Biketoberfest: The Truth About Daytona Beach's Big Bike Rally
Every October, the rumble of engines and the smell of leather and chrome transform Daytona Beach into the epicenter of biker culture.
Biketoberfest isn’t just another motorcycle rally - it’s one of the largest gatherings of riders in the country, bringing hundreds of thousands of people to Florida’s Atlantic coast.
But beyond the roar of Harleys and the rows of custom bikes, there’s a deeper story worth telling.
In this episode of the Chad Gallivanter podcast, we go beyond the surface to uncover the truth about Biketoberfest - how it began, how it compares to Bike Week, what it means for local businesses, and why the culture behind it is so much more than beer tents and burnouts.
You’ll hear about Main Street’s iconic hangouts, the traditions that keep riders coming back year after year, and the side of the rally most visitors don’t see. We also dive into the challenges: the safety concerns, the push-and-pull between city officials and the biker community, and the evolving image of what this event represents today.
Whether you’re a longtime rider, a curious traveler, or just someone who’s heard the thunder from a distance, this episode gives you the full picture of Daytona’s Biketoberfest.
It’s history, culture, and spectacle all rolled into one, and by the end, you’ll know why this rally continues to define the identity of America’s most famous beach town.
Chad’s Top Picks
Main Street Daytona Beach
The heart of Biketoberfest. Live music, packed bars, vendor tents, custom bikes on display, and nonstop action day and night. This is the strip where the energy never fades.
📍 Main Street, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona International Speedway
The Speedway transforms into a biker’s playground during Biketoberfest. Expect demo rides, custom bike shows, gear vendors, and the chance to take it all in at one of the most legendary racing venues in America.
📍 1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL
🌐 daytonainternationalspeedway.com
Destination Daytona (Ormond Beach)
A sprawling biker hub anchored by Teddy Morse’s Daytona Harley-Davidson (formerly Bruce Rossmeyer’s), with Biketoberfest® demo rides, bike shows, a huge vendor village, and daily live music at Saints & Sinners Pub; on-site lodging is available at the Clarion Inn. (Powersports Business)
📍 1637 N US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
🌐 Main site: daytonaharleydavidson.com • Events: Biketoberfest® at Destination Daytona • Complex updates: Destination Daytona (Facebook)
Boot Hill Saloon
An iconic biker bar right across from the Main Street cemetery—known for its motto, “Come on in and have a cold one, or rest in peace.” Loud, rowdy, and unforgettable.
📍 310 Main St, Daytona Beach, FL
🌐 boothillsaloon.com
Iron Horse Saloon (Ormond Beach)
A legendary biker hangout famous for its massive outdoor stage, steel horses hanging from the rafters, and a gritty, one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
📍 1068 N US Hwy 1, Ormond Beach, FL
🌐 ironhorsesaloon.com
Ride the Ormond Scenic Loop
A 30+ mile ride of pure Florida beauty—live oaks, ocean views, marshland, and a stretch of Old Florida that feels untouched by time. It’s the classic ride every biker should take while in town.
📍 Access points in Ormond Beach; starts near North Beach St and Granada Blvd
Daytona Beach Bandshell
Catch live music overlooking the Atlantic. During Biketoberfest, the Bandshell keeps the soundtrack going with free shows that bring the community and bikers together.
📍 70 Boardwalk, Daytona Beach, FL
🌐 daytonabeach.com/bandshell
Cruising A1A
Roll along Florida’s scenic coastal highway. Nothing beats riding oceanfront with the salty breeze in your face and the endless Atlantic to your left.
Why Muscadine Grapes Are Unlike Any Other in America
Step into the vineyard and uncover the story of America’s forgotten grape, the muscadine. Native to the Southeast, this tough little fruit has been part of Southern life for centuries, long before European grapes ever took root here.
In this episode, we explore Florida’s muscadine heritage, its surprising history, and why this grape matters more than you think. Along the way, you’ll learn how muscadines shaped agriculture, culture, and even survival in the South.
From backyard vines to sprawling vineyards, muscadines have a legacy that connects deeply to the land, and to the people who’ve cultivated them for generations. If you’ve ever wondered what makes the muscadine different, why it’s been celebrated for centuries, and why you don’t hear about it nearly enough, this podcast-style journey is for you.
