Daytona 500 - Our engines are already roaring
Welcome racing fans. Bienvenue. Bienvenido. I knew you were all coming, but there's no way I could have baked a cake for over 200,000 guests.
For those of us lucky to live here, Speedweeks are the time of year when our little town really shines. Nicholas Cage, star of Ghost Rider, is the Daytona 500 Grand Marshall, Cal Ripkin, Jr. is set to drive the pace car and Kelly Clarkson is scheduled to perform in a patriotic salute.
Celebrities and racing fans from around the globe are flocking to our sunny shores, as we bask in the spotlight of international media. It's hard to be humble when we have so much to brag about.
Of course, the Daytona Beach International Speedway is the place for the race. But since man (and woman) cannot live by speed alone, check out some of the other attractions in the area.
Golf? We've got it. Shopping? Between the mall and the flea market, the big box retailers and the little boutiques, if you can't find it here, it doesn't exist. Birding? Right in our own backyard. Boat rides on the Halifax? Nice way to spend the day. A night at the museum? Not exactly. We've got some great ones, but daytime visits are preferred.
Hundreds of restaurants serve up an assortment of tasty treats, everything from fast food breakfasts from a drive-thru to leisurely dinners with a stunning water view. Movies, bowling, skating, rowing, cycling and just strolling along our beautiful beaches will give you lots to do before or after you follow the checkered flag.
By the way, please feel free to enjoy all that we have to offer. We natives who have been here a while know the routine by now. We'll eat at home and watch everything on TV. We don't want to be greedy hosts and don't want to add to the traffic. After you've gone, we'll be back at the restaurants and in the stores. That's our brand of southern hospitality. Y'all come back real soon.
