The Manatee Messenger Bringing you the latest news about West Volusia's
special events, area attractions and lodging promotions
August 2011
Volusia Visits Silver Glen Springs
Silver Glen Springs is a popular summer hangout for boaters who enjoy its refreshing crystal clear waters. On the weekends, if you don't arrive early, there isn't room to anchor your boat. And it certainly is not the time for a curious young manatee to start exploring new territory. Maybe Volusia just stumbled upon the spring run as he navigated the shores of Lake George nibbling on succulent vegetation. Or, maybe he was enticed by the same kind of water that flows from Blue Spring which is so familiar to him.
Slowly swimming along the banks of the spring run, Volusia made his way closer to the opening of the spring area. A few boats passed him idling their way along the narrow waters. If he was more experienced, he would have been wary of the turbulence, but he continued on until his arrival at the swimming area. Beware Volusia !
Hundreds of people of all ages were frolicking in the water - some on floats, some snorkeling and lots just splashing around. Volusia experienced sensory overload and panicked. He accidentally joined in the splashing as he high-tailed it out of there! Thank goodness there were no boats moving as Volusia , squealing loudly, sped down the narrow spring run out toward Lake George. There to greet and surround him were some of his new manatee friends, including a mother or two with calves. Volusia finally calmed down, lesson learned to be more cautious and not to wander off too far on his own.
Next month: Does Volusia have a girlfriend?
Above Photo: Volusia the Manatee
Courtesy of Ranger Wayne Hartley
Volusia's Adventures is an ongoing series of entertaining articles that illustrate typical manatee activities based on known behaviors and traits. Follow Volusia each month on his journey along the magnificent and historic St. Johns River to see what exciting situations he gets into.
Have Fun with Foursquare! Saturday, August 20th
Featuring Dog Days of Summer
& DeLand's Hot Summer Nights
~~ Downtown DeLand ~~
Mark your calendars and join us for all the festivities!  Dog Days of Summer Pet Festival - Saturday morning, August 20th, from 9 a.m - 1 p.m., bring your canine friends to downtown DeLand for a free festival in their honor, featuring vendors and displays catering to them and their other furry friends.
DeLand's Hot Summer Nights - Later that evening from 4-8 p.m., downtown comes alive with entertainment and dancing along with an antique car show! Enjoy shopping at unique boutiques and galleries, great dining and good cheer into the night at restaurants and pubs. Fun with Foursquare - In partnership with MainStreet DeLand, the tourism bureau is coordinating a foursquare activity to go along with the day's events. Be sure to check in on foursquare on your smartphone at each downtown stop to earn points, badges and mayorships. Leave lots of tips, and take advantage of special discounts at participating stores, restaurants and area lodging! BADGES! - Here are just a few badges you can work towards while downtown: Warhol (10 galleries), Wino (5 wine bars) and Vinyl (5 record shops). We must say, there is one badge that has been rather elusive, the Swarm badge. It requires a minimum of 50 foursquare users checking into one venue within three hours time to unlock it. So spread the word to all your friends to check in at the venue "Downtown DeLand" between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or again between 5-8 p.m.! The details are coming soon to our website: www.visitwestvolusia.com/foursquare . Check out our "Dog Days and Hot Nights in DeLand" foursquare listing on meetup.com/foursquare , and join the DeLand/West Volusia foursquare Meetup community! Foursquare is a fun and interactive smartphone app that can lead you to unforgettable experiences throughout West Volusia! We invite you come stay with us, check in on foursquare, and explore everything that makes our region truly special! Be our friend on foursquare and stay tuned for news about the next foursquare-friendly event in September!! www.visitwestvolusia.com/foursquare
Hot Deals on Vacation Packages
West Volusia Golf Escape - SUMMER SALE - From just $75pp per night!