🎙 Spring Garden Vineyard
Key Facts & Details
Name & Location
Spring Garden Vineyard is located at 980 Reynolds Road, DeLeon Springs, Florida. springgardenvineyard.com
It’s run by the Lennon family.
What It Is / What They Do
It's a U-Pick vineyard specializing in muscadine grapes (a native Southeastern vine, well adapted to Florida’s climate).
They grow several muscadine varieties (Southern Home, Alachua, Black Ison, Supreme, Fry, Carlos, Noble) and sell grapes by volume.
Beyond fresh fruit, they produce homemade grape-jellies, grape butter, popsicles etc.
Season / Hours / Pricing (2025)
U-Pick season begins Friday, August 8, 2025, and runs on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays from 8 AM to 5 PM until about Sunday, September 14 (unless they sell out earlier).
Prices:
• ½-gallon bucket (≈ 2.75 lb) - $9
• 1-gallon bucket (≈ 5.5 lb) - $15
• Discounts for multiple gallons (after first three) - each additional gallon ~$12
• Pre-picked gallons & quarts available.
Visiting Tips & What to Know
What to bring: Close-toed shoes, sun protection, water. Pets are allowed if restrained; kids must be supervised.
Rules: Only use the pails they provide, stay in assigned rows while picking, don’t pick grapes off the ground, etc.
Logistics: Parking is in the barn area; you might be transported to the vine rows.
Contact ahead for special arrangements: group tours, large pre-orders, picking outside regular hours.
🕰 Historical & Cultural Context
The area around the vineyard was historically known as Spring Garden Plantation. In 1804, a Spanish land grant of ~2,020 acres was made to William Williams.
The name “Spring Garden” predates “DeLeon Springs.” The shift to “DeLeon Springs” came later (in the late 19th-century) partly to attract tourism, with references to Ponce de Leon and marketing the spring as a “Fountain of Youth.”
Spring Garden Plantation’s history is complex: crops included cotton, sugarcane, corn. Enslaved labor was part of that early plantation economy.
Later, sugar mills and grist mills were built on the property; some destroyed during the Seminole Wars and the Civil War.
🌿 Flavor, Sensory & Miscellany
Muscadine grapes have thick skins, strong flavor. They range in color from bronze to dark purple.
They freeze well, making them good for preserving (jams, jellies, fruit stock).
Health-wise: skins are rich in certain antioxidants - ellagic acid, quercetin, etc.
Most Beautiful Garden in Florida? Naples Botanical Garden
Show Notes 🌿
Step inside one of Florida’s most inspiring cultural treasures: Naples Botanical Garden. This episode takes you through 170 acres of carefully curated landscapes where South Florida meets the tropics of Asia, the Caribbean, and beyond. From vibrant orchids and palms to the tranquility of the Water Garden, we’ll explore how the garden has become a sanctuary not only for plants, but for people.
We’ll talk history—how a group of passionate locals transformed a patch of lakes and scrubland into a world-class destination—and highlight the role of conservation in preserving rare and threatened species. You’ll also hear about the seasonal art installations, family-friendly programming, and why this garden is as much about culture and community as it is about horticulture.
Whether you’re looking for travel inspiration, a serene escape, or just curious about what makes this garden one of the top attractions in Southwest Florida, this episode is your guide.
📍 Locations Mentioned
Naples Botanical Garden – 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, FL 34112
🌐 naplesgarden.org
10 Can’t-Miss Things to See & Do in Siesta Key
Siesta Key is a gorgeous barrier island off the southwest coast of Florida, known for its white quartz sand, turquoise waters, and many beachside amenities. Siesta Key offers something for everyone, whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family fun destination, or a playground for outdoor adventures. On this episode, Chad Gallivanter highlights 10 can’t miss things to see and do in Siesta Key.
Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild
During the holiday season, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford transforms into a dazzling wonderland of lights, colors and sound. From mid-November through mid-January, the zoo plays host to the Asian Lantern Festival: Into the Wild. The event celebrates the art, beauty and wonder of traditional lantern festivals that can be found in various countries and regions across Asia.
12 Must-Do Things in Sarasota
It was 1927 when John Ringling brought his famous circus to town making Sarasota the official winter home of the Greatest Show on Earth. A once sleepy fishing village on Florida’s Gulf Coast was transformed into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. But Sarasota’s charm goes far beyond its circus legacy. This area is often referred to as Florida’s Cultural Coast because of its abundance of performances, galleries and museums packed into a relatively small geographic area. And then there’s natural beauty from one of Florida’s largest state parks to six gorgeous barrier islands that hug 40 miles of coastline, each with their own personality. This travel guide highlights the 12 things you must do when visiting Sarasota.
Best Things to Do on St. George Street in St. Augustine
St. George Street is the premier street in the nation’s oldest city of St. Augustine. Pedestrians can stroll down this historic street that’s chock full of shops, restaurants, attractions and early homes that reflect the rich heritage and culture of the city. A major destination for first-time visitors, I want to take you down this street, show you some of my favorite stops as well as a couple of hidden gems many folks miss or ignore.
7 New Things You Can’t Miss in Sanford, Florida
A short drive northeast of Orlando on the shore of Lake Monroe, historic downtown Sanford is a great destination if you’re wanting to experience a different side of Central Florida, away from the crowds and theme parks. One of my favorite places to spend a day, this vibrant community is known for its tree-lined downtown, gorgeous lakefront and special events like Sanford Porchfest, a grassroots music festival held on front porches around town the fourth Saturday of every February. Sanford is a place that’s always evolving, especially when it comes to new local businesses opening up downtown. Quite a bit of growth over the last couple of years with more expected in the near future. Today, I’m back in the town once known for growing celery telling you about 7 new things you can’t miss in Sanford.
7 Things You Can’t Miss in Apopka, Florida
Just down the road from Orlando is a city known for its thriving plant nurseries and unbelievable natural beauty. Near the community of Apopka you’ll find a number of spots where you can get in touch with nature, from clear springs to a farm where you can get lost in a corn maze during the autumn months. In this video, Chad Gallivanter highlights 7 things you can't miss near Apopka, Florida.
Exploring Central Florida’s Golden Triangle
Bountiful lakes, oak trees draped in Spanish moss, small businesses housed in stately historic buildings.
On this episode, I’m taking you to a region of Central Florida known as the Golden Triangle, made up of three charming towns in Lake County: Tavares, Eustis, and Mount Dora.
The Golden Triangle is named after the triangular shape formed by connecting these towns on a map. Each town has its own unique history, culture, and attractions, and together they offer a variety of experiences for visitors.
Exploring Cassadaga: A Spiritual Retreat With a Spooky Twist
If you are looking for a unique and mystical destination in Florida, you might want to check out Cassadaga, a small place just off I-4 known as the Psychic Capital of the World. Cassadaga is home to the largest Spiritualist community in the Southern United States, where you can find mediums, psychics, and other practitioners of the paranormal. But Cassadaga is not just a place for fortune-telling and ghost-hunting; it is also a place for history, nature, art, and culture.
10 Best Things to Do in Winter Park, Florida
Winter Park is a charming city in Orange County, Florida, that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for culture, nature, history, or entertainment, Winter Park has something for you. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Winter Park, Florida.
Visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is a must-see for art lovers. It houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the renowned American artist and designer. You can admire his stunning stained glass windows, lamps, jewelry, pottery, paintings, and more. The museum also features other American art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as paintings by John Singer Sargent, Mary Cassatt, and Thomas Eakins. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with free admission on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Stroll along Park Avenue
Park Avenue is the heart of Winter Park, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and galleries. You can browse for books, antiques, clothing, jewelry, and more. You can also enjoy a delicious meal or a cup of coffee at one of the many eateries along the avenue. Park Avenue is also home to some of Winter Park’s historic landmarks, such as the Winter Park Historical Museum and the Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum. Park Avenue is a great place to experience the charm and culture of Winter Park.
Explore the Harry P. Leu Gardens
The Harry P. Leu Gardens are a botanical paradise in Orlando, just a short drive from Winter Park. The gardens span 50 acres and feature more than 40 different plant collections, such as roses, camellias, orchids, palms, cycads, and more. You can also visit the historic Leu House Museum, which dates back to the 19th century and showcases the lives of four families who lived there. The gardens are open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission on the first Monday of every month.
