Florida Grapefruit League Spring Training 
Enjoying the Cincinnati Reds Spring Training in Sarasota is my daughter's favorite Florida pastime.
Photo Credit: Kimberly Ripley
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)
2. Lakeland
The Detroit Tigers train in Lakeland, located one hour southwest of Orlando. The spring of 2009 marks the 73rd year of "Tiger Town," making it the longest-standing relationship between a Major League team and its spring training city. If you visit the big Orlando theme parks in the spring, make time to take in a game with family and friends. (tigers.mlb.com)
3. 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)
4. 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)
5. 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)
6. Port Charlotte
The Tampa Bay Rays train just a few hours south of their home turf. Catch their spring training games in Port Charlotte at Charlotte Sports Park. The park was recently renovated and just began hosting the Rays in 2009. (727-898-RAYS, www.raysbaseball.com)
7. Sarasota
The Cincinnati Reds spend spring at Ed Smith Stadium, where a strong local fan base helps keep the stands packed with adoring Buckeyes. The stadium isn't far from famous Sarasota hotspots Siesta Key Beach and St. Armands Circle, where you can window shop, get a bite to eat and enjoy an ice cream cone from one of several sweet shops. (941-954-4464, www.reds.com)
8. Fort Myers
The Minnesota Twins play in Hammond Stadium at Lee County Sports Complex, and the Boston Red Sox play at City of Palms Park. After the game, get inspired by a visit to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates before settling down at the Farmer's Market Restaurant for some down-home country cooking. (800-33-TWINS, www.twinsbaseball.com / 617-482-4SOX, www.redsox.com)
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Fort Myers Lakeland Orlando Kissimmee Sarasota Clearwater Sports Port Charlotte Jupiter
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03/03/09
Where are the rest of the teams in the grapefruit league? How can you publish a road map to help you plan a spring training-inspired family getaway that does not include all of the teams. How does this represent the best Florida has to offer?
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