Visit Florida - Worth the Drive 2008 - (Page 6) 6 WWW.AAA.COM/ VISITFLORIDA >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Spring Training Major League Baseball’s “Boys of Spring” play all around Central and South Florida. Here’s a road map to help you plan a spring traininginspired family getaway. Orlando Watch the Atlanta Braves at Cracker Jack, now Champion® Stadium at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista. Nicer than most regular season facilities, this stadium has 90 percent of its seats between the bases. Plus, the Disney theme parks are right next door. (407-939-1500, disneyworldsports.disney.go.com) Clearwater The Philadelphia Phillies play at Bright House Field on Coachman Road. Just five years old, this is one of the best ballparks in the Grapefruit League. There’s not a bad seat in the house, and being home to Philly fans, you can’t find a better cheesesteak. In the evening, take the family out to Clearwater Beach’s Pier 60 on the Gulf of Mexico for one of the best sunset celebrations in Florida. (727-467-4457, www.phillies.com) Jupiter The St. Louis Cardinals and Florida Marlins both train at Roger Dean Stadium, one of the busiest in Florida. You’re almost guaranteed a game since two teams play here. After the ballgame, grab a slice at Nick’s Tomato Pie, one mile east of Interstate 95, or check out oceanfront Dubois Park, a 29-acre beach ideal for family fun. (561-775-1818, www.rogerdeanstadium.com) Vero Beach The Los Angeles Dodgers play at Holman Stadium in Dodgertown, a quaint, smalltown ballpark that’s a great place to get up close and personal with the big leaguers. Afterwards, catch a volleyball game or take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean at nearby South Beach Park. Then refuel with some local seafood at the kid-friendly Ocean Grill. (772-569-6858, www.dodgers.com) 4 Kissimmee The Houston Astros make themselves at home in Osceola County Stadium. This is cowboy country, so it’s fitting that Texans play here. While in town, visit the classic Florida theme park Gatorland for reptile wrestling and animal shows that are sure to thrill the kids. Or round up the family for Dude ranch-style fun at nearby Westgate River Ranch Resort. (321-697-3200, www.houstonastros.com) St. Petersburg The Tampa Bay Rays train right in their own backyard. Catch their spring training games in downtown St. Pete at Progress Energy Park, home of Al Lang Field. Located on Tampa Bay within a foul ball of the city marina, this is one of the most picturesque ballparks in Florida. Stop at Tangelo’s Grill for authentic Cuban sandwiches, then head over to Straub Park for a waterfront stroll. (727-898-RAYS, www.raysbaseball.com) http://WWW.AAA.COM/VISITFLORIDA http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com http://www.phillies.com http://www.rogerdeanstadium.com http://www.dodgers.com http://www.houstonastros.com http://www.raysbaseball.com
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