SolarVet

Starting to make travel plans to attend the NCRS Regional in Lakeland FL. There are a number of hotels associated with the event listed, but was hoping to hear from folks who had attended this event before.

Any good choices close to event ? A nice buffet breakfast is always a plus!

Thank you - Hunter

mikelj

Hampton Inn is my choice. Garden Inn is good too. All are a long drive to the event, which is the worst part about it.

65hihp

Hilton Garden Inn has the breakfast buffet, but I wouldn't call it "good". More like tolerable. The Hampton Inn Lakeland has the better food options nearby for dinner.
The FLA Winter Regional isn't known for its cuisine.

63silver

I am from canada and staying in South Florida while this is on and am thinking of going up for a day or so to look around. My question is what do I need to be a sectator? I am a member of NCRS Canada Chapter this year. Am I right to understand there is a car corral close by

SolarVet

Thank you for the suggestions so far. Anyone else?

SolarVet

I would contact the event chairman. His contact info (taken from The Driveline) is John Buchheister with an email at: jpb2@qis.net

ricks327

Years ago, while in Lakeland for Tiger's spring training game, a local friend took us to a great downtown Lakeland Italian place. It was near some railroad tracks. On second thought, after looking a Google map, it might have been Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille at E. Main and Kentucky.

gbvette62

I've stayed at the Comfort Inn at I-4 and 98 in Lakeland, the Comfort Inn at I-4 & N Park Rd in Plant City, and the Holiday Inn Express also at I-4 in Plant City.

The Comfort Inn on 98 in Lakeland is pretty nice (4+ star rating), and has a number of restaurants nearby. Of the 2 hotels in Plant City, the Holiday Inn is the nicer one, but there's nothing wrong with the Comfort Inn either. Be aware that the only restaurants near the Plant City hotels are fast food, like an Arby's, Burger King and Denny's. The Plant City hotels are about a 15 minute ride to Sun 'n Fun, the Lakeland Comfort Inn is 17-20 minutes.

Harry's in downtown Lakeland is pretty good, if you don't mind being hassled for hand outs, walking to and from the restaurant (this seems to be a problem throughout the Lakeland area, or at least it was in the past). We always make a point to eat at Harry's when we're in Lakeland. Harry's is a Florida chain, with 4 other locations.

A fun restaurant for car people to check out is Ford's Garage in the Lakeland Park Center, off 98 and I-4, across from the Lakeland Comfort Inn. Ford's Garages are a chain of restaurants based in Florida, that are decorated with 20's and 30's Fords and Ford parts. They usually feature 2 or 3 Model A or T Ford's hanging from the ceiling, Model T & A 4 cylinder and flathead V8 engines on display stands, benches with Ford pick up tailgates for back rests, and even old Ford flatbed trucks for stages.

jjtoma

Harry's is a great place. New Orleans style cooking. (yum yummy)
:-)