Tee up for some of the best golfing in Central Florida with great priced golf packages! Golfers visiting West Volusia will be pleasantly surprised to find themselves playing championship courses with rolling hills and lush fairways more characteristic of the Carolinas. Price includes one 18-hole round of golf, cart and one bag of range balls per night stay as well as accommodations (based on double occupancy) and breakfast. In addition, each golfer receives a free eco-friendly golf gift and a chance to win a Wilson golf bag.
St. Johns River Fishing Escapes
The West Volusia section of the St. Johns River, a federally designated American Heritage River, boasts some of the best fishing Florida has to offer. Largemouth black bass, warmouth, bluegill, specks, stripers and catfish abound. Our professional and knowledgeable guides will show you a great time. Not only is the fishing terrific here, but a day out on the soothing sun dappled waters of the majestic St. Johns surrounded by lush landscapes and native wildlife will refresh your spirit!
Featured Accommodations
Hotel/Motel: Hampton Inn, DeBary - This lovely hotel is situated in a quiet area directly off I-4 between Daytona area beaches and the Orlando attractions. It features free WIFI, a hot breakfast bar, HBO, fitness room, business center, pool and spa. Gemini Springs Park is nearby. Enjoy fresh baked cookies each evening! 386-668-5758 www.debarydeltona.hamptoninn.com
Bed & Breakfast: DeLand Country Inn B&B, DeLand - The DeLand Country Inn is the only traditional bed and breakfast in DeLand. The historic inn is more than 130 years old, British owned and family operated. A free full English breakfast is included. Pets are usually welcome by prior arrangement. Located in downtown DeLand, guests may enjoy an easy walk to shops, restaurants and Stetson University. 386-736-4244 www.delandcountryinn.com
Riverfront: Holly Bluff Marina, DeLand - Holly Bluff is a full-service marina that offers houseboat rentals on the beautiful St. Johns River with its miles of breathtaking views and pristine beauty. Also available are boat sales, storage and service facilities, fuel and a gift shop. Relax and see the wonders of Florida's back country from the deck of your very own rental houseboat! 386-822-9992 www.hollybluff.com
Campground: St. Johns River Campground, Volusia/Astor - This family-friendly campground is located just 1/4 mile from the beautiful St. John's River, which features some of the best bass fishing in the world. Enjoy tent camping at one of their shady camp sites, rent a furnished cabin, or pull your RV into a lot with full hook-ups. SJRC offers a recreation room with games, shower facilities and a laundromat, and is just minutes from boating, shopping, dining and outdoor recreation. 386-749-3995 www.stjohnsrivercampground.com
Featured August Events
The summer season is coming to a close ~~ but it's not too late to plan a fun family getaway before the kids go back to school! West Volusia County is a family-friendly destination that offers a variety of recreational and cultural activities for all ages. Experience our charming, small-town Florida communities, unique shopping, delightful restaurants and affordable accommodations. Below are a few highlights from our Calendar of Events .
Youth Summer Camps - This summer there are endless opportunities for children and young adults to enjoy an array of summer learning programs in West Volusia. From art and history to science and recreation, we've got it all! Visit our special Youth Activities calendar pages for complete details and links.
