About town: Palm Coast

text size

With just two events remaining n the 2008 season, the PGA TOUR returns to Florida for the first time since THE PLAYERS Championship in May. In fact, the Ginn sur Mer Classic takes places just an hour south of THE PLAYERS in Palm Coast.

Miller/Getty Images

This could be the view out of your hotel room window.

HOT HOTELS

Ginn Hammock Beach Resort
European Village Resort
Best Western Palm Coast

HUNGRY?

JT's Seafood Shack
High Jackers
Cancun Lagoon
Inlet Harbor

Summer is dwindling, even in Florida, so if you're planning on going to this event, here's your guide on what's hot even when the weather's not.

SOMEWHERE TO SNOOZE

Close to the action: It's always an added bonus when the tournament you're attending has a hotel onsite. Why not go for convenience -- and four-star luxury -- this week and book a room at the Ginn Hammock Beach Resort? Stroll to the course after a leisurely breakfast and pay from as low as $240 a night.

Other options
• Residences at European Village: For a four-star beach hotel that costs a little less, stay here. It's only 10 minutes from the course, and rates start at $135 a night.
• Best Western Palm Coast: Aware that the holiday season is creeping up and hoping to save a few pennies? This two-and-a-half-star hotel will only set you back $80 a night and is less than 15 minutes from the tournament.

SOMETHING TO SNACK ON

Seafood lovers delight -- you're back in Florida! Don't worry if you're more of a meat eater, there's always a place on the menu for the water-wary.

• JT's Seafood Shack: It's exactly what it sounds like; fresh oysters, shrimp, fish and crab galore. And there's a fully-stocked bar, too.
• High Jackers: Don't be confused by the location of this restaurant -- on the grounds of the Flagler County Airport -- it's not "airport food." It has an extensive menu and an ... interesting ... view for dinner.
• Cancun Lagoon Bar & Grill: If you like Mexican and you like Seafood, then this place might become your favorite spot to eat. Food aside, they serve a darn good margarita. (Note, this is about 30 mins from Palm Coast in Daytona.)
• Inlet Harbor Restaurant and Marina: Also in Daytona, this waterside restaurant has parking for cars and boats, so why not pull up for dinner after a day of fishing? (More on that below.)

Graythen/Getty Images

The world-famous Daytona International Speedway

GET BUSY

Washington Oaks Gardens
Ocala National Forest
Daytona 500 Experience
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse

SOMETHING TO TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT

It's cooling off in northern Florida, so don't bank on beaching the days away. You might get lucky with the weather, though, so bring a bathing suit just in case; but if not, here are some alternate ideas.

• Washington Oaks Gardens State Park: Most people think of the Sunshine State and think sand, surf and, well, sun, but there's a whole lot more to it than that. Check out this beautiful state park -- the weather should be perfect for a garden stroll.
• Ocala National Forest: While we're on the topic of greenery in Florida, think about making the trip to this pristine National Forest in the heart of the state. Ocala is horse country, too, which means lots to look at on the drive.
• Daytona 500 Experience: No NASCAR race in town this week, but that doesn't mean you can't get a taste of the super speedway. If you're thisclose to Daytona, it'd be a sin not to at least go and take a look.
• Ponce de Leon Inlet Light Station: North Carolina's not the only state with lighthouses to brag about. This light station was completed in 1887, and years of restoration have kept it true to history.

STICKING AROUND?

It's the Fall Series, which can be pretty stressful for those guys still trying to earn fully-exempt status for 2009, but it should be relaxing for fans. If you've made some time to make the most of your time in Florida, pencil these two activities onto your itinerary.

• Deep sea fishing: Mahi Mahi and King Mackerel are rich for the hooking in October, while Sailfish and Wahoo move into Florida waters in November, so who knows what you'll catch on this in-between weekend?
• Georgia vs. Florida: The biggest game in college football will be contested with heart, soul, sweat and maybe a little blood this Saturday, and it's a hot ticket to get. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. in Jacksonville, which is about an hour-and-a-half north. Go Dawgs.