Change is in the Ocean Air...

Fifty Days.

Is it more impressive in number format?

50 days.

In two score and ten days, Casa Del Mar Beach Resort will embark on a makeover that would make Ty Pennington proud. Although the need for concrete restoration precipitated this renovation, these next few blog posts will wander from the technical and industrial details and focus on the immediate appearance of the resort (specifically the individual units) and the changes thereof.

We will take an “item by item” approach for the furnishings to each villa; just enough to whet your appetite and hopefully leave you wanting for more. The items will come from a before and after photo pairing to clearly illustrate the changes taking place; when the amount of items are exhausted in each room, the before and after photos will be shown in their entirety.

So without further ado, I bring you: dining table.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

As you can see, exciting things are happening!

I'll return with more later in the week.

Peanuts and Cracker Jack

Summer begins June 21st. To some, summer's start is Memorial Day weekend. Here in the Daytona Beach area, one can argue summer began Friday, April 9th. That's when the hometown Daytona Cubs (Chicago's eponymous high-A minor league affiliate) took the field for the first time to square off against the feared Brevard County Manatees (you've got to love Minor League Baseball). Unfortunately, the hometown nine took a tough loss, but Daytona Beach-area residents and guests (including those of Casa Del Mar) went home winners as baseball is back in northeast Volusia County.

If you are even just the least bit of a baseball fan, there is no reason not to see the Cubs while in town. With promotions such as Belly Buster Monday (an aptly named event as your specially priced ticket includes all-you-can-eat pizza, popcorn, peanuts, hamburgers and hot dogs) and Thirsty Thursdays (specials on adult beverages and soft drinks) there is always something special going on at the venue of the Daytona Cubs, Jackie Robinson Stadium.

Casa Del Mar makes it even more of a special event as you can get discount tickets to all home games (sorry, no Belly Buster Mondays). Just stop by the front desk or the activities desk, and we will gladly help you save some money as you enjoy America's pastime in a cozy atmosphere. With opponents consisting of affiliates from the Phillies, Yankees, Rays, Brewers, Pirates, Blue Jays, Cardinals, Twins, Marlins, Tigers and Mets, you're sure to find a rooting interest.

Go Cubs!

It's raining, it's pouring...

It never ceases to amaze me on how we will run away from the pool when it starts raining. I know this may sound absolutely cliche, but you are wet already. Part of vacation is to enjoy yourself, to do things you would not normally do if you were not on vacation.

Do you remember splashing around puddles as a kid? Really? You do? Well I don't, but I am sure I did, because whenever I get the opportunity to do it now, I have an absolute blast; it is completely and astonishingly invigorating. Forget botox, retinol and the like, the real fountain of youth are rain puddles; jump in one and you will see what I mean.

I love the sun an am an avid sun-worshiper (which explains my residence in the sunshine state). I can appreciate a beautiful sunny day. However, vacations are sometimes hard to come by; months of planning should not be set aside because of a few raindrops. Enjoy your time on holiday, laugh and play in the rain (but please, by all means get away from the lightning!); just think of all the money you will be saving on sunscreen!

A Good Walk Spoiled...

When you hear the words “Daytona Beach” what immediately comes to mind? NASCAR and the Daytona 500? Motorcycles and bike weeks? World class beaches? (In)famous spring breaks? How about this: world class golf courses.

Along with our sister resort Daytona Seabreeze, we here at Casa Del Mar will begin to offer our owners and guests fantastic savings to take advantage of two of the finest golf courses around, the Legends (an Arthur Hills designed 6,984 yard challenge) and Champions (A Rees Jones 7,088 yard links-style course) at LPGA International. With discounts up to 60% off the published greens fees at LPGA International, our resort guests can experience a first-class package that includes greens fees and golf cart, a valet bag attendant and receive discounts for the onsite Pro Shop and restaurant.

So if you would rather be on the green than in the sand, if you’re more comfortable in spikes than in sandals, or you would rather wear plaid knickers over tropical trunks, make your next vacation a Casa Del Mar or Daytona Seabreeze experience and go out and hit the links.

And the Thunder Rolls....

Choppers, cycles, steel-horses, hogs, bikes, motorcycles. Whatever you call them, if you're an enthusiast, you're here at Bike Week. The legendary meeting spot for all things motorcycles is taking place right now in Casa Del Mar's backyard.

A tour of our underground garage, which during this time doubles as a museum-quality exhibition, would even make the most hardened of all riders as giddy as a school girl.

Perhaps just as colorful as these bikes are their riders. Gentlemen (and ladies) garbed in the black leather that has become synonymous with the terms rebel, outlaw, biker. However look underneath these layers of rawhide and you might find a lawyer, doctor, accountant; perhaps that fellow owner you shared a laugh with last year in Myrtle Beach.

But that true motorcycle purist, that character from Easy Rider or The Wild One, the person who has devoted his life to the pursuit of the perfect ride, he is the one you should meet. He is the stuff of legends and stories; some of which he will be more than happy to share. Tales that roll off his tongue as smoothly as a sip of bourbon. Tales that get just a bit taller with each telling.

Enjoy the sounds of rolling thunder, the sounds of raucous laughter, the sounds of friendly banter. After this week, for better or for worse, the area becomes a lot more quiet.