Vegan Eats on Race Day at Daytona 500; My Experience

Race Day starts with a long drive to Daytona. Lucky for me, the drive is a beautiful one. And, I packed plenty of snacks including mandarin oranges, bananas, walnuts and a large bottle of Italian sparkling mineral with an ice-filled travel mug.

Lunch was off the Boulevard at a true local's spot called Sunbee Korean Garden. Not an all-vegan restaurant. But, still left very satisfied. I ordered the dol-sot bimbimbop with tofu. It was served in a hot stone which made the rice extra crispy. Highly recommend the hot pot; it's worth the extra charge. It came with several sides of pickled vegetables , kimchee, and a entire bottle of spicy gochujang sauce. The trick to enjoying a good bibimbop is to mix all of the ingredients together. It was a little expensive but well worth the price of the meal. True Koran cooks. Excellent service. Left more than satisfied.

Starbucks for hot tea on the Boulevard. Comfortable place to get out of the rain. Plenty of free parking. I took Royal Breakfast with soy milk and raw sugar. Refill with hot water for free and I'm out the door. Ready for the Speedway.

After the race, it's Tiajuana Flats for a late-night snack. I ordered the tostada without the cheese and sour cream.; substituted salsa verde. The tostada was much bigger than I was expecting. Topped with beans, lettuce, and tomato. The salsa verde was delicious and is served hot! They also serve it with fresh salsa and, of course, an entire salsa bar. Perfect late-night snack. Perfect location across from the Speedway. Under $10.

The race may be over, but there are still things to do and people to see. Stop in at Barnes and Noble for a hot cup of green tea. I take this one plain with no soy or sugar. I take it on the road and refill my cup with hot water for free the rest of the night. Hot water is normally complimentary. Tip for the service when appropriate. Cost less than $3 for several soothing cups throughout the night. Important to stay hydrated.

Finally, it's time form the long drive home. As I drive way from the bright lights of Daytona Beach, a stop for gas turns into an opportunity to snack. I'm not the biggest fan of Subway Sandwiches, but a six-inch Veggie Delight after midnight sounded alright. Got mine with no cheese, tons of veggies, mustard and red wine vinegar on a spinach wrap. The wrap was easy to eat in my pickup while driving through the forest at night. Washed it all down the with rest of the fruit, nuts and green tea. This all made for a very comfortable trip through the forest.

Race fans are not generally known for their embrace of vegan culture, although attitudes are changing. I do find Daytona Beach, however, some-what welcoming to vegans travelers. You will even find the highway ripe with produce stands along the way. Always a good idea to pick up some fresh Florida oranges and grapefruits when in season. Daytona Beach even has all-vegan restaurants and juice bars. Daytona Beach offers vegans lots to enjoy. You shouldn't go hungry. I didn't on this day.