Steve Deal:"There's a lot to do and see in the Daytona Beach area, with many exciting activities available to visitors with disabilities. This section includes my favorite entertainment venues and those with special accommodations."
Handicap Parking: Covered garage parking is across the street from Ocean Walk Village Maneuverability: Wonderful stadium seating for wheelchair patrons
Restrooms: Large, easy access
Overall accessibility: Moderate. Theater is located on the 3rd level. Elevator access is available at the Atlantic Avenue crosswalk.
Location: Daytona Beach/Atlantic Avenue
Steve Deal:"This is my favorite movie theater. It is equipped with an elevator that can take you to the top back row of the seating area. Instead of sitting up front and having to look up during the entire movie, one only needs to look straight ahead... comfortably! Ask any ticket taker for assistance to wheelchair stadium seating. The entire Ocean Walk area forms a compact location filled with restaurants, shops, ice cream, and a coffee house. Special events are scheduled on a regular basis at the historic bandshell located adjacent to the Ocean Walk. The theater also includes a game room and an ocean view."
Regal Cinemas, Inc. Showtimes 215 Williamson Blvd. Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Phone: (386) 673-7828
Handicap Parking: Up front handicap parking available
Maneuverability: Easy access, single level, no steps
Destination Daytona Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Map Local: (386) 671-7100
Destination Daytona is absolutely the ultimate Harley-Davidson dealership and biker playground. It sits on 150 acres of land where you'll find restaurants, a bars, a hotel, and tons of motorcycle-related shops. You'll also find the largest selection of motorcycles for sale that you've ever seen in your life!
While driving up to the Harley-Davidson dealership, I noticed there were more than enough parking spots for wheelchair vans. I think I counted eight. On my way in, I easily breezed through the automatic doors in the front. It was an inviting feeling.
What I saw once I was inside almost took my breath away. This place was huge! It was 109,000 square feet of a motorcyclist's dream. It seemed to house hundreds of motorcycles. These beautiful machines were everywhere I looked. Even vintage Harley-Davidsons were hanging on the wall! There was every kind of merchandise and accessory that you could imagine. Harley-Davidson has really branched out from only selling motorcycles! They have clothing, accessories, jewelry, and everything else you can possibly think of! I also saw a couple new motorcycles on display by Thunder Mountain and Iron Horse.
I wheeled around downstairs with ease and then decided to check out the upper floor. Right in the middle of the floor is an escalator and an elevator. I figured I'd better use the elevator (That was a joke). The elevator was large with accessible buttons, and since it is made of glass, I could see all over.
When I got upstairs, of course there were hundreds more motorcycles. Some were used, some were three-wheelers, some were vintage models on display, and some were choppers. They were the coolest! Again, I had no trouble riding around checking out all of the steel, leather and chrome.
Upstairs was also where I found the repair shop. I went on a Sunday when no mechanics were working, but it was the nicest bay area I had ever seen. It was huge! There were maybe 20 or more separate working areas, each with its own air hose, tools, and more. The whole place was sparkling clean and very impressive.
When I went back downstairs, I noticed there were tables all around so you could sit with a salesperson and purchase a "hog" if you felt like it. There were at least three people making purchases when I was there. Also downstairs, there was a lounge area. It seems they have thought of everything.
Handicap Parking: Beach driving is available at specified locations, weather and tide permitting. Click here for a beach driving map: Beach Driving Map
Beach Chair: You can enjoy Volusia County beaches even when you travel in a wheelchair. If you cannot walk or your car has a handicapped ID, ask a Beach Patrol member for a Surf Chair (all-terrain wheel chair). Surf Chairs are designed for safe, comfortable travel in surf and soft sand. For more information, click here: Beach Information for the Disabled
Surf Chairs are available FREE at these Volusia County Lifeguard stations and parks:
301 Cardinal Blvd., Ormond Beach
11 South Ocean Ave., (Main Street), Daytona Beach
Dunlawton Avenue, Daytona Beach
Lighthouse Point Park, Ponce Inlet
Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach
Frank Rendon Park, 2705 Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores
Tom Renick Park, 1575 Oceanshore Blvd., Ormond-by-the-Sea
Maneuverability: The soft sand of the beach may be difficult for standard wheelchairs, but vehicle-friendly areas make it easy to enjoy Daytona Beach's most popular attraction.