Ride the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour is a fun and relaxing way to see the beauty of Winter Park from the water. The tour takes you on a one-hour cruise through three of the seven lakes that make up the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. You can enjoy the views of lush landscapes, elegant homes, and wildlife along the way. You can also learn about the history and ecology of Winter Park from your knowledgeable guide. The tour operates every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with departures every hour on the hour.
Catch a show at the Winter Park Playhouse
The Winter Park Playhouse is a professional musical theater that offers high-quality entertainment for all ages. The playhouse features a variety of shows throughout the year, ranging from classic musicals to contemporary comedies. You can also enjoy cabaret performances and special events at the playhouse. The playhouse is located in a cozy and intimate venue that seats up to 123 people. You can also enjoy a drink or a snack at the lobby bar before or after the show.
Visit the Rollins Museum of Art
The Rollins Museum of Art is located on the campus of Rollins College, one of the oldest and most prestigious colleges in Florida. The museum boasts an impressive collection of more than 5,000 works of art from various periods and cultures, such as ancient Greek and Roman art, European Old Masters, American art, contemporary art, and more. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with free admission for everyone.
Enjoy a picnic at Central Park
Central Park is a lovely green space in the center of Winter Park that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park covers more than 11 acres and features shady trees, grassy lawns, fountains, benches, and sculptures. You can enjoy a picnic at one of the tables or on a blanket on the ground. You can also watch live performances at the park’s amphitheater or visit the Winter Park Farmers’ Market nearby on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Taste some wine at the Wine Room
The Wine Room is a wine lover’s dream come true. It’s a wine bar and shop that offers more than 150 wines by the glass and more than 2,500 wines by the bottle. You can use a smart card to sample different wines from the self-serve dispensers, or you can order a glass or a bottle from the menu. You can also pair your wine with some cheese, charcuterie, or other snacks from the kitchen. The Wine Room is open every day from noon to midnight.
Play some golf at the Winter Park Golf Course
The Winter Park Golf Course is a historic and scenic golf course that dates back to 1914. It’s a nine-hole, par-35 course that offers a challenging and enjoyable game for golfers of all skill levels. The course is nestled among the lakes and canals of Winter Park, offering beautiful views and wildlife sightings. The course is open every day from sunrise to sunset, with reasonable rates and rentals available.
Watch a movie at the Enzian Theater
The Enzian Theater is a unique and independent cinema that showcases the best of alternative, foreign, and classic films. The theater has a single screen and a cozy atmosphere, with tables and chairs instead of rows of seats. You can order food and drinks from the theater’s restaurant and bar, and enjoy them while watching the movie. The theater also hosts festivals, special events, and live music throughout the year.
Winter Park, Florida, is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves art, nature, history, or entertainment. There are so many things to do in Winter Park that you’ll never get bored. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a week, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget in Winter Park.
10 Things Young-at-Heart Seniors Must Do in Florida
Florida is a popular destination for retirees who want to enjoy the sunshine, the beaches, and the attractions of the Sunshine State. But Florida is not just for relaxing and golfing. There are many fun and exciting things to do for seniors who are young at heart and want to explore the diverse and vibrant culture, nature, and history of Florida.
Top 10 Family Destinations in Florida
Florida is a wonderful state for families who love the sun, the sand, and the sea. With hundreds of miles of coastline, Florida offers a variety of beaches and islands to suit every taste and budget. Whether you're looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, you'll find it here. In this video, we’re exploring some of the best places to visit with your family in Florida and what makes them so special.
8 Can't-Miss Places in Seaside, Florida | Best Things to Do in The Truman Show Town
When you talk about the master-planned beach towns along the Gulf in South Walton, one comes to mind first because, it was the first.
Established in 1981, Seaside is one of earliest designed on the principles of New Urbanism, an architectural and social movement that emphasizes walkability, mixed-use development, and community interaction. The layout is inspired by the traditional small towns of the American South, with narrow streets, front porches, and public spaces that encourage folks to engage with their neighbors. You’ll find Victorian, Craftsman and Modern styles in Seaside, all built to a strict guidelines which promote harmony and consistency throughout the community. Buildings are painted in bright colors, inviting you to relax and stay a while.
On this episode, we’re gonna show you around this charming coastal town and let you know about 8 places we think you can’t miss when visiting Seaside.
