Country Club Harbor - Daytona Beach, FL

In 1513, famed explorer Ponce De Leon accidentally discovered DeLeon Springs, the famous state park located just west of Daytona, while on his quest for the Fountain of Youth. In 1874, northern tycoon Matthias Day became captivated by the area and built Daytona Beach’s first hotel.

Although Daytona has undergone huge growth since the early 1930s, Country Club Harbor has remained very small since its inception, with a population of only 750.

Enjoy museums? Experience an awe-inspiring planetarium show at the Museum of Arts and Sciences. Afterwards, catch one of its touring exhibits that may feature contemporary paintings, mastodon exhibits, or black and white photographs.

Arts enthusiasts should head to the Cinematique Theater and view an independent or foreign film. The theater features an all-digital screen and concession stand where patrons can enjoy affordable snacks.

Although the Country Club Harbor neighborhood does not host any annual events, the city of Daytona Beach has gained national notoriety for putting on several large events. Don't miss the Daytona Turkey Run, a showcase of antique and classic automobiles held at International Speedway at Thanksgiving time. For adventurous types, Bike Week offers a one-of-a-kind experience filled with rugged bikers and Main Street's famous dive bars at the end of February.

Country Club Harbor residents enjoy historic Beach Street’s wide selection of ethnic cuisine from around the world as well as American comfort food. With options for Caribbean surf and turf, hand-rolled sushi and Irish home cooking, locals enjoy some of the city’s best dining experiences within a 5-mile radius.

Hidden off secluded Ballough Road, locals claim Caribbean Jack’s as Daytona’s best-kept secret. The attentive waiters, breathtaking river views and Key West vibe make for a Caribbean food experience like no other. Take advantage of the daily specials, such as jerk chicken quesadillas on Mondays or blackened crawfish Alfredo on Fridays. Beer aficionados appreciate Happy Hour every day while munching on spinach and artichoke dip served with tortilla chips. For seafood lovers, a 2-pound platter of steamed Alaskan snow crab legs or pasta Alfredo with grilled shrimp hits the spot. If you love Caribbean food, you'll go a long way to beat the full rack of sweet jerk ribs or the Caribbean fish tacos. For outdoor seating worth the wait, request a rocking booth to enjoy gorgeous river views. If live music appeals to you, stay for the local musicians who perform each night.

For a sushi experience you won’t soon forget, stop by Ronin, a romantic sushi and sake bar that prides itself on its fruit-infused sake made from scratch. The dim lighting and sleek black and red decor make it the perfect spot for dates or anyone looking for a quiet place to enjoy a Japanese treat. Start the evening off with an appetizer of crab rangoon and seaweed salad, followed by an order of volcano rolls or yellowtail sashimi. Afterwards, wash everything down with a bottle of lychee, a sweet sake served hot or cold at your request.

A favorite among college students and young professionals, McK's Tavern offers over 180 domestic and imported beers and stocks a full bar. If you're feeling adventurous, ask for the McK’s Beer Challenge list, a checklist of over 140 beers that rewards the drinker with an engraved glass mug featuring his name if completed within a 4-month period. McK's also serves a fantastic range of Irish dishes, including corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash. On weekend nights, local musicians perform Irish music for patrons.

If you need of public transportation in Country Club Harbor, the Votran bus picks you up at Stop 594 on the corner of South Beach Street and Marker Channel, or at one of the additional three stops in front of Country Club Harbor. With over nine different taxi companies available, cabs serve as a pricier choice. Make sure to call ahead. Uber doesn't operate in Daytona Beach.

Due to its close proximity to historic Beach Street, residents of Country Club Harbor find themselves within walking distance of many of downtown’s hottest restaurants and bars. The majority of businesses on the street accommodate patrons with free parking, unless a special event such as Bike Week or Race Week is underway. Bicyclists do not have access to biking lanes in the area, so driving or walking is recommended. To access the nearest highway, follow Beville Road 5 miles west until you reach the I-95 on-ramp.

Near Country Club Harbor, kids and teens love the SFC Jericho Skate Park, a church-run skate park dedicated to providing a safe, fun environment for children and their families. The park includes multiple street courses and bowls and costs $5 for an all-day session.

The Samuel Butts Archaeological Park provides visitors with woody trails and signs throughout that feature remnants of bones, pottery and arrowheads. It's free to enter and safe to visit in both daytime and evening hours.

Dog owners travel to nearby Holly Hill for the Riviera Oaks Dog Park, a fenced park that permits off-leash play and free entry. The park requires owners to pick up after their pooches, with doggie bags conveniently provided on site.

With a slightly higher cost of living the Daytona Beach city average, residents of Country Club Harbor can expect to pay around $850 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. A Votran to Daytona Beach City Hall costs just $1.50 and beer at a local pub runs an average of $3.50. Daytona Beach occupants pay approximately 2 percent more than the rest of the country for gasoline.

Within just two minutes of historic Beach Street and 15 minutes of the Volusia Mall, Country Club Harbor delights all local shoppers. The boutiques of Beach Street satisfy bargain hunters searching for original jewelry, while the mall's 130 stores and eateries give even the finickiest shoppers both upscale and affordable options.

For antique and retro furniture, clothing and jewelry, pay a visit to the nice folks at Moxie Vintage. Locals rave about the unique items and inventory that's updated daily. While you're there, snag a 1960s evening dress or an Italian Borsalino fedora from the 1940s. Whatever items suit your fancy, you're bound to find something at an unbeatable price.

Magic enthusiasts can't miss Daytona Magic, a Beach Street magic shop that's served the Daytona Area since 1966. With categories such as juggling, coin magic, ventriloquism and jokes, the store caters to a variety of interests and even manufactures over 500 of the items on sale.

Although there aren't any grocery stores in the immediate neighborhood, Country Club Harbor residents can venture down Beville Road to the nearest Publix or down South Atlantic for a Winn-Dixie. For fresh fruits and veggies, baked goods and seafood, hit the City Island Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings.