What to do in Florida: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Nov. 19, 2008 10:53 a.m. bravenrace HalfDork

My wife, two 14 year old boys and I are heading to Florida next week. Our ultimate destination will be Rotunda, which is a little south of Sarasota. I'm looking for automotive (or not) things to do while we're down there. Because we have relatives there, we've already done a lot of the obvious things (disney, universal, everglades, beaches, etc..), and this trip we'll be stopping a the Drag Racing Hall of Fame in Ocala (been there before, but not with the kids). So, does anyone have any suggestions?
Nov. 19, 2008 11:08 a.m. Marjorie Suddard General Manager

You'll be too close to the Ringling Museum to not go. Check out their web site

Excellent fine art displays, but the real reason to go is to see the grounds and the circus museum.

Margie
Nov. 19, 2008 11:16 a.m. dyintorace HalfDork

Both the zoo and aquarium in Tampa are top notch.
Nov. 19, 2008 2:01 p.m. poopshovel Dork

There are several Classic Car Sales places in/around the Tampa St. Pete area (about an hour away.) This one is pretty cool, though the "restorations" are hit or miss:

http://www.pjsautoworld.com/

This one's not bad either:

http://www.goldenclassics.com

The Tampa Bay Auto Museum is pretty cool too:

http://tbauto.org

If it's in the budget, you're in good fishing country, in-shore or deep sea. Redfish are biting like crazy as of last week, and November is usually good for Grouper (deep-sea.) I think snook is hit-or-miss right now, but I'm pretty sure they're in season until December 15th, and GOOD EATIN'!!!
Nov. 20, 2008 6:02 a.m. bravenrace HalfDork

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. We've done a lot of these things already, but I'll check out the others. One things for sure, I can't wait to get out of northeast Ohio! We have 6 inches of snow at our house!
Nov. 20, 2008 6:21 a.m. MrJoshua SuperDork

You will be almost across the street from the top secret test facility of GRM when you go to the drag racing museum.

Ocala Gran Prix

They are a laid back kart track with rental karts that are faster than the typical fair karts but not quite shifter speed. Worth it if you are looking to kill a few hours.
Nov. 20, 2008 6:35 a.m. bravenrace HalfDork

Now that's cool! Do they have karts that 14 year olds can drive?
Nov. 20, 2008 7:14 a.m. jrw1621 Reader

Lifted from here: http://www.ocalagranprix.com/OGP-track-info.html

No children under the age of 12 and/or under 56" are allowed to ride. (NO EXCEPTIONS). OGP management does apologize to any customers under the age of 12 that have driven previously. However, due to strict insurance regulations, we are required to enforce this.

Track, General Admission (Kart Rental) . .Wed.& Thur.: 12pm to 5pm • Fri.- Sun.: 10am to 8pm

$42.99 + Tax - Three 10 minute sessions. Included: • Use of all safety gear • Use of kart on supervised race course

Daily Membership $12.50 . - This membership allows one days event insurance. . - Good for occasional visits.

Looks like $55 will get you out on the track (with saftey gear) for 30 minutes. I too will have to look that up next time I am around.
Nov. 20, 2008 1:47 p.m. kabel Dork

I think there is a big Tampa Cars and Coffee meet every third Sat of the month at the DuPont Registry
Nov. 20, 2008 5:35 p.m. ncjay New Reader

Don't know if you'll ne anywhere near Starke, Fla, but this may be worth checking out. http://gorally.com/erssite/