Daytona Beach Blog

Golf for a great cause at Daytona's Mickey Jones Celebrity Classic

daytonablogger — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 20:18:37 +0000

You know his face from the TV hit comedy Home Improvement and movie classics Sling Blade and Tin Cup. His name, Mickey Jones.
Jones is not only a talented actor, drummer and singer, he is a guy with a big heart. On Sunday, April 15, he is hosting the Mickey Jones Charity Golf Classic on the Legends Course of the LPGA International Golf Course in Daytona Beach, benefiting St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.
On the preceding day, Saturday, April 14, he will be the host of the 7th Annual "Bikes and Blues with Mickey Jones" event in neighboring Ormond Beach. That will include a ride through some of the most scenic areas of this part of Florida, a concert by Biker Blues Rocker (and special guests), an auction and lots more at The Iron Horse Saloon on US 1, all to benefit St. Jude's.
For more information about this wonderful weekend, visit http://www.mickeyjones.com/news.htm

Got culture? Daytona beach is overflowing with music and dance

daytonablogger — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 16:09:35 +0000

Two acclaimed international ensembles will be performing at Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach in April. What a great way to welcome spring!
The National Philharmonic of Russia, featuring conductor Vladimir Spivakov and pianist Olga Kern, will present two works by Shostakovich, including Symphony No. 5 and Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, at 8 PM on Friday, April 6. The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble will be dressed in colorful costumes when they perform traditional dances to the rich music of their proud heritage at 8 PM on Wednesday, April 11. Both events are part of the Daytona Beach Symphony Society's International Series.
Tickets for each performance are $32-$57 and can be purchased at the Peabody box office at 600 Auditorium Blvd., beachside, near A1A, Atlantic Avenue. Call (386) 253-2901 for more information.

Celebrate Unity in Our Community at the Casements

daytonablogger — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 17:11:44 +0000

Hungarian goulash, Indian curry, Italian pasta, Chinese egg rolls, Mexican tacos and some of America's favorite foods will give Ormond Beach's multicultural event at the Casements a world of flavor on Saturday, March 31, 10 AM - 4 PM. The festival in Daytona's friendly neighbor to the north will also feature entertainment, crafts, an international fashion show, martial arts demonstrations and informative presentations.
Want to sway in the breeze to the beat of tropical Tahitian and Hawaiian music? Listen to the cool sounds of the Hinson Jazz Band? Marvel at the fabulous footwork of Irish step dancers? Learn how to prepare Greek delicacies? If you do, this is the place.
The Casements, former estate of John D. Rockefeller, is located at 25 Riverside Drive, at E. Granada Boulevard. With the price of admission only $2.50, it will be hard to find a better bargain.
For more information about this beachside celebration, go to http://www.ormondbeach.org/leisure/SpringSummerGuide06/UNITY.pdf

Spring Daytona Beach Car Show and Swap Meet

daytonablogger — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 13:43:33 +0000

If you're a fan of classic cars, show cars and hot rods, come on down to the best auto show this side of Motown. Owners of thousands of collector cars, many car clubs from near and far, and plain folk with a passion for motor vehicles will get together to share, stare and possibly pick up a new ride or some rad accessories.
The event will be held at the Daytona International Speedway at 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., US 92, March 23-25, 2007.
Besides buying, selling and ogling cars, attendees will be able to scour the swap meet for that impossible to find part or special accessory that they've just got to get. There will also be R/C Car Racing (reduced scale radio controlled vehicles), a craft area and food concessions.
For more information, visit daytonabeachcarshows.com/springdex.html

Daytona Spring Break Nationals - Sound and Sizzle

daytonablogger — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 18:30:50 +0000

Billed as "The World's Most Famous Soundoff," this annual event will hook you up with the latest auto audio gear and gadgets. While the main event, Spring Break National Car Audio Show, takes place at the Ocean Center at Ocean Walk Village and A1A, the 3-day celebration of sound - March 23-25 - cannot be confined to the convention center. Bashes at the beach, the bandshell and the boardwalk will make this long weekend one huge nonstop party.
If you think the bass blasting out from your ride is rad, it's time to put up or shut up. Enter the competition for bragging rights and big payoffs, like cash and an invitation to display at SEMA show in Las Vegas.
You don't even need to bring along your wheels to participate in many of the fun events like the trivia contests (with prizes!), bikini contests, pizza eating contests, frozen T-shirt contests or to enjoy the Hawaiian Tropic Beauty Pageant.
For more information, visit www.springbreaknationals.com/

It's easy being green at the Daytona Beach Garden Show

daytonablogger — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 21:23:52 +0000

You don't need a calendar or meteorologist to tell you that spring is in the air. A quick trip over to the Ocean Center on A1A and a stroll through the colorful displays at the annual garden show will convince you to put away the sweaters and take out the peat pots. Planting time is here!

Huge trees, tiny flowering plants and everything in-between are artistically showcased at this eagerly awaited event. If your landscaping is in desperate need of a little creativity, this is the place where ideas will take root and motivate you to spruce up your outdoor spaces.

