Daytona Beach, Florida
Our guest post comes from Kimberly Fisher, a freelance writer based in Beverly Hills and New York City. She specializes in luxury travel, lifestyle, beauty, and fashion. With extensive travel experience visiting some of the worlds most sought-after destinations, Kimberly is truly a connoisseur globetrotter. She has traveled to over 39 countries and almost every US state. Her work has appeared in various English print and online media. She is the author of one book, “Promotional Modeling 101?. Visit her at: KimberlyFisher.com
Daytona Beach could be considered the perfect Florida getaway; 23 miles of clean white sand beaches, endless sunshine and perfect temperatures year round as well as activities to please everyone from the foodie to the outdoorsman to the nature lover. For couples Daytona offers a hint of laid-back romanticism mixed with classic charm. Couples can enjoy each other’s company while they get the most from their vacation dollar.
Start your day off together at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill and Griddle House. Located in Deleon Springs State Recreation Area, the restaurant features a fun “do-it-yourself” meal that you prepare at your table. All you can eat pancakes with raw honey, syrup and molasses are a favorite. Bring out the inner chef in you by getting creative with apples, banana slices, blueberries, applesauce, pecans, peanut butter or chocolate chips.
After breakfast, spend the morning exploring the charming fishing village of Ponce Inlet. Explore the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse together, climbing the 203 steps, 175 feet to the top—and an amazing panoramic view. Completed in 1887, the lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Indulge in an afternoon of relaxation and rejuvenation at Ocean Waters Spa. The first oceanfront resort spa in Daytona Beach, Ocean Waters is a 15,000 square foot European style spa with 16 private rooms, a hair and nail salon, sauna and fitness center. The “Couples Retreat” package lasts for 2.5 hours, and includes a couples Swedish massage, side by side pedicure, and spa lunch.
End the day with a quiet, romantic dinner at The Cellar. The former home of 29th President Warren G. Harding, the home was built in 1907, is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, and is owned by couple Sam and Lina Moggio. The Italian menu features mouth-watering, fresh items such as Avocado con Gamberi e Granchio (half an avocado filled with shrimp and crab meat salads and a citrus-saffron sauce), Ravioli di Carne alla “Montepertuso” (meat filled pillows sautéed with mixed olives, light tomato sauce and goat cheese) and Osso Buco d’ Agnelo con Risotto alla Verdune (braised lamb shanks with vegetable risotto). Sam Moggio, the owner and chef, is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has worked in restaurants all the way from Italy to New York. The humbly quiet man becomes alive when asked about his recipes and his love for Daytona.
After dinner cozy up on the outdoor patio of The Shores Resort and Spa with an after-dinner drink and a Smores kit. The only AAA Four Diamond Star Resort on the beach, the resort blends luxury, exceptional service, and gorgeous surroundings. When you retire to your ocean view room, you will notice the Italian marble bathrooms, luxurious bath amenities, and wireless Internet. Fall asleep on a pillow top bed lined with high thread count sheets as you dream of road trips to come.