Restrooms: Located at select ramps and most beachside parks, including the Granada Blvd., (SR 40), the Cardinal Drive ramp and Sun Splash Park.
Overall accessibility: Easy access.
General Information: The County of Volusia provides updates on the status of each beach approach. The most recent update can be found at life guard stations.
Cracker Creek Canoeing 1795 Taylor Rd. Port Orange, FL 32128 (386) 304-0778
Cracker Creek Canoeing is located in Port Orange. It is just off Taylor Road, west of I-95, and is hidden away in the most beautiful, rustic backwoods that Florida offers. The driveway is a well-packed shell road that is shaded by hanging Spanish moss, and it's really beautiful. The road then opens up into a clearing where you'll find the cabin where you will check in. A one-hour pontoon boat ride only costs $5 for adults and $3 for children.
To get down to the dock, I had to maneuver down a hill on a wide path of pretty solidly packed sand. This may be difficult for some wheelchairs. However, my wheelchair has very good power and wide wheels. Once I got to the bottom of the hill, I climbed a three-inch lip to get on a wooden walkway. After about 20 feet, the walkway turned and descended about another 8 feet. Because the dock floats, the slope of this ramp down to the dock will change with the level of the river. When I went down it, the downward pitch on this ramp was steep enough to make me switch to a lower and slower power setting. (This setting decreases my chance of making a sudden turn in either direction. When I am in a crowd of people, I'll use this lower setting as a precautionary measure.) This section had a railing on one side but not the other, so I was very careful. I felt safer having the boat owner, Bob Williams, right next to me on the side without the railing.
Since I made this trip in late April, the method has changed on how wheelchairs board the pontoon boat from the dock. Now, it is much better. They have built a new floating dock that sits at the same level as the pontoon boat. The level of the river is now irrelevant. I'm excited to go back and try this new system!
Larry, the boat's captain, announced it was time to go! The water was so calm and we were going so slowly that there was really no need to tie down my chair. My brakes did just fine. Larry was a really cool captain. He told us all about the river and its history, and he answered all of our silly questions about alligators, snakes and turtles. We saw plenty of turtles and fish, but there were no snakes or alligators to be seen on this day. Larry said there was nothing to worry about, and I was glad to hear that!
We cruised for about 30 minutes and then we turned around and came back. It was quiet, soothing and breezy. Even though it was a warm and sunny day, it was mostly shady on the river and it could not have been nicer. The canopy over the boat provided ample shade and would also keep us dry in case of rain.
Getting off the boat and onto the dock was easy. Then I went up the other ramp, off of the walkway, and up the sand path. I had a little difficulty going up the sandy hill. Next time, I'll have someone behind me if I need a little push. Bob or Larry would gladly be that person. They were both very helpful and very polite.
I had a great time at Cracker Creek Canoeing going on their pontoon boat. I am pretty mobile in my chair, which is very dependable and steady. Therefore, I had no trouble getting on and off the dock and boat. However, some people may not be able to confidently do this. Come on out and take a look. If you have doubts, there is always the Gamble Place (former winter hunting lodge of James Gamble, of Proctor & Gamble fame) next door that is completely wheelchair accessible.
Don't forget, Cracker Creek Canoeing also has canoeing, kayaking, nature trails, picnic tables and a concession stand. Contact Cracker Creek Canoeing for future group services (i.e. catered picnics and BBQs, group camping, guided eco-history tours, etc.) Even if you don't get on the pontoon boat, you'll love the breathtaking scenery and charm of this beautiful and rustic place.
Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Garden 78 E Granada Blvd Ormond Beach, FL 32176 Phone: (386) 676-3347 E-mail: omam78e@aol.com
I have been to the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Garden numerous times since I first moved to Daytona Beach. It is such a nice feature to this area that I find myself showing it off to everybody that comes to visit from me out of town. And there is always someone visiting from out of town!
It's located only about 1/2 miles east of the Granada Bridge in Ormond Beach. And, just in case you don't know, Ormond Beach is directly north of Daytona Beach. This particular spot is only 1-1/2 miles from Daytona Beach. Not far all from anywhere!
I really like going to the Gardens because it is just so beautiful and tropical, and they have done such a good job in making it accessible to someone in a wheelchair, like me. The garden has four sides with each side having several accessible paths to choose from. Heading down any path, you'll be immersed in a jungle-like paradise of bamboo, exotic plants, waterfalls, streams, turtles, birds, and fish! And, you'll find more shade than sunshine.
The paths lead all throughout the garden, and you'll find several concrete benches if you need a break. Sometimes you might not know where you are, but don't worry. Each path will lead you back to the clearing in the middle. From there, you can tell how to get out... no problem. The clearing is a popular spot for people to picnic, sit and talk, and even get married. I have been to one wedding there, myself. There is also a large gazebo that has several benches so you can rest your feet. And for the kids and some adults, there is a labyrinth painted on the floor of the gazebo. It is really nice. On one of the paths leading out, you'll encounter a large concrete alligator bench that the kids will definitely sit on. It makes for some good Florida pictures to show the folks back home.
Connected to the Gardens is an art gallery. I only recently went there for the first time, and it was great! The museum director greeted me and explained that the theme of the gallery changes every few months. The exhibit that was there at the time was called "Birds With an Attitude," and it was full of paintings, carvings, sculptures, photographs and more. It was really fascinating. There is a gift shop if you would like to take along a souvenir. The museum also offers art classes, demonstrations by artists and art collectors, gallery talks and lectures, day trips, educational programs, outdoor movie classics, and much more.
Come visit the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Garden soon. It is cultural, beautiful, and fun for all ages.
DAYTONA 500 Experience (formerly DAYTONA USA) The official attraction of NASCAR. www.daytonausa.com 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Phone: (386) 947-6800
Daytona Beach Golf Club 600 Wilder Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Map Phone: (386) 671-3500
Steve Deal:"The Daytona Beach Golf Club has a golf cart designed especially for the disabled. Listed below are some of its features."
*Note: the batteries only last for nine holes.
Single seat (clubs go in front of driver)
Hand controls (automatically breaks when throttle is released)
Swivel seat (allows swinging the club from a seated position)
Very light (safe to ride on greens)
Daytona Beach Kennel Club 2201 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Map Phone: (386) 252-6484
The Casements Community Enrichment Center www.obht.org/casements.htm 25 Riverside Drive Ormond Beach, Florida 32176 Map Phone: 386-676-3216
General Information: There is a beautiful house in Ormond Beach located right on the southeast corner of the Granada (Hwy. 40) Bridge. It was built in 1912, then purchased in 1918 by John D. Rockefeller. He found out he was being overcharged at the hotel across the street because of his wealth, so he decided he would purchase the house. For those who might not know, Rockefeller was one of the richest people in history, if not the richest person in history. The house is filled with style, beauty, and history.
This historical landmark is known as 'The Casements" because all of its casement-style windows. It sits on nine acres, and it has three floors, a basement, 11 bedrooms, and 11 bathrooms. Rockefeller was advised by his doctor to find a warm place to spend his winters, and he chose Ormond Beach. He died in this house in 1937, and his family put it up for sale the very next day. Many photos from that day are still hanging inside, and they show the exact pristine condition of the old house along with its elegance that is still there today.
Rockefeller's family didn't want the house because they considered it a shanty, unlike the other decadent, giant mansions that they were used to. It sold, finally, in 1939. After driving by this beautiful structure a thousand times, I decided that I needed to take a tour of this grand house. I was told to enter from the back, and I had no problem at all finding a handicapped parking spot, getting up the ramp, and getting through the doorway into the house. The nicest ladies greeted me and the tour began.