Along with lots of foliage, there are fountains, stepping stones, statues, arbors, spas, awnings... Just about anything you could think of to enhance your property is at this show.

Stop by the booths for information about products that can cut the time it takes to keep your outdoor areas looking great. There are also many displays of products that will make life inside your home more enjoyable. And be sure to visit the show within-a-show, the 52nd annual Everybody's Flower Show.

Guest lecturers share their expertise and give demonstrations. A special area is set aside for kids, where they can have fun while learning about ecology.

Entertainment? Yes! The Daytona Beach String Duet is scheduled to perform on March 17 and Five O'Clock Charley will be onstage on March 18.

For more information, stop by www.daytonabeachgardenshow.com

Daytona Beach Spring Break 2007 - the party is on!

daytonablogger — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 22:18:13 +0000

Just as Bike Week came to an official close, college kids from all over the continent hit the beach. The weather is perfect - sunny, 80, light winds. The ocean is warm and wonderful. And this once-overcrowded stretch of sand now has just enough breakers to keep the party going without getting in anyone's face.

I stopped by the beach to check out the scene on this first day of the multi-week event and saw dozens of kids in the area near the lifeguard stand by the La Playa Resort, across A1A from Bellair Plaza. Some were in the surf, some were involved in a competition, some were playing frisbee, some were riding scooters and bikes, and many were just stretched out on the sand and catching some rays. Everyone was having a great time.

The hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars are scheduling special events. For some local tips about where to go and what to do, check out Jerusalem, a great kosher deli in Ormond Beach; play a round of mini golf in a fun, pirate setting; see a giant sloth at the Museum of Arts and Sciences... http://localdatespots.com/Listing.aspx?loc=Daytona%20Beach,%20Florida,%20United%20States

For the latest about what's happening during this year's spring break, stop by http://www.daytonabreak.com/
So, if you're already here, welcome. If you're on your way, drive safely. And if you've got some free time and some money, we've still got lots of available hotel rooms.

Aunt Catfish's on the River is a Daytona delight

daytonablogger — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 03:35:16 +0000

- There are so many wonderful restaurants in the Daytona Beach area. At least a few dozen specialize in seafood. But there's only one Aunt Catfish's.

- Is it the delicious food that keeps customers coming back? Maybe. Is it the lovely waterfront location on the Halifax? Perhaps. Is it the friendly staff and attentive service? Possibly. It's all of these things and much more.

- The menu has a wide variety of seafood selections and enough alternate choices to please the pickiest palate. The ambience is casual and the prices are moderate. And for those who prefer to dine al fresco, service is available on the outdoor deck, where live entertainment is enjoyed on weekends.

- Besides tasty shrimp, lobster and the like, the hush puppies, cinnamon rolls and fixins' bar are legendary. Since the secret got out a few years ago about how enjoyable dining at Aunt Catfish's is, it's recommended that you call ahead and make a reservation.

For more information, stop by www.auntcatfish.com

Welcome to Daytona Bike Week 2007

daytonablogger — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 22:56:58 +0000

Say good-bye to winter weather and dreary days spent indoors. Our version of March madness just rolled into town. The bikes are back!
Some bikers come to Daytona because it's a great resort town with a beautiful beach and a bunch of biker bars. Others are here to see old buddies and buy new gear. Whatever the reason, here are some of this year's best bets for things to do and places to check out:

Riverfront Park - The official welcome center is here, just across Beach Street from Daytona Harley-Davidson. It's open daily throughout the event, which runs from March 2 - 11. Lots of vendors, food, displays and entertainment are here, too.
Motorcycle Swap Meet - This is held at the Daytona Flea Market, just south of International Speedway Boulevard and Tomoka Farms Road, and it's a great place to find that special item to make your bike a boss hog.
Races and competitions at Speedway - The place will be overflowing with excitement. For specific event information, stop by www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com
While at Speedway, visit the Daytona Motorcycle Marketplace. If you're ready to upgrade and want to check out the latest, you'll get your chance here, where Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Honda and other manufacturers are offering demo rides.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Show at Ocean Center is scheduled for March 4-10. The Ride-In Show Contest is a big fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and will take place on March 7.
Main Street - Both in the bars and out on the street, this is the place for anyone wishing to see and be seen. Models, pageants, live entertainment, vendors, custom bikes... This is definitely Party Central.
For more info on Bike Week happenings, visit www.officialbikeweek.com

Daytona Bike Week 2007 is ready to rock!

daytonablogger — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 20:34:24 +0000

The beach and ocean are warming up and the bikers are streaming into town. The surest signs that spring is in the air are the sounds of motorcycles on the roads and partying bikers in the bars.

But Bike Week is a lot more than just noise and beer bashes. It's a feeling of fun and camaraderie that you get when you see old friends. It's the excitement of sharing your love for the greatest machine ever made with new friends you've just met. It's the pride you have when you show your buddies what you've done to kick up your bike a notch or two. It's the wide-eyed wonder of seeing the amazing works of art that custom builders have brought to the show. And it's the joy of just being who you are and celebrating life.

Event calendars are getting their final touches. Details about festival-long and date- specific doings will follow shortly. Until then, have a safe ride.