I desperately need vacation (despite just being off for 9 days) so me and the SO are headed to Florida for a week in January. Jan 4-10, to be specific.
She's a little on the pregnant side so we can't do a lot of crazy stuff but the short list (so far) of absolutely must-dos are: Salvatore Dali (sp?), Ocala Gran Prix for some carting (more for me as she can't really do that right now) and I just HAVE to meet the wonderful people we refer to as GRM HQ.
Anything else I may be forgetting? We'll be calling Tarpon Springs home for the most part but are willing to travel a few hours one way for some fun. Depending on weather we may have to take a trip to Miami.
So, anybody up for a meet for some carting or at the offices? Who's bringing the Krispy Kremes? 
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Dec. 4, 2010 7:11 a.m. chknhwk Reader
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Dec. 4, 2010 10:23 a.m. cwh SuperDork
Native speaking here- Skip Miami, go directly to the Keys. Touristy, but not bad. Lots of things to see and do. Caribbean Club in Key Largo is a fun dive. Key West is a whole lot of fun, but bring an open mind. US1, the Overseas Highway, will take your breath away. Yeah, I like it there. Tour guide available here. You will be amazed how LONG Florida is.
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Dec. 4, 2010 11:25 a.m. JoeyM Dork
Since you're going to be in the bay area anyway for the Dali museum, it sounds like you - or the missus - are into artsy stuff. That means the Ringling Museum of Art is probably also right up your ally. For car stuff, you may want to consider the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum. I've never been there, but I've seen some of their 1930s cars at the Lake Mirror Classic so I know that they have nice stuff.
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Dec. 4, 2010 11:41 a.m. chknhwk Reader
Sweet, thanks!
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Dec. 4, 2010 12:09 p.m. cwh SuperDork
Don Garlits Museum in Ocala. He never threw anything out or sold it. Great stuff there, you might get to shake his hand.
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Dec. 4, 2010 12:36 p.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director
You can also do the Roar Before the Rolex: http://www.grand-am.com/schedule/event.cfm?series=r&eid=2368
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Dec. 4, 2010 12:37 p.m. chknhwk Reader
I'm liking the Garlits idea... As for the Rolex thing? I'm waiting until I can do the real thing.
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Dec. 4, 2010 12:38 p.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director
And Tampa Bay Auto Museum is cool. It's located in a an industrial park, but don't let that discourage you. The building is beautiful--as is the collection.
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Dec. 4, 2010 12:39 p.m. David S. Wallens Editorial Director
Don't discount the Roar Before the Rolex. All of the cars are running but it's a low-key event, meaning a lot of the drivers are just sitting around and free to chat. There's also no crowds. It's like having the whole place to yourself. It's one of my favorite events.
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Dec. 4, 2010 12:41 p.m. poopshovel SuperDork
The Dali Museum is a must if you're into his work. Good luck getting in touch with anyone at OGP, but Tampa Grand Prix is pretty rad. I was amazed at how well the karts moved my fat ass. Are you into Sushi? I know the raw stuff is out of the question for mama, but Yoko's in Tampa is the_best_sushi I've ever had in my life. (Shhhh, don't tell anyone.)
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Dec. 4, 2010 1:49 p.m. triumph7 Reader
Maybe delay the trip til early Feb when the shuttle goes up.
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Dec. 4, 2010 6:27 p.m. unk577 New Reader
I second the skipping Miami part. Never realized that so many were local. If you like Greek, then Tarpon Springs is the place to be. If you cut through Ocala to go to GRM HQ then you'll probably enjoy the drive.
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Dec. 4, 2010 7:45 p.m. Spinout007 Dork
In reply to chknhwk:
Just leave the plastic in the car, there were a few things for sale in there that were $$$$$$$ and way too tempting.
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Dec. 5, 2010 12:21 a.m. Chebbie_SB HalfDork
+1 on the Tampa Bay Auto Museum, I was there in 2009 & there are cars there you'll rarely see anywhere else.
There is another Auto Museum in St. Pete as well, wasn't able to visit the Dali....
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Dec. 5, 2010 5:43 a.m. chknhwk Reader
Nice, thanks for all the input. My gf has already been to Garlits museum (she's a hard core drag racer) but I'd be interested in seeing it. She agrees on the Greek in Tarpon, too.
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Dec. 5, 2010 9:34 a.m. Karl La Follette HalfDork
http://manateecam.viewnetcam.com/CgiStart?page=Single&Language=0
Crystal River just over an hour north of tarpon ,rent pontoon boat at the plantation inn
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Dec. 5, 2010 11:19 a.m. Karl La Follette HalfDork
herd of manatees under the cam now 12:20 sunday