The first feature I noticed downstairs on the first floor was the number of windows that filled the house with sunshine. Many of them were made with the old-style glass that isn't perfectly smooth. I've always liked that. There is an atrium in the middle of the house that goes up through all the floors and has a stained glass skylight. Beautiful woodwork and furniture are everywhere, an 1860 Steinway piano sits in one corner, and there is a gift shop that sells jewelry, cards, books, trinkets, and more. The house is used for photography exhibits and classes, art classes, yoga, piano recitals, wedding receptions, Garden Club, Boy Scouts, cooking classes, and more than I can list. The whole house, or certain parts of the house, can be rented by anyone. People are often having wedding receptions, recitals, luncheons, and teas here so they can take advantage of the charm found at The Casements. Outside you'll find a butterfly garden, an herb garden, and a riverside park (Rockefeller Gardens) with a concrete ramp that allows access for wheelchairs. This park is used for outdoor events, viewing of Fourth of July fireworks, weddings, or just taking a stroll on a pretty day. This is actually the same park where I married my wife in 2001.
My tour guide, Dar, look me up the elevator to the second-floor. The elevator was large enough for my electric chair to turn around, and I easily exited onto the second-floor. There, I checked out the bathrooms. They were a little tight, but I was able to turn around in the main area of the bathroom. One stall had a raised toilet, rails, and a high sink. Dar informed me that they would soon be receiving a grant that would help enlarge the bathrooms and build new ramps down to Rockefeller Gardens. On the second-floor is an aerial view photo of the grounds in 1960. The photo shows how the area has changed so much since then. The seven bedrooms on the second floor are used mainly for classes and storage. Here you'll see pictures of how rundown the house was in the 70s. Some developers had purchased it, and for years they allowed it to sit empty except for the vagrants that lived there. The city finally purchased The Casements from the developers in 1973. Seeing how beautiful the house is now, you would have to see these pictures to truly appreciate how much has been done to restore the house's original beauty.
The second floor is also where you'll see the Rockefeller Room. It is a grand bedroom that shows some of the original furniture, artwork, and styles of the early 1900s. No photographs are allowed of this room. The third floor is dedicated to the Boy Scouts from all over the world. Every kind of Boy Scout memorabilia you can imagine is found here, and it is even the third largest Boy Scout exhibition on the East Coast. Again, I had absolutely no problem getting around the third floor. There is a separate room on the third floor called the Hungarian Room, and it has nothing to do with Boy Scouts. But it is full of Hungarian clothing, plate ware, dolls, flags and more. Even though this was a very tight fit for me, I was able to squeeze in and get around. It was a tight squeeze getting out also.
You have to come see The Casements. It's a nice, accessible little tour given by nice people. It will take you back in time and offer you a glance of what a beautiful property The Casements was, and still is today.
Halifax Historical Museum www.halifaxhistorical.org 252 S. Beach Street Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Map Phone: 386.255.6976
A friend asked me if I had ever visited the Halifax Historical Museum.I had heard of it, but I had no idea where it was or anything else about it. So I called the museum and made arrangements to visit. I decided on a time to be there, and was told to go to the back door since there were steps in the front. Since I was alone, the director, Suzanne Heddy, would be on the lookout for me. When the time came, I showed up at the back door and realized that the buzzer I was supposed to push was too high for me to reach. I called Suzanne on my cell phone, and she opened the door promptly. I would suggest calling upon arrival to the museum and having someone meet you at the back door.
I had no problem getting through the door, and I immediately started seeing all sorts of cool pictures and artifacts around me. I introduced myself to Suzanne and Fayn LeVeille, the Administrative Assistant. Both are very polite and helpful.They showed me around and briefly explained the layout to help me enjoy the museum. The first thing I learned was that the building was the former Merchant's Bank Building, and the museum had been there since 1984. The architecture is from the early 1900s, and it is beautiful! Suzanne said the middle section is an exhibit that changes about three times a year. When I visited, it was loaded with medical marvels, 2000 years of medical and surgical instruments, manuals, pictures, and a very old wheelchair. As I looked at that wheelchair, I was so happy to live in this small window of time compared to anything prior to the 1970's. My chair is fully mechanical and electric, and I can only imagine the frustration and problems I would have had back when this old wheelchair was manufactured. That area is easily accessible.
