Spring Training Weekend Getaway

Spring Training is in full swing, but there’s still time to see your favorite team prepare for the upcoming season. Games are being played through March 25 in Florida and Arizona. It’s a great time to enjoy the game in a more relaxed atmosphere and get a look at some of the exciting new prospects your club is developing.

If you live in the northern states, it’s also a great excuse to escape the final throes of winter, get a jump on your summer tan and knock the rust off your golf game. Both states offer a myriad of recreational and entertainment opportunities beyond baseball, so whether you’re traveling with friends or family, we recommend you pull up your favorite team’s schedule and plan a last minute adventure.

Here are some tips on where to stay, eat, and play from our experts:

The Grapefruit League

Located in the Sunshine State, the Grapefruit League is made up of East Coast and Midwest teams from both the American and National League. Nine teams are located are located on the Gulf side of the state from Dunedin to Fort Myers and five teams are clustered in southeastern Florida in West Palm Beach, Jupiter, and Port St. Lucie. Tickets are available via the teams’ websites.

The Gulf Coast:

Blue Jays, Tigers, Phillies, Yankees, Pirates, Orioles, Braves, Rays, Red Sox, Twins

ACCOMODATIONS
The Vinoy in St. Petersburg has been one of the Tampa Bay area’s most spectacular waterfront resorts since it opened in 1926. In Naples, we recommend the Hotel Escalante which is a private escape provides tranquility, comfort and personal service in the heart of downtown Old Naples just steps from the gulf’s pristine beaches.

DINING
While Tampa boasts a diverse range of dining options, for us, you can’t miss the authentic Cuban food of Columbia in Ybor City. For old school Italian, no one in Tampa beats Donatello. For those staying further down the coast in Naples, Sails delivers a unique combination of French, Italian, and Greek cuisine, bringing a laid back Mediterranean attitude to the Gulf coast.

GOLF
Cabot Citrus is the most anticipated new course in western Florida. You’ll want to experience it before your friends do! For a more classic loop, book a tee time at the Innisbrook Golf Resort, especially its Copperhead Course, home to the PGA Valspar Championship.

The Atlantic Coast:

Mets, Cardinals, Marlins, Astros, Nationals

ACCOMODATIONS
The Breakers, The Colony Hotel, and Palm House are all well-known and live up to their reputations. But for something more intimate, we recommend the White Elephant. With just 13 rooms and 19 suites, it offers a much more intimate experience.

DINING
Sant Ambroeus is an name familiar to diners in the Hamptons, Aspen, Manhattan, and Milan. It doesn’t disappoint in Palm Beach with Italian dishes inspired by the sea and the fresh ingredients of Florida. Celebrity chef restaurants can be hit or miss, but Cafe Boulud always delivers, earning four stars in the Forbes Travel Guide and Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence.”

GOLF
It’s hard to have a all-star lineup of backers than Panther National. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and Justin Thomas, the club also counts Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland, Sahith Theegala and other PGA pros as ambassadors. Public courses get short shrift sometimes, but few publics capture the heart of their community like The Park West Palm.

The Cactus League

Founded in 1947, the Cactus League is more geographically compact than the Grapefruit League. With 15 teams playing in 10 stadiums around the Phoenix/Scottsdale area it’s easier to see a few teams over a long weekend.

Phoenix: Cubs, White Sox, Brewers, Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Mariners, Giants, A’s, Diamondbacks, Reds, Guardians, Rockies, Royals, Rangers

ACCOMODATIONS
The classics include The Arizona Biltmore, The Phoenician, and The Fairmont Princess (). If you’re looking for something a little more modern, The Global Ambassador offers a fresh take on luxury. Rise Uptown Hotel is a newer property built in a re-imagined mid-century office building. For those who prefer a more natural escape, the Adero Scottsdale offers stunning views and easy access to the trails through the Sonoran Desert.

DINING
Finding great food in the Phoenix area isn’t hard, especially Southwestern fare. Don’t miss Espiritu Mesa for an elevated experience. If you’re hankering for a great cut of beef, The Stockyard is a legendary eatery and was rumored to be John Wayne’s favorite steakhouse. For something a little lighter, Sottise offers an unpretentious take on classic French dishes. Don’t skip the most important meal of the day. Matt’s Big Breakfast offers a premium diner experience with high quality natural ingredients and exceptional cooking.

GOLF
We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, offers the Scott Miller designed Cholla course and Coore/Crenshaw designed Saguaro course which are among the very best in the southwestern United States as judged by both golf media and players alike. Another great option is Troon North, both the Monument and Pinnacle courses consistently rank at the top of every golfer’s must-play list. Recent course renovations by original designer and British Open Champion Tom Weiskopf have created two new layouts that bring his original concept to life.

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