Who's at Daytona this week?

Did you make it down to FLA? Probably not, if
you're reading this. Neither did I. Boo. But I have enough pics and visits to put together one fantastic pretend-like-we-are-there trip. So, grab a beer and let's hit the hot spots.

First up, let's head to Main Street, it's where all the action is. Sidewalks are crowded with spectators anxious to see the custom bikes and choppers rolling by. It is probably one of the loudest, craziest parades in the country. It's leather, pipes, bikinis and sunscreen all rolled in to one big party. The reason I go? The people. But I realize many like the bikes...

 There's choppers

And trikes

And even some 4-wheelers. (This guy looked so much cooler driving down the street than I did in my uncle's mini-van. Not on purpose of course, took a wrong turn...ended up on the main drag. Drive of shame, honestly.)

Lots going on out on the street and sidewalks but some of the best parties are inside the bars. Let's do some bar-hopping, shall we? First up, Froggy's. It's where the ladies are. Have to head out back for the real action.

All sorts of shenanigans goin' on back there...dancers, poles, platforms. You get the idea.

Further down, Main Street meets Mardi Gras at Wise Guys. Perhaps earn some beads from the spectators above? NO, not me! Not that type of girl, but there are plenty that are (not that there is anything wrong with that) so front row on the balcony is a popular place to be.

Also on Main Street is the Boot Hill Saloon. A fave among bikers, it's known for its ice cold beers, beautiful bartenders, peanut shells on the floor and motorcycle memorabilia. 

Grab a beer, listen to some tunes and feel free to leave your bra or underwear...whatever your pleasure.

Need a part or a tshirt while on Main Street? There is a Daytona Harley Davidson - Main Street is right in the center of it all. 

So, we've seen the highlights on Main Street, but there is a lot more going on in Daytona/Ormond area. Let's hop back on the bike, surfing the internet and drinking is okay, and head on over to A1A for some more action.

Broken Spoke Daytona is the leader of the pack..err, bars...on A1A. Vendors, burnout pits, hot bartenders and the 'Wall of Death' stunt rider are only a partial list of the excitement you will find at the Broken Spoke.

There's things in trees...watch for falling objects

Plenty of bars...a guy must have made this sign, I thought it said 'Litter Bar'. Had no idea what that was. Thought it was a recycle bin.

Directly across the street is the Iron Horse Saloon. Bartender was a bitch the last time I was there so that's all I have to say about that. Go at your own risk...or don't be a sensitive chick like me. You'll do fine.

 Out back there is a burn-out pit (or a wheely-spinny thing as I once called it...I've come a long way) and live bands, even an old school bus turned in to a bar.

Further down the road is Kick Start Saloon - a bright orange building, stands alone amongst all madness on A1A.

Cheap beer, pool tables, and bartenders that flash as you walk in the door...southern hospitality at its finest. Pretty colored t-shirts too. 

Destination Daytona - I don't know, I found it a tad boring. This WAS during bike week. Few bands, coupla stragglers. I hear its a fun place to be...went twice and everything was closed down around 9pm.

Bars, vendors, music, shopping, lots to do at Destination Daytona...just time it better than we did.

I don't know about you, but my party tends to poop out a bit and I love me some quiet time. Riding the Loop is just what the doc ordered. Palm-trees, nature, wind, only noise you can hear is the rumbling of the bikes...peaceful

Professional photographers are in several spots to snap you riding the Loop, and there are also plenty of great photo ops for us amateurs.

Looking to put in some more miles? Cruise north on A1A...along the ocean to Flagler Beach for a few good  biker friendly bars . High Tides Snack Jack is a fave. Good view, even better views. As beachy as a bar can get.

Sitting up on the deck above the Golden Lion, watching the bikers drive by and the waves roll in is my idea of party. Woo-hoo!  I just say that cuz my husband hates when women 'Woo-hoo'. But we all do, its in our genes. Can I get a Woo-hoo?  Anyone?

And its not a trip to Daytona for me unless I stop at the infamous Daytona Flea Market. Drink beer, eat fried dough, buy some bike parts, some fake pocketbooks...it's all there in all of its cheesy-wonder. I have been buying crap there for years. Love it.

It's open weekends all year but during Bike Week, there is a swap meet, live music, bike shows and a crazy cast of characters

And I will leave you with a quote from the current media darling, Charlie Sheen....'Duh!' Profound, I know. Certainly can't leave Daytona without checking out the speedway. All kinds of activities going on during bike week.

Oh wait, don't go! There's more...the boardwalk! Video arcades, go-carts, bungee-jumping and driving on the beach...SO much to do in Daytona...need more than one week to fit it all in. Thankfully, there is Biketoberfest....hon, you listening?

So the sun sets on another great week - well, not yet...but a few more days. Hope those who went had a great time and make it home safely. And for those who were not able to go but joined me on this cyber-trip, hope you enjoyed. It was fun!