Next, I rode through at the gift shop.It consisted of two rooms that were opened up to the rest of the museum.My chair is 26 inches wide, and I had no trouble getting into the rooms and turning around. They were full of cards, crystal and glassware, jewelry, and a lot more than I can remember!
After the gift shop, I rolled over to a scaled down (of course!) model of the Daytona Beach boardwalk. It was still nearly 15 feet long! I love going down to the actual boardwalk here, and that's why this model was one of my favorite exhibits. It was made in 1938 and was refurbished years later. It is absolutely fascinating to see how it was then in comparison with how it is now. People were already parking their cars on the beach back then. Where there were houses are now hotels and restaurants. Almost everything has changed except the boardwalk itself. It still remains a tourist favorite.
On the other side of the room is a series of exhibits spanning history starting with prehistoric times. It goes through when the Native Americans exclusively lived in this area, to the Spanish and British colonial periods, to pioneers, to the present day.There is a war room that covers all of the American wars, and a racing zone. This is all about the area's rich racing history that started literally on the beach.It is truly fascinating, even if you are not a race fan. There was one car called the Bluebird that raced over a blistering 300 mph on the sand in 1935!
There is a section upstairs called Grandma's Attic. Since there is no elevator, it is only accessible by stairs. There is, however, a computer program downstairs that will show you everything that Grandma's Attic has to offer.
After I saw everything I could, I sat down and watched a 20-minute movie that took me through the area's history through today. It was a nice ending to my visit.The Halifax Historical Museum is a gem that I hardly knew existed. I liked everything about it, I had no trouble maneuvering around, and I suggest going there and seeing the exciting and extensive history of the Daytona Beach area.
Daytona Lagoon 601 Earl St Daytona Beach, FL 32118 Map Phone: (386) 254-5020
One of the best places in Daytona Beach for kids and adults to have fun is Daytona Lagoon.It is a video arcade/water park located near several hotels, the Ocean Center, the beach, a parking garage, and Ocean Walk Shoppes. Daytona Lagoon is filled with tons of videogames in addition to go-carts, water park activities, a huge swinging pendulum ride, restaurants, laser tag, miniature golf and more.I am a quadriplegic, and even though I can't play most of the games, I have gone there with my family and we all had a really good time.
When I arrived at Daytona Lagoon, the desk clerk saw me and promptly opened the door. If you are in a wheelchair and since there is no electric door, I would recommend calling them from your vehicle as you make your way toward the front door. As I rode in, the sound immediately changed from outside traffic noise to inside fun and games.There were lights, bells, children and excitement everywhere!I honestly have never seen anything like it. Every kind of video game imaginable is at Daytona Lagoon, and people were having so much fun in there.I learned that there are daily specials for video coins to help stretch your dollar.
There is plenty of room for a wheelchair to move around.I checked out the bathrooms on the main level where I came in, and they had no doors, which is great for me.It was just an S-turn through a couple of walls that prevent people from seeing into the bathroom.They had stalls with all of the amenities such as rails, high toilets, and high sinks. For wheelchairs, they are fine.
One of the managers who was giving me a tour showed me an ATM machine, some vending machines, a gift shop, and a concession area.Here they serve burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, chips, nachos, drinks and a lot more.The manager and I got on the elevator, which was very large and accessible, and we rode up to the second floor. The elevator door opened into Gilligan's Bar, a restaurant on the second floor that has its own menu. They serve much of what the downstairs concession serves in addition to wings, cheese sticks, Philly sandwiches, and much more. There is a bathroom up there, but it is not quite as accessible as the downstairs bathroom. There is a manual door, and it is slightly smaller.It does, however, have rails, high toilets, and high sinks. Gilligan's has very accessible seating, pool tables, and several TVs to watch whatever game happens to be on.On this floor, there is also a conference room that can be rented out for up to 40 people. Oh yeah, don't forget that Gilligan's is a bar, and this might be helpful when your team is losing!
