the way out, we passed a magician who was about to perform up there. Since we were both on a schedule, we decided to head out.

 

I'm really glad they put that ramp up, and they've added a new parking lot, too, with plenty of handicap spaces. The pier gives you a view you cannot see from anywhere else, and it's nice to feel the wind and to actually hear the waves break beneath us. I'm sure that every time I visit the boardwalk, I'll have to cruise up there and take a look around.

 

This is just one of my favorite Daytona Beach spots. Let me know if you have other aspects of the Daytona Beach area you think I should check out. I'm always up for a road trip!

A recent Orlando Sentinel article by Wes Smith talked about all the activities and fun you can have in Daytona Beach if you're looking for a Florida beach vacation. One thing he said really summed it all up and struck us as telling:

"With so many attractions up and down the beach and in the surrounding area, Daytona Beach has something for every generation running at every speed."

He's absolutely right, what a great place. The story also had some great photos, if you want to check it out.

Writer and blogger Kara Williams recently paid a visit to Daytona Beach to take in some sun, fun, and exciting activities. She wrote about her experiences at Daytona International Speedway -- and the high-speed thrills of the Richard Petty Driving Experience -- on her Travelling Mama's blog, where she suggests the area as a great family vacation spot.

Click here to see the post.

Have you ever experienced the speed of the Richard Petty Driving Experience? If so, jump in with your comments and let us know what you thought -- and how many friends you'll bring with you when you come back!

Sure, I write about the adventurous aspects of Daytona Beach family vacations all the time; it's what I do. But as a resident, was I really prepared to experience them first-hand?

The proposition was simple - take a Daytona Beach surf lesson. As a 40-something with his best days of wave riding behind him, I was bit skeptical of the offer … check it, I was completely terrified by the very idea. However when a female co-worker gives you this kind of opportunity you only get one chance to say yes, or face getting the dreaded 'stink eye' for the next month.

I accepted with a smile, safe in the knowledge that my newfound dedication to swimming and running had re-sculpted my previous body, courtesy of Popeye's Chicken and Coca-Cola, into something more suitable for sporty dares. So a silly surf lesson would be a piece of cake, or so I prayed.

When surf lesson day arrived I was a bit nervous, after attempting to stomach breakfast (and failing) I arrived at Safari Surf Shop in Ormond Beach, and was greeted by the shop's owner. He continued repairing a surf board in his parking lot and with a sideways glance said "So you're going to surf today?" he questioned, perhaps already knowing the brutal salt water assault that awaited me.

When my coworker, LCB, arrived, decked out in her surfing attire, you could almost see the owner saying "finally, one of our own has arrived." LCB told him that the lesson would involve me (already mentioned), herself (although she really didn't need one) and our friend Sandy, a renowned global daredevil.

Sandy, who is infamous for traveling to the ends of the globe for new experience, arrived in classic fashion - already decked out in surf attire smiling with her usual devil may care attitude. As LCB and Sandy chatted with the owner, our surf instructor arrived, almost on cue, riding a skateboard.

Ryan the Surf Guy, as he became affectionately known to me, looked as if he fell off the pages of 'Surf Stud' magazine. The man had negative numbers in body fat, wore dark glasses indoors, and basically oozed the confidence of a guy who had surfed Tsunami waves in Tasmania, and lived to tell about it. He eyed us all a few times, then his stare focused on me.

"You surf before man?" he asked, sizing up my 5-foot nothing frame with some wonder. "Well, yeah but that was probably 20 years ago," I said, not trying to look any more dorky than I already was. After some quick instruction about "surf board carrying etiquette," we were off to our surf lesson.

As we crossed A1A to make our way to the Granada Blvd. approach, I pulled a shoulder muscle three times trying to carry my board (which I was doing incorrectly as I learned later). I finally gave up trying carry under my arm and surrendered to the old stand by, lifting and supporting it on top of my head - much like a villager does when they carry their clothing bin to the nearest river on wash day.

While some Florida beaches are a bit too crowded for my comfort, the ones in this part of the Daytona Beach area are definitely not. To my relief there were very few beach goers at that hour of the morning, "fewer witnesses to see my surfing crimes," I thought quietly to myself. Ryan the Surf Guy took us through a process of "land" exercises first, describing wave activity and thing to look for, when scouting potential waves. It dawned on me while listening to Ryan that most of the surfers I had grown up with all enjoyed and innate cosmic sense of themselves when they surfed in large body water - almost a spiritual communication between man and nature.

Soon we were "waxing" our boards. Wax is rubbed on the top surface or "deck" of a surfboard to allow traction and grip for the surfer, when they go to "plant" his or her feet, when going for a stand up or a ride. (You might know the stuff as Mr. Zogg's Sex Wax.) After asking as many questions as I could to stall things, Ryan alerted us it was time "to take this into the water."

Although every nerve ending I had was on full alert, I tried to stay focused on the positive nature of the whole experience … the cool water under my feet, the dog leash on my ankle, the sharp board fins that could slice my nose off, the sting ray that just sauntered by me. After my overactive imagination settled down, I became hypnotized by the beauty of the ocean, its majestic power of roaring waves lifting us up and down as we paddled out, and hearing the sound of a wave reaching the beach with a loud WOOSH sound.

Ryan had us 'line up' to watch the point break, the spot at which a surfer 'picks' the formation of a wave and begins to paddle into it for a ride. Although Ryan did most of the work the first few times, something amazing happened to me. On my very first attempt, Ryan pushed me into the break, barking orders to "paddle, paddle, paddle, STAND!" And I did… riding the very first wave of the day all the way into shore.

I dismounted the board, fighting the first urge to check to make sure all of my limbs were still attached, and I was face to face with an audience of two elderly women who said "Wow, that was great for your first time!" Not knowing if a bow was appropriate or not, I settled for a non-committal smile and a humble "thanks," before returning to the sea with my other surf buddies.

For the next few hours, we all took our turns standing, falling (and drinking lots of salt water), laughing about it, and doing it all over again. Was it Plato or Jeff Spicoli, who said: "All we need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and everything is fine."

Indeed, he was right.

Nick Conte is the Director of Internet Services for the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, where he writes about -- and now fully embraces! -- the many great adventures to be had during family beach vacations in Daytona Beach.