Snowbird Dreaming of Warmer Days

Snowed in....I'm cold, my walks need shoveling and my lawn is nowhere in site. WAHHHHH....okay, I guess I should be thankful that it is almost January and this is the first storm that has left more than a few inches behind. Okay, I'm thankful. But...to ward off the winter doldrums, I'm going back...back to cruising down A1A along the Atlantic with warm breezes and the salty spray brushing against my skin.


On my recent visit to sunny FLA, we rode up AIA looking for find bikerfriendly bars. One of the stops was at the Golden Lion.



The Golden Lion is another great bar, just north of Daytona in Flagler Beach.  Situated directly across the street from the ocean, the open rooftop is a favorite spot for bikers to sit during bikeweek and watch the bikes rumble down AIA.

Our last visit in November was a beautiful, sunny fall day. Though quite windy, and most of the guests were downstairs, we could not resist the lure of eating outside with the beautiful ocean view. We also knew our days were numbered and we wouldn't be sitting outside for several months to come. Cue the violins...




This visit was a weekday afternoon and it was surprisingly busy with a good mix of people. This beachy bar attracts both tourists and locals, riding in on all modes of transportation. There is a public lot on the side street that is not paved, but the sand is compact. We were lucky enough to find some onstreet parking.

Inside is quite large - with several seating areas. The bar in the front, pictured below, is at street level and is the perfect spot to hang and watch all the bike week activity. There are some bar stools as well as a few tables outside at the sidewalk.

On top of the restaurant is a large patio/bar with full service. The views are great and there is plenty of room. Our waitress was very friendly, and although working both upstairs on the deck and in the restaurant below, she was very efficient and did not make us wait.

There is a variety of food offered from chips and salsa for under $3 to a seafood boil for $24....and lots of selections in between. We ordered off the specials menu that indicated all ingredients were local and fresh.

WARNING....chick- food posted below.  Turkey croissant with an apple-walnut slaw...oh, yum.Can't be too girly though, my Uncle ordered the same thing and enjoyed it just as much. Everything was delicious.

NO! I will not share....go 'way...not sure why people think it is fun to feed birds. Totally annoying...

For all the big, burly bikers, there are lots of sandwiches and burgers, equally as tasty and all priced under 10 bucks.

 

View from  bar at the top of restaurant 

Happy bike staying warm in the Florida sunshine

On weekends, the Golden Lion offers a variety of musical entertainment from local and regional artists. Everything from classic rock to reggae, and I can't imagine a better place to listen to steel drums while sipping a margarita and watching the waves roll in. I'll be back...

CONTACT DETAILS

The Golden Lion Cafe
500 N Scenic Highway A1A
Flagler Beach, FL 32136
(386) 439-3004
http://www.goldenlioncafe.com/

'Gnarly' Find in Flagler, Florida

Located in Flagler, between Daytona and St.Augustine, is a totally bitchin' beach 'shack' called High Tides Snack Jack.

We have passed this joint many times and finally decided to give it a try.  Pulling in on a bike is a bit ominous...cars flying down A1A...and the lot is packed sand so have to take it a bit slow.

 
I think people in the area are used to bikes though, so no problems, just a heads up.



For those not on bikes, there is valet parking, which is required, and an attendant sits outside watching over things. The lot is not big so he has to shuffle around a bit. Not sure during busier times how this works for bikes, but it was fine the day that we visited.






Inside, the decor is reminiscent of an old Surfer's Shack on the California coast.  Boards, weathered signs and old memorabilia line every inch of the place and help create the beachy environment.

Don't let the decor fool you, bikers. It's not all boardshorts and bleached hair. A large mix of clientel with several bikers.  We felt welcomed and not out of place.

Outside, there are several picnic tables that are covered and wait service is provided.  I understand that people can bring their dogs and sit out here. Quite a unique perk, I think, not sure of too many places that allow pets.  Dining with dogs not your thing? Plenty of room inside.

Food was inexpensive and good. In hubby's usual fashion, he got the wings.  Sidenote here:  I have been told that to be taken seriously in a biker's world, I have to start calling the hubster my 'old man'....well, I've tried...not me, sorry. It is SO outside my comfort zone, I can't even begin to explain! Who knows why...need a couch session for that one. Anyway, for future reference, when I say hubby, hubster, ahole(no!)...I am referring to my 'old man'. K?

And this little tasty treat below was mine...buffalo shrimp. Oh, it was yummy and spicy.  That's not my beer though, stole it to make me look classy...was actually drinking a budlight.

 Pic is a bit dark but you can see that they are literally 'on the water'. We were there during high tide and the waves are very close to building. No ankle busters the day we were there...waves were HUGE...for Florida, anyway.

 

 We really like this place and plan to make a point to visit on our next trip to Daytona area. Maybe we'll see ya there. Cowabunga, dude!

CONTACT DETAIL:

High Tides @ Snack Jack

2805 S. OCeanshore Blvd (A1A)

Flagler Beach, FL

386-439-3344

http://www.snackjacks.com