Daytona Winter Guide 2019
By Austyn O’Dwyer
Halloween is in the rearview, and citizens of Daytona Beach are ditching jack-o-lanterns and skeleton masks for cornucopias and hoodies as the chilly winter months quickly approach. While other corners of our country wrap pipes and inspect furnaces, residents of our (usually balmy) beach nook are throwing open windows and happily disabling air conditioning in lieu of brisk, beachy air that fills homes with a briney energy. Daytona Beach, during the cold winter months, becomes a refuge for those seeking to hold on to the last warm rays of summer sun, and our town has no shortage of fun activities to sate locals and visitors alike. In this week’s blog, we will be doing a recap of winter activities around Daytona Beach, each hand-selected by bundled-up locals who can’t wait for this freezing nightmare to be over. So grab a cup of tea and crack the windows of your beach cottage as we take a peek at some great things to this winter in Daytona Beach, Florida!
NASCAR Update: November & December 2019
While official NASCAR events are still on a brief hiatus until January (the Rolex 24 Hour race kicks off in late January, 2020) the famous International Speedway is still a flurry of activity in the winter months. With unique races and Christmas-themed events sprinkled throughout November and December, the racetrack should be on everyone’s list while in Daytona Beach for the holidays.
Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) at Daytona International Speedway
If you are a fan of historic cars, this event might be for you. If you are a fan of historic cars AND a fan of racing these historic cars at high speeds, inches from one another, then this event should be a top priority. From November 14th to November 17th, Daytona International Speedway is taking a time-hop back to the glory days of high-octane racing: HSR returns to the Birthplace of Speed for its 5th anniversary and, with it, more thrills and sexy cars than ever before. If you want more information about this event, or would like to buy tickets, please see the provided link below.
Daytona International Turkey Run 2019
I have written several times about Daytona’s iconic Turkey Rod Run, and the time has finally come! Every year in late November and early December, the streets of Daytona Beach are flooded with a nearly endless variety of classic cars. The cars, like flocks of wayward birds cruising south for the winter, traipse along Daytona and Ormond’s sleepy stretches of scenic highway and ruble along side roads before reaching their ultimate destination: Daytona International Speedway. Once here, the cars will be put on display and, in some cases, be auctioned off for lucky enthusiasts looking to start or bolster their classic car collection. Anybody in Daytona will attest to the sheer amount of energy and fun in the air during Turkey Rod Run, so don’t miss this opportunity to become a part of Florida history in this year’s event! For more info, follow the link below.
Riverfest Seafood Festival 2019
What could be better than enjoying some fresh seafood next to Daytona Beach’s picturesque riverfront? How about a FREE festival that provides the best seafood south of the Mississippi? The 11th annual Riverfront Seafood Festival returns to Daytona Beach and, with it, a plethora of well-established seafood vendors selling both locally procured and international seafood. In additional to the amazing food, the Riverfest Seafood Festival features art, music, activities, and raffles. For more information on this local festival, please visit the link below!
Ormond Beach Gaslight Parade 2019
Want to see some classic cars in the Daytona/ Ormond area without all of the hullabaloo of the speedway? Look no further! The Ormond Beach Gaslight Parade celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and kicks off again at the end of November during Turkey Rod Run. This low-key jaunt down historic Granada Avenue is a great event to bring the kiddos, just remember to snag a few folding chairs and some blankets to ward off the colder night air. The Chamber of Commerce goes all out for this hometown parade, decking out the bridge with lights making this a wonderful precursor to the Christmas Holidays! The event is completely free, of course, nut make sure you arrive early to find parking! The event is best viewed from the intersection of Granada and John Anderson Drive just before the Granada Bridge near The Casements park.
2rd Annual Hops and Hoods Beer Fest
Planning on attending Turkey Rod Run at the Speedway? Why not accompany your classic car viewing with some ice cold, seasonal beer? Occurring simultaneously with Turney Rod, Hops and Hoods is a local beer fest that offers tastings and bulk purchases of some homegrown Floridian beers right at the Daytona International Speedway. This year, the festival promises over 120 beers from 48 local brands. From soul-warming stouts to energetic IPAs, this beer fest will be the perfect companion while you take a gander at some sleek rides. Visit the link below for purchasing information!
Thanks for reading this week’s blog post! Stay tuned for more blogs later this month as we approach the most wonderful time of the year! Your continued readership is greatly appreciated. As always, thanks for visiting Daytona and safe travels!
