Florida Ride
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From: Texarkana Arkansas
Florida Ride
I'm planning a 4 day ride in Florida between Christmas and New Years and looking for suggestions. My plan is to leave Panama City, head along the coast to Tampa, across to Vero Beach, up the coast to Daytona and then back to Panama City. Any must see spots along the way or suggestions for eating and drinking places? This is my first ride in Florida and would like to make the best of it. Thanks in advance for any help that I get here.
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From: Hiding in your closet
The road that runs along the coast east of Appalachicola (I think it's 98) is awesome. North Florida is horse country and much prettier than South Florida (just my opinion). Where ever you go...remember to have fun along the way!
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Florida
You are correct, it is Hiway 98. The prettiest way is to stay along the coast as closely as possible and follow the big bend around. the other poster is also correct it is much prettier riding in north Florida. The panhandle is still the old south, the farther south you go in Florida the more north it is...
The path you have chosen for a 4 day ride will keep you in the saddle most of the day, especially if you are staying on the state roads. The interstates here are drag strips so if you find you need to make up time catch Interstates 95, 75 or 10. Traffic flow in the passing lane will be as fast as you want to go. Other than I-10 between Tampa and Orlando. That is a mess all the time.
As for what to see, Appalachicola and every other small southern gulf town are great. Tampa has great night life... Orlando, mehh... I used to live there and it is all for tourism... Daytona, hit Main Street especially if you are there on a weekend. they cater to bikers whether it is bike week or not. Head up hiway 1 to St Augustine, great city... If you have time jump north on your way back and follow hiway 90 back west torward Panama City.
If you aren't set on going east and south, go west... Pensacola, Mobile and New Orleans are all lined up and every bit as high on the fun factor... Totally different flavor though. Oaks, Pines and the Old South. Just food for thought, I've been both ways. New Orleans is about 250 miles from Panama City.
The path you have chosen for a 4 day ride will keep you in the saddle most of the day, especially if you are staying on the state roads. The interstates here are drag strips so if you find you need to make up time catch Interstates 95, 75 or 10. Traffic flow in the passing lane will be as fast as you want to go. Other than I-10 between Tampa and Orlando. That is a mess all the time.
As for what to see, Appalachicola and every other small southern gulf town are great. Tampa has great night life... Orlando, mehh... I used to live there and it is all for tourism... Daytona, hit Main Street especially if you are there on a weekend. they cater to bikers whether it is bike week or not. Head up hiway 1 to St Augustine, great city... If you have time jump north on your way back and follow hiway 90 back west torward Panama City.
If you aren't set on going east and south, go west... Pensacola, Mobile and New Orleans are all lined up and every bit as high on the fun factor... Totally different flavor though. Oaks, Pines and the Old South. Just food for thought, I've been both ways. New Orleans is about 250 miles from Panama City.
Last edited by Jonesee; Nov 29, 2009 at 09:52 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Daytona USA
You picked a nice time to ride. Go to Destination Daytona - a massive HD dealership in Ormond Beach. Not just a dealership but mini Harley town. It's a mile from Iron Horse Saloon - a great biker bar so go get a cold and a burger. Let me know if you need any local info.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Lenox, GA
The Grill in Apalachicola is a great eating spot but you might be through there too early for lunch. It will be on the corner in Apalach; you can't miss it. The other posters are right, 98 from there to Ochlocknee Bay is a beautiful ride. After the bay its mostly trees. I'll second Destination Daytona too; great Harley shop, JP Cycle, Arlen Ness, etc. Corbin's not far down the street back toward the Iron Horse.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Northwest WI
In Lake Wales a few miles north of Hwy 60 there is a place called Bok Tower Gardens that is on the highest point of land on the Florida peninsula. There is a Carrillon (huge bell tower) that is very nice. A nice place to get off and stretch the legs walking the numerous trails through the gardens. http://www.boktowergardens.org is the web addy.
One of my favorite roads around Lake Wales is Hwy 17 which runs north and south from Lake Wales down to Frostproof and Sebring through the orange groves in the area. Years ago Hwy 17 was referred to as "Scenic 17" in the area. kind of Floridas version of route 66 is what it reminded me of. There are some old buildings along the way that give a taste of what the past was like. A few years ago we were down there in late March and the orange trees were all in blossom and the smells were very nice driving through the country.
There's also a great restaurant in Lake Wales called Manny's Original Chophouse on 60 a few blocks east of 27 that has awesome steak and seafood specials.
Florida's Natural Orange processing also has a visitor a few blocks north of hwy 60 on 27 across from the plant. It's a neat stop and they have free juice samples and a gift shop.
Have a great ride!
One of my favorite roads around Lake Wales is Hwy 17 which runs north and south from Lake Wales down to Frostproof and Sebring through the orange groves in the area. Years ago Hwy 17 was referred to as "Scenic 17" in the area. kind of Floridas version of route 66 is what it reminded me of. There are some old buildings along the way that give a taste of what the past was like. A few years ago we were down there in late March and the orange trees were all in blossom and the smells were very nice driving through the country.
There's also a great restaurant in Lake Wales called Manny's Original Chophouse on 60 a few blocks east of 27 that has awesome steak and seafood specials.
Florida's Natural Orange processing also has a visitor a few blocks north of hwy 60 on 27 across from the plant. It's a neat stop and they have free juice samples and a gift shop.
Have a great ride!
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