Continuing through August 21: Three Summer Art Exhibits - "Habits and Habitat," "John Wilton's M&M Art Panels," and "Florida Book Art," Museum of Florida Art, DeLand -
"Habits and Habitats" features contemporary Florida artists and southeastern fine crafts from the Tampa Bay area. "John Wilton's M&M Art Panels" gives gallery-goers an opportunity to participate in the exhibition by arranging and re-arranging a unique system of modular art panels. "Florida Book Art" will offer viewers a look into the issues of contemporary bookmaking. Works will be one of a kind and include examples of letterpress, offset print, digital and inkjet processes. 386-734-4371 www.museumoffloridaart.com
Continuing through September 3: "Witness to Creativity" Art Exhibition, Florida Museum for Women Artists, DeLand - Multiple artists each select methods that incorporate a broad range of everyday and natural materials, manipulated by hand or through manufacture. The artists use audio, light, and interactive play within the experience to communicate. Each installation has a story to reveal, one that changes with every viewing experience. 386-873-2976 www.floridamuseumforwomenartists.org
August 1-30: August Artist of the Month Exhibit, DeBary Hall Historic Site, DeBary - DeBary Hall will feature the artwork of landscape photographer Steffen Mittelhaeuser throughout August. His exhibition will include panoramic photographs of local landscapes including Volusia County beaches. Mittelhaeuser is an adjunct professor of photography at Daytona State College. 386-668-3840 www.debaryhall.com
August 5: Tropical "Storm" Nights - Continued, Downtown DeLand - Tropical Nights will get a second chance after July's event storm-out. It's a tropically-themed street party with live music, dancing, contests and lots of fun! Come downtown and enjoy all the great shops, restaurants and pubs that will be open into the evening. 386-738-0649 www.mainstreetdeland.org
August 5-14: Sands Youth Theater Company presents "Peter Pan: The Musical," Athens Theatre, DeLand - This musical is based on one of the world's most celebrated plays by James M. Barrie and his charming character Peter Pan, the little boy who refuses to grow up. Peter is joined by sidekick Tinker Bell, the children Wendy, Michael and John, and the dastardly Captain Hook. 386-736-1500 www.athenstheatre.org
August 6: Waterwise Landscaping Program, DeBary Hall Historic Site, DeBary - Jose Artigas from the St. Johns River Water Management District will give a presentation about waterwise landscaping. His focus will be on matching the right plants with lawn conditions, minimizing the need for water, fertilizer and pesticides, and protecting natural resources in order to preserve Florida's unique beauty. 386-668-3840 www.debaryhall.com
August 10: Florida Championship Wrestling (FWC) Summer Slamarama Tour, Volusia County Fairgrounds, DeLand - Access includes a meet-and-greet autograph session with RAW stars Alex Riley and Drew McIntyre. There will be eight matches featuring FCW and NXT stars, a Divas Swimsuit Contest and a Superstar Idol Singing Contest. 386-734-9515 www.volusiacountyfair.com
August 10: Manatee Lecture, Lyonia Environmental Center, Deltona - Manatee expert Georgia Zern will discuss manatee biology, threats to their survival, and how people can protect them. This program is free, registration is required. 386-789-7207 ext. 253 www.lyoniapreserve.com
August 10-September 17: "Jamaica Connection: A Toast to Independence" Art Exhibit, African American Museum of Art, DeLand - Featuring works by Kenneth Harris through September. There will be an opening reception on Saturday, August 6. 386-736-4004 www.africanmuseumdeland.org
August 13: 60th Anniversary Celebration, Museum of Florida Art, DeLand - MOFA celebrates 60 years! Founded in 1951 the museum carries on the tradition of supporting children and the community through the arts. There will be a cake cutting ceremony and lots of family-friendly art activities, entertainment, music, food and more! 386-734-4371 www.museumoffloridaart.org
August 14 and 28: Meet the Mustangs Clinics, Ronnie Ford Training Center, DeLand - In preparation for the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Murfreesboro, Tennessee this fall, renowned horse trainer Ronnie Ford will be offering a series of educational clinics at his facility in DeLand, featuring four American wild mustangs corralled from out west. There will be demonstrations with the mustangs and some limited interaction. Visitors may learn how to better achieve their horse training goals as well as adopting and training wild mustangs. Come and see these beautiful creatures begin their journey of becoming "gentled." The clinics will continue on September 11, 25 and October 9. 386-738-6093 www.ronniefordtrainingcenter.com
