3 minute read
NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is one of Florida’s treasured coastal communities. It’s big enough to keep beach-goers busy and host visitors from all over the country, yet small enough to retain a charming, local vibe. When you’re not sinking your feet in the sand or swimming in the ocean, take the time to check out our favorite spots in town:
JB’S FISH CAMP
Located on riverfront property along the inlet waters, JB’s has been serving up southern seafood since the 1970’s. It’s one of the best spots in the state to listen to live music while you eat, drink and soak in the sunset. Their menu boasts favorites like the fried grouper sandwich, coconut shrimp, and JB’s famous crab cakes.
THE GARLIC
Be sure to bring a big appetite when you come, so you don’t fill up on The Garlic’s homemade bread and famous roasted garlic dip! This New Smyrna Beach mainstay has established a reputation for incredible Italian food they call “an authentic taste of the Tuscan countryside.” It features a unique garden-style setting, where you’ll dine alongside live trees and flowering greenery, dazzling with a collection of vintage knick-knacks and Florida relics.
FLAGLER AVENUE
This seaside beach street is full of local eateries, bars, shops and even shuffleboard courts! Visitors to New Smyrna Beach will instantly feel charmed walking these five blocks towards the ocean. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene at local gems like Flagler Tavern, Traders Bar, and the rooftop views of Ocean Breeze. SMYRNA DUNES PARK
Take in the stunning natural views along the boardwalk at Smyrna Dunes Park. Over two miles of walkways stretch across sand dunes full of Florida flora and fauna, with staircases to climb and view the Atlantic Ocean. For those with furry friends, the boardwalk also neighbors a beautiful dog-friendly beach.
CANAL STREET
This historic district offers a blend of parks, specialty shops, art galleries, dining and bed and breakfast options. Be sure to try the pizza at Prima, a cold beer at New Smyrna Brewing Company, visit the East Coast Surfing display at the Museum of History, and stroll through Riverside Park. Visit canalstreetnsb.com for 1st Saturday and Third Thursday event schedules.
NEW SMYRNA SPEEDWAY
Racing fans can get an authentic motorsport experience when visiting the beach. Located about 20 minutes inland from the coast, the action makes the New Smyrna Speedway well worth the trek. A host track for professional stock car races, drivers like Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch and more have also used the speedway as a testing ground for NASCAR races.
Since 1987, the first Wednesday in February has been designated as National Girls and Women in Sports Day, recognizing student-athletes, champion athletes, coaches, administrators and lawmakers committed to providing equitable access to sports for all girls and women.
This year’s festivities on Feb. 2 also kicked off a yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of the legislation that provided that access: Title IX.
At the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, more American women stood atop the medal podium than ever before. Sixty-six of Team USA’s 113 total medals were won by women. Gold medalists April Ross (beach volleyball) and Katie Ledecky (swimming) were among the many who credit Title IX for creating the opportunities they had to train, compete and succeed.
Growing Bolder celebrates the ‘lost generation’ of women, those in school before the 1972 passage of Title IX, whose only option for sports was cheerleading. Denied then, today they are excelling in masters sports and realizing the many physical, mental, emotional and social benefits of participation. Growing Bolder is proud to honor their accomplishments and share their inspiration as part of our on-going coverage of the National Senior Games May 10-23, 2022 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The passage of Title IX enabled girls to play sports in school by stating:
READ/WATCH THOMAS'S STORY
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