We didn't visit the third floor, but it can be rented out for events and can hold up to 700 people. They have their own kitchen, and they can cater.
The manager held the door for me and showed me the outside.From the second floor, you have a beautiful view of most of the park below. There is a 500,000-gallon pool, a lazy river, a huge open water slide, and a dark slide where you can't see anything except at the beginning and end of this dark, twisty, wet, thrill-slide! From the second floor, I can sit in the shade sipping a cold beverage while watching the kids frolic below. If it gets too hot, I'll just go inside and sip my beverage in the air-conditioned bar.Outside, there are go-carts and a huge swinging pendulum ride on the second floor, and there is miniature golf on the first floor. I actually saw little girl in a wheelchair playing the miniature golf while I was taking my tour.She had to maneuver over the bumpers with help from her father, but she was having as much or more fun than any of the other kids.
On the first floor where most of the water activities are, there is a bar area in the middle of the park. It is a shady oasis where you can relax and enjoy yourself. Everything outside seemed accessible to me.
Even though I can't use my arms and hands well enough to play video games or swim, I had a really nice time being at Daytona Lagoon. I have brought my son and his friends here before, and there is no place they would rather be. Most of the park is very accessible and I would recommend it to everyone.
Museum Of Arts & Sciences www.moas.org 352 S. Nova Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Phone: 386.255.0285 E-mail: Click Here
The Museum of Arts and Sciences has been in Daytona Beach for over 50 years, and it's centrally located close to the corner of Nova Road and International Speedway Blvd. I have been there several times, and because exhibits change frequently, there is always something new and exciting. Once inside, I found everything to be easily accessible. That's probably why I have been so many times! Christina Lane, the Communications & Marketing Director, was my tour guide. She was energetic and enthusiastic about the museum, and I'm not surprised. It is a very interesting place.
The first exhibit I saw was the Root Family Museum. It features one of the largest Coca-Cola memorabilia collections in the world and includes delivery truck, bottles, dispensers, refrigerators, signs, and a can designed for outer space. The most valuable item in this collection is a Coca-Cola lamp made by Tiffany. The Root family designed the early Coca-Cola bottle, and they are still the largest independent Coca-Cola bottler in the nation. The collection also includes two mid-century train cars that the Roots used to travel America. A small electric lift can take you to a lower level so you can see under the train, or there are ramps that go up to slightly above the side of the train so you can see inside through the windows. My chair would not fit in the train, but others might. Also included here is a collection of quilts, teddy bears, train memorabilia, and an actual old-style pharmacy, complete with herbs, medicines, powders, drugs etc. It's pretty cool, and looks like something straight out of an old cowboy movie.
There is a large exhibit that changes often that is currently showing Florida Watercolors, and one exhibit is showing early American art, furniture, silverware, clocks, and tons more of early American artifacts. Following that, I visited the Karshen Center Of Graphic Art. It is currently displaying prints from Salvador Dali, and will soon be showing World War II photographs. I visited the Levine Jewelry Collection and saw its collection of jewelry from a 100-year span that began before Napoleon. The next exhibit displayed a series of photographs of old sugar mills from this area, then I saw a huge boat and ship model collection that included a model of the Titanic, and then I visited the Cuban Foundation Museum.
The Cuban Foundation Museum is home to one of the most important collections of Cuban fine and folk art outside of Cuba. The collection chronicles 300 years of Cuban history and art in more than 200 objects. Highlights include extremely rare eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth century maps, documents, lithographs, paintings, furniture, sculpture, and ceramics interpreted bilingually, in a two thousand square foot gallery installation. Most of this came from former Cuban leader, General Rub?n Fulgencio Batista. He had a house in Daytona Beach, and after he was overthrown by Fidel Castro, he brought his art here. He eventually donated all of it to the city.
