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Searching For the New Daytona Beach

By Carole Herdegen

It has been more than forty years since the movie classic; “Where the Boys Are”, turned Daytona Beach into a Spring Break party town. The wide beach with its smooth sand has not changed, but the annual Spring Break for college kids has moved on to other destinations in the southern states, the Caribbean, Mexico or wherever warm weather and budgets allow.

Daytona Beach is now more recognized for NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) and “Bike Week” events that attract fans from all over the country. In fact, NASCAR is now the fastest growing spectator sport in the United States.

As far back as 1905, Daytona’s unique beach was first used to test motorcycles. And, its real connection with cars and speed racing goes back to the early days of the automobile. Then, just as today, race fans stood on the grass-covered sand dunes and watched racecars speed by. The beaches around Daytona were also the gathering places of John D. Rockefeller and other wealthy playboys as a venue to show off their sporty new cars. During its early years, fifteen world land speed records were broken on the sand racetrack. In 1936, only a year after opening his car repair shop in Daytona, Bill France Sr. took over the racetrack and NASCAR took its first baby steps.

My objective in visiting Daytona was not for motor racing or college partying but to find the city’s “softer side”, a fresh and new feeling. I knew there must be an ambiance and an air of sophistication somewhere in the environs of Daytona just waiting to be experienced. The question was, “Will I find it?”

At first, Daytona presented me with a positive appearance wherever I looked. And this look translated into Daytona really being a city “on the move”. Construction sites are everywhere. And, where you find construction you find investment, confidence and progress. Over the years, Daytona has had its share of hurricane destruction, but now, it has its sights set on being at the top end of the tourist market.

Newly opened, The Shores Resort & Spa (formerly the Hilton Hotel) is one of the first of a new class of luxury hotels to open on the beach. As part of the Noble Hotel and Resorts Group, it is unlike any other hotel in Daytona and has all the high standards set by the group. From the moment you enter its elegant lobby you realize this hotel has deservedly earned AAA’s 4-Diamond award as the first and only luxury resort hotel in Daytona Beach. Located on the oceanfront, the Shores offer wonderful views in every direction. My first floor room had a private terrace; however, the second floor rooms all had balconies. Hotels in this category must feature a day spa that will attract not only hotel residents but also Daytona residents and visitors alike.

The hotel’s first class Spa Terre and Fitness Center is designed in the Indonesian and Thai theme of peace and healing. The variety of services offered range from normal spa treatment to the unusual Far Eastern ritual massage. Invigorating, for sure. And, you are guaranteed to leave a changed person. I certainly did.

One of the top restaurants in Daytona is the Baleen Restaurant. The restaurant, organized by executive chef Michael Curley is located on the beachfront of the Shores Resort. Chef Curley’s 20 years of outstanding culinary experience has assured the hotel of receiving the 4-Diamond award.

In my search for outstanding places to dine, two other restaurants must be mentioned. They are:

The Rain Supper Club, which features a blend of Mediterranean cuisine with Asian influences, has a décor that reminds me of dining in a restaurant in New York City or Montreal. Actually, I later discovered that its designer came from Montreal.

La Crepe en Haute, established in 1979, is Daytona’s well-known French restaurant. It has received many awards and always has the highest Zagat Survey ratings for food, service and atmosphere. Its cuisine is based on the traditional French Nouvelle Cuisine method of cooking.

For those who come to Daytona for the quieter things to do, there is the wonderful Museum of Arts and Sciences that will occupy its visitors for many hours. A recent addition is the Root Museum featuring Americana collections donated by the Root family. Without a doubt, this museum ranks as the best museum of its kind in the U.S. for a city of comparable size to Daytona. It should not be missed!

The Marine Science Center is another gem. Many of the exhibits are interactive and relate to the surrounding environment of the Daytona Beach area. If you are visiting for a longer period and enjoy volunteer work, the center is a great place to lend a helping hand on many projects including marine animal rescuing efforts.

You see? I actually did find the softer side of Daytona Beach and that side is growing and growing. With each new season, new hotels and condos are lining the beach. There is a reason why people have been coming here since the turn of the century. Where else but on Daytona Beach can you find an unlimited panoramic view of a wide sandy beach? Daytona’s time has come full circle and it is well into its comeback as a treasure trove for tourists.

Information you need if you go…

Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
126 E. Orange Ave.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Toll Free: 1-800-544-0415
Web Site: www.daytonabeachcvb.com

Shores Resort & Spa
2637 S. Atlantic Ave.
Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118
Toll Free: 1-866-934-SHORES
Web Site: www.shoresresort.com

Rain Supper Club
509 Seabreeze Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Reservations: 386-252-RAIN
Web Site: www.rainsupperclub.com

La Crepe en Haute
Fountain Square
142 E. Granada Blvd.
Ormond Beach, FL 32176
Reservations: 386-673-1990
Web Site: www.lacrepeenhaut.net

Museum of Arts & Science
1040 Museum Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Tel: 386-255-0285
Web Site: www.moas.org

Marine Science Center
100 Lighthouse Drive
Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
Tel: 386-304-5546
Web Site: www.marinesciencecenter.com

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