Daytona International Speedway

Daytona Beach is known worldwide for its NASCAR races. Daytona 500, Coke 400, and Rolex 24 at Daytona bring myriads of visitors to our area to enjoy not just the races, but also the excitement and events surrounding them. 

Daytona Rising is a $400 million reimagining of an American icon – Daytona International Speedway. At the conclusion of the current redevelopment, there will be approximately 101,000 permanent, wider and more comfortable seats, twice as many restrooms and three times as many concession stands. The project officially broke ground in early July, 2013 and is expected to be completed in time for the 2016 Rolex 24 At Daytona and Daytona 500.

Tours

The redevelopment does not, however interfere with the fantastically interesting tours.
Whether you are a race fan or are just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, the Speedway offers several different options. With choices ranging from 30 minutes to three hours, a tour at Daytona International Speedway is an experience to remember.

So, venture behind-the-scenes and discover what makes Daytona the "World Center of Racing" and the leader in motorsports entertainment.

Speedway Tour

Take a ride through Daytona International Speedway's infield. Witness the 31-degree high banks and pass through NASCAR garages as you learn about the history of Daytona International Speedway. Travel along Pit Road and discover how NASCAR's top drivers prep for the largest motorsports event of the year.

Admission is $16 for adults. Kids 6-12: $10, kids 5 & under: free

Duration: 30 minutes. Tours run daily at 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 4pm

  All Access Tour

Embark on an exciting, privately guided tour through the historical sites of Daytona International Speedway. Take a privately guided tour around the track, along the infield and down pit road. Get an up-close look at Daytona International Speedway’s historic Daytona Rising project, a $400-million renovation project that will see every seat in the frontstretch replaced with wider and more comfortable seats with more restrooms and concession stands, five expanded and redesigned entrances (“injectors”) and escalators and elevators providing transport to any of the three different concourse levels that that will feature spacious and strategically-placed social neighborhoods, along the nearly mile-long frontstretch.

• ·        Explore the NASCAR Sprint Cup garages and Tech Inspection.
• ·        Check out the Drivers Meeting room and Gatorade Victory Lane.
• ·         Access the Coca-Cola Theatre for a look at the Daytona 500 Champion Car.

For a limited time only the All-Access tours will include a stop at the Florida Hospital Injector on the west end of the stadium. Guests will get an up-close look at the new amenities including vertical transportation and the wider, more comfortable seats.

Admission is $23 for adults. Kids ages 6-12: $17, kids 5 & under: free

Duration: 90 minutes. Tours run daily at 10am-3pm, every hour on the hour

1801 West International Speedway Boulevard, PO Box 2801, Daytona Beach, FL 32114

(386) 681-5514. Advance booking and prepayment for groups larger than 10 are required at least one week in advance. Visit the website

 

Creative Florida Living 

Janet's Real Estate Site 

Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory

Things to do in the summer
 In the spirit of finding fun, (mostly free) indoor events to escape the Florida heat!

 

Angell & Phelps is a fascinating little chocolate factory on Beach Street in Daytona Beach, which was founded in 1925. It is known for its high-quality, handmade chocolates, produced fresh every day. 

Particularly charming and unique are the chocolates shaped like objects. A dolphin, shells, gators, footprints, and even a hairdresser kit – all made from chocolate – are fun and delicious. Angell and Phelps also offers all sorts of fudge, nut brittles, caramels, and chocolate covered things – most famously, the chocolate covered bacon and chocolate covered potato chips.

You can take a FREE guided 20-minute tour through the chocolate-making process and learn what makes their chocolate creations so good! Free samples are offered afterwards.

Tours are Monday thru Saturday at 10am, 11am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm. Store hours are Mon - Sat 9:30 am - 6:00 pm. They are located at 154 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32114. Visit their website for more info! Angell & Phelps

Angell & Phelps is on the list of TripAdvisor’s top 10 Sweetest Attractions in the U.S. as well as in the top 10 things to do in Daytona Beach!

 

Creative Florida Living 

Janet's Real Estate Site 

Lilian Place

Things to Do in the Summer
 In the spirit of finding fun, (mostly free) indoor events to escape the Florida heat!

It is getting hot and hotter. If you are spending the summer in the Greater Daytona Beach Area, you might find inside activities alluring. The next few blog posts will explore some options for you!

Most people don’t associate Daytona Beach with the Victorian era, but Lilian Place might change their minds! The beautiful Italianate Victorian house was built in 1884 by one of the city’s first settlers, Laurence Thompson. It is the oldest house on Daytona’s beachside. 

Until 2009, Lilian Place was neglected and abandoned, but the Heritage Preservation Trust was awarded a grant to acquire this amazing house. Extensive renovations have resulted in a fully furnished museum that is open daily for guided tours. Some renovations are still underway, contributing to this outstanding landmark.

On the 3rd Tuesday of the month, Lilian House hosts a tour and Victorian Afternoon Tea from 2pm – 4pm. The tea is served at 2pm and includes a brewed flavored tea and a regular tea, scones, savory finger sandwiches, and pastries. The complementary tour features reenactors and starts after the tea is served. 

Teas are $20 per person and require a reservation. You can also go with a group of friends and family for a private tea (minimum 12 people).

Historic 1884 Museum open daily 9-5 for tours (Sat/Sun 1-5). Cost is $5 per person. Grounds are open daily for free self-guided tours and the nature trail. 111 Silver Beach Avenue, Daytona Beach Visit the website!

Ghosts of Lilian Place

Is Lilian Place haunted by its inhabitants of yore? Dr. Nancy Zrinyi Long, a former Bethune Cookman College English professor and vice-mayor of Daytona Beach, seems to think so in her booklet, Ghosts of Lilian Place. Check it out here.

 

Creative Florida Living 

Janet's Real Estate Website