Next came my favorite exhibit, The Center for Florida History. It included the impressive 13-foot tall skeleton of the Giant Ground Sloth. Because the Giant Sloth was so slow, experts believe its only defense against potential predators was its own horrible smell! Another display in this exhibit is a cousin of the armadillo, the Glyptodont. The Glyptodont was the size of a Volkswagen Beetle and looks like a giant armadillo. Both of these ancient monsters were found less then a mile away from the museum. While you're here, try touching some of the dinosaur bones in the hands-on area.
If you are coming to visit Daytona Beach, check out the web site and see what is happening at the museum's planetarium. They often show laser shows set to the music of bands such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and Metallica. If you like rock 'n roll, you'll love this!
The museum will be adding 6000 ft. of science Center space, including a pizza center. Right now, they host music classes, homeschool classes, and more.
Also, don't forget to stop by the gift shop where you'll find a great selection of shirts, toys, puzzles, books, jewelry, pictures, artifacts, cards, and a whole lot more. Hungry? Thirsty, maybe? Get a drink from the gift shop or get some sandwiches & salads from Heavenly Ham.
The last exhibit is outside, and it will really put you back in touch with Mother Nature. Tuscawilla Preserve is a lush 90-acre virgin Florida coastal hydric hammock and a habitat for numerous endangered species of flora and fauna. Opened in 2005, this education complex contains over 1/2 mile of boardwalks and nature trails as well as an education center and interactive learning stations. Kids and adults love this nature trail. It is like a jungle atmosphere straight out of a Tarzan movie. The walkway is about 7 feet wide with a lip on the edge. I always feel more comfortable when there is a lip on the edge of a walkway. I don't want to fall off anything!
Take yourself and your family to the Museum of Arts and Sciences, and you will see Florida in a fun, unique way that you'll be talking about for a long time.
I am so excited about the new New Smyrna Beach Water Taxi, I could hardly wait to write about it! It is so much fun! Unlike my reviews of hotel properties where I describe what I see, in this review I will describe my actual experience.
I took the VOTRAN bus down to the Inlet Harbor restaurant in Ponce Inlet. It's a delicious and fun restaurant right on the water with seating inside and outside. I waited for my friend, Lori, to join me for my adventure on the water. I have always loved being on the water, but I rarely have a chance to go boating now that I am in a wheelchair. Believe me... I was excited and a little apprehensive! Lori showed up early (as planned), and we waited for the Water Taxi to arrive from New Smyrna Beach.
As it pulled into dock, I was finally able to get an idea what this vessel looked like. It was new, clean, covered, and sturdy looking. Good start! I was feeling a little more at ease, but still excited.
When the boat was completely docked and all passengers had disembarked, I went and spoke with the crew. I called earlier in the month and asked the crew if someone in a wheelchair, like myself, could safely ride in the Water Taxi. They assured me that I could. They said boarding was easier during high tide, and suggested when I should come.
We had decided I should show up early and get on the boat before everyone else. The crew set up the ramp, so I put my chair in slow gear, and I slowly proceeded down onto the boat. Getting on was a breeze.
It took about 45 minutes to get from Ponce Inlet to New Smyrna Beach, and it was truly wonderful! I was glad I wore a sweater, even on this summer day, as it was very breezy. The boat made two stops in New Smyrna Beach. The first stop was at Riverside Park, which takes you to a charming area in New Smyrna Beach with antique shops, coffee shops, restaurants and more.
The next stop was the Marine Discovery Center. I must admit, when I rode on the Water Taxi, I did not intend on getting off the boat at either stop. I was more concerned with whether I could get on and off at all! So, we just enjoyed the ride back to Ponce Inlet. Next time, though, I plan to enjoy one of the two choices in New Smyrna Beach.
Disembarking was easier than getting on the boat. Afterwards, Lori and I got a table at Inlet Harbor, and I had a bowl of their clam chowder. It is some of the best I've had.