August 20: Tropical Cat Show, Volusia County Fairgrounds, DeLand - The Tropical Cat Show will feature a Cat Fancier's Association (CFA) all-breed cat show plus six all-breed and household pet rings. 386-734-9515 www.volusiacountyfair.com
August 20: Athens Theatre Wine Festival and Auction, Museum of Florida Art, DeLand - Enjoy a catered buffet dinner with a selection of unique wines served throughout the evening in an exciting auction atmosphere at the Museum of Florida Art. This year's entertainment features Brazilian songstress Monica da Silva. Serving as masters of ceremonies will be Leslye Gale and John Forsythe, hosts of the Magic 107.7 FM Morning Show, joined by professional auctioneer Jeff Ramsey. 386-736-1500 www.athenstheatre.org
August 20: Dog Days of Summer Pet Festival & DeLand's Hot Summer Nights, Fun with Foursquare, Downtown DeLand - Saturday morning from 9 a.m - 1 p.m., bring your canine friends downtown for a free festival in their honor, featuring vendors and displays catered to them and their other furry friends. Then from 4-8 p.m., downtown comes alive with entertainment and dancing along with an antique car show! Enjoy shopping at unique boutiques and galleries, and great dining and festivity into the evening at restaurants and pubs. Be sure to check in on foursquare on your smartphone along the way to earn points and badges, and take advantage of special discounts at participating stores, restaurants and area lodging. MainStreet DeLand: 386-738-0649 www.mainstreetdeland.org More about foursquare: www.visitwestvolusia.com/foursquare
August 26: Fourth Fridays in Artisan Alley & DeLand Art Walk , Downtown DeLand - Mark your calendars to meet your friends Downtown DeLand every Fourth Friday of the month! Enjoy groovy music at Artisan Alley as well as food, arts and crafts vendors, and drink specials at the Nest. View the artwork of two dozen Central Florida artists featured in downtown shops, restaurants and galleries. Rob at the Nest: 386-450-0200 www.lovemynest.com . Sherrill at Great Escape Gallery: 386-740-7777 www.delandartwalk.com
August 27: Wild Wild West Charity Auction, Volusia County Fairgrounds, DeLand - This popular annual event features lively entertainment, BBQ & beer, silent & live auctions, gambling, and a 50/50 drawing. Proceeds benefit local charities. 386-956-7404 www.jwlofdeland.org
E - Lake George State Forest, Barberville - If you're ready for some fresh air, head out to beautiful Lake George, Florida's second largest lake, for some fishing, picnicking, hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Be on the lookout for bald eagle, sandhill crane, white-tail deer, wild turkey and bobcat that make their home in the forest. Canoes and small Jon boats may be launched from the bank at the Bluffton Recreation Area, and primitive camping is available by permit. 386-985-7822 www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/lake_george.html
C - Gateway Center for the Creative Arts, DeBary - Painting, pottery, stained glass and more! There are so many classes - for both adults and children - at the Gateway Center. Visitors can also take in dynamic art exhibits, ballroom dancing, music concerts and theatrical productions as well as a farmers market every Saturday morning. 386-668-5553 www.gatewaycenterforthearts.org
H - DeBary Hall Historic Site, DeBary - DeBary Hall was originally the 1871 hunting estate of New York wine importer Frederick deBary. This magnificent historic house has been beautifully restored with period furnishings, award-winning exhibits and interactive programs. Before your tour, stop by the visitor center for an orientation presentation in the Imagidome theater. The site is also a trailhead for the Spring-to-Spring Trail. 386-668-3840 www.debaryhall.com
O - Skydive DeLand, DeLand - If you're ready to take a leap, there's no better place than Skydive DeLand, one of the busiest drop zones in the world! Not a pro? Don't worry, make a tandem jump attached to an experienced skydiver. Or opt to watch the action from their observation deck or from the comfort of the Perfect Spot Restaurant and Bar. Tandem and AFF training is offered by full-time professional instructors. 386-738-3539 www.skydivedeland.com
STOP BY AND SEE US!!!
West Volusia Tourism Bureau & Visitor Center 116 W. New York Avenue, DeLand FL 32720 800-749-4350 386-734-0162 www.visitwestvolusia.com We also have a satellite visitor center at
DeBary Hall Historic Site 210 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary FL 32713 386-668-3840 386-736-5953 www.debaryhall.com | |