5 Florida Panhandle Beach Towns You Can't Miss on 30A (South Walton)
Rosemary Beach is one of 16 distinct beach neighborhoods in South Walton, Florida, known by locals as SoWal. In total, 26 miles of sugar-white sand beaches that contrast nicely with the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
If you’ve never paid a visit to this region, there’s simply nothing else like it in America. Crystal-clear waters and breathtaking sunsets make the beaches of SoWal a haven for beach lovers. But the beach towns along 30-A take it to the next level. The communities are charming, and the architecture is unique, giving each town a personality of its own. The area is also known for its lush vegetation, coastal dune lakes, and rare natural habitats.
One of the reasons why the beach towns along 30-A are so special - the numerous planned communities that offer something for everyone. These neighborhoods are carefully designed to preserve the natural beauty of the area while providing residents and visitors with all the modern amenities.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing vacation or one filled with lots of activity, you’ll find what you’re looking for in South Walton. On this episode, we’re showing you 5 Florida Panhandle Beach Towns You Can’t Miss on 30-A.
12 Places in Florida that Should be on Your Radar
For non-Floridians, planning a trip to the Sunshine State can be a daunting assignment. The state is so diverse, it’s often difficult to know where to start.
From the white sandy beaches and emerald waters in the Panhandle to quaint “old Florida” fishing villages that dot the nature coast to artsy neighborhoods in South Florida and the most beautiful stretch of roadway in the entire state that takes visitors to Mile Zero. Throw a dart at a map of Florida and you can’t really go wrong.
But what places should be at the top of your list? Which ones do you need to visit now?
On this episode, we’re running down places in Florida that should be on your radar. This is a collection of everything from towns and landmarks to natural attractions you need to see.
Mentioned
Seaside
Apalachicola
Cedar Key
The Everglades
The Keys
10 Best Things to Do in Ybor City
Ybor City is one of Tampa’s most famous and one of its most colorful neighborhoods. Minutes from downtown, this charming historic district of about 300 acres got its start in the 1880s. That’s when Spanish immigrant Vincente Martinez-Ybor brought the booming cigar industry to Tampa.
Ybor was the first, the visionary. Not long after the turn of the century, about a couple hundred cigar factories were producing over a million cigars a day. Thousands of Cuban, Italian, Spanish, Eastern European and some Chinese immigrants were drawn to what became known as the “Cigar Capital of the World.”
Ybor and his industry counterparts established other area businesses like a streetcar line, grocery stores and other essential services along with constructing small houses known as “casitas.” Workers could purchase the homes at cost as a way of increasing staff retention and improving worker satisfaction.
The company town boomed for several years until the Great Depression triggered a downturn in the cigar industry. Demand for luxury products like fine cigars dropped, leading to the closure of some of the factories. As mechanized production increased, many workers lost their jobs and left the city.
The neighborhood further declined in the 1950s when I-4 was constructed through Ybor.
The eighties and nineties brought revitalization to one of Florida’s most unique cultural gems. Today, this national historic district is teeming with the Sunshine State’s biggest industry - tourism. On this episode, we show you around this Tampa neighborhood and run down what we think are the best things to do in Ybor City.
Best Stops Along I-4 Between Orlando and Daytona Beach
Starting on the west side of Florida in Tampa, running through the heart of downtown Orlando and terminating in the east with Daytona Beach is Interstate 4.
With the final stretch of the highway completed in 1965, it roughly follows the original path of the Sanford-Tampa Rail Line built by Henry Plant in the mid-1880s.
Spanning just over 130-miles, I-4 is known as one of the most heavily-traveled tourism corridors in the nation. The three major Orlando theme parks are just off the route along with other attractions, hotels, restaurants, and plenty more fun things to do.
In this video, we’re traveling a section of the highway to show you what we think are the best stops along I-4 between Orlando and Daytona. Well-known places and some maybe you’ve never heard of.
10 Best Things to Do in Melbourne and the Beaches
The waterfront city of Melbourne, Florida got its start shortly after the Civil War, largely remaining undeveloped until new settlers arrived in 1877. Among that group, three freed black men who became instrumental in the town’s early growth.
Known as the Harbor City, Melbourne has something for everyone from beaches, nature and recreation to some unique historic districts where you can find arts, shopping and nightlife.
In this video, we’re showing you the best things to do in Melbourne and the Beaches.