Remember, the Water Taxi leaves every two hours and follows the same route. If you get off at a stop, you can get back on two hours later. Just be careful, and don't wait too late to come back. Pay attention to the schedule! Click Here for more information.
I absolutely loved riding on the Water Taxi, and I cannot wait to do it again. It was more relaxing than anything I can remember, and it only costs $10 for an all-day pass. It is less for children, and there are also one-way rates available. Just check the web site.
Sun Splash Park is a public park that sits right against the beautiful sands of Daytona Beach.I debated whether or not to tour this park or include it on this web site, but I decided to take a look anyway and I'm glad I did.It is a cool, little oceanside park with a lot of personality.
First of all, there are two entrances about 70 yards apart.If you don't arrive by car, I would suggest using the southernmost entrance because it has sidewalks.I use sidewalks whenever possible mainly because self-preservation is a priority in my life!There is ample parking at Sun Splash Park, and I counted four handicap spots.The ramps from the sidewalks to the parking lot are all really modern and gently sloped.
The first feature I noticed about this park was the covered shelters.There are many tables with shelters or umbrellas to block out the sun or rain, depending on the weather, and a couple of the shelters have grills in case you want to cook out with your friends or family.Near the shelters is a large wooden ramp that goes half way down to the beach before it changes to stairs.There is a level landing just before the stairs where I sat for a minute and watched the water.For people coming off of the beach, there are a couple of showers to help cool off and wash away the sand and salt.In addition to a nice sturdy railing overlooking the beach, there is plenty of bench seating for others and plenty of room for my wheelchair to sit and watch the beachgoers below.
One of the best features about Sun Splash Park is the fountain water squirting from the ground.There is a huge section where water randomly squirts out of the ground about 6 feet in the air.Children absolutely love it, and you will find that some adults do as well.It's a great way to cool off.I'm guessing the park is named after this area.As I went a little further down, I saw another ramp.Unlike the first one, this one goes all the way to the sand.It is very wide, and I had no trouble at all getting down to the beach and then back up.One part is a little steeper than the rest, and this might be troublesome for someone in a manual chair.My chair, however, had no problem.
The park also offers vending machines that have plenty of sodas and water to quench your thirst.Near this is a children's play area called Adventure Ship.It is a playground with climb-through tunnels, ladders, and much more.
The last things I saw before I left were the bathrooms.Even though I had to get someone to open the door for me, the bathrooms were spacious and wheelchair accessible.They have rails, high toilets, high sinks, and plenty of room for a wheelchair to turn around.
This is a nice, clean park with a great view of the beach and ocean.You can grill or just splash around with your kids.If you have not seen Sun Splash Park, come and check it out.
BOWLING
Daytona Beach Bingo 284 N. Nova Rd. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Phone: (386) 257-2881
Daytona Cubs Baseball www.daytonacubs.com 103 E Orange Av Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Phone: (386) 257-3172
Steve Deal:"Our local baseball team! There is front row seating for wheelchairs, and the hot dogs are great!"
Skydive De Land Inc. 1600 Flight Line Blvd. DeLand, FL 32724 Phone: (386) 738-3539
Information:
Have taken wheelchair-bound people
Must first meet with instructor to determine if possible
Must be 18+ years old
Must weigh less than 230 lbs.
Hours: 8 a.m. until sunset; 7 days/week Cost: $169 for a tandem jump (you jump strapped to a professional); video is $85 extra Payment: Cash (5% discount), Check (5% discount), and credit card (no discount)
OTHER FUN
Ormond Bowl Pro 260 N U.S. Hwy 1 Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Phone: (386) 672-2014
Steve Deal:"This bowling alley has bumpers to fill the gutter lanes. I can bowl all strikes. Lots of fun!!"
Bellair Lanes Bowling 2575 N Atlantic Ave. Daytona Beach, FL 32118 Phone: (386) 677-5410
Steve Deal:"This bowling alley has gutter bumpers and is located next to shopping and across the street from the beach!"
