The Manatee MessengerBringing you the latest news about West Volusia's
special events, area attractions and lodging promotions
January 2011
A yearling manatee at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City was just officially named Volusia by Ranger Wayne Hartley. It was given this name in honor of the great county we live in, which abounds with unique and wonderful resources not found anywhere else in Florida!
Volusia is wintering with his mother in the warm spring waters and having lots of fun frolicking with other young manatees. We'll keep you updated on Volusia's activities in upcoming issues.
Hot Deals & Packages
Speedweek 2011 Lodging Discounts
Get ready for the 'Great American Race' as the best stock car drivers in the world take center stage at the Daytona 500, NASCAR's biggest and most prestigious racing event. Experience the small town charm and hospitality of the West Volusia region, located just minutes from Daytona International Speedway and easily accessible via I-4 and U.S. 92 (International Speedway Boulevard).
Bike Week 2011 Lodging Discounts
Looking for adventure? Well get your motor running and head out on our scenic highways and backroads! Your travels will be highlighted with picturesque parks and preserves, beautifully restored historic homes, cultural arts museums, neighborhood pubs and restaurants, and pristine natural beauty ~ with food and fun all along the way! Choose from several affordable hotels, campgrounds, riverfront resorts - even houseboat rentals!
More Deals ~ A West Volusia outdoor getaway makes a perfect gift for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. Check out our special Fishing and Golfing Escape Packages.
Now Featured on iTunes
Join us on iTunes as we talk with Jeff Allebach, president of the Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival, to learn about the great things happening at this year's event on January 22-23rd. View Florida's endangered manatees up close as they huddle in the warm spring waters of a favorite wintertime retreat during this fun, family-friendly festival. We invite you to subscribe to our podcast series today at iTunes!
Hotel/Motel:Spring Waters Inn, DeLeon Springs - Beautifully remodeled and family-owned, this small inn features five distinctively decorated rooms. Located just a few miles from DeLeon Springs State Park and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Spring Waters is great for small weddings and family events. 386-985-5455 www.springwatersinn.com
Bed & Breakfast: Alling House B&B, Orange City - Relax in quiet comfort at this Victorian-style historic home with rooms in the main house as well as fully equipped themed cottages. With the St. Johns River and Blue Spring State Park just three miles away, take advantage of complimentary kayak and bicycle rentals. 386-775-7648 www.allinghouse.com
Riverfront: Riviera Resort & Marina, DeLand - Recent improvements have converted this St. Johns River fish camp into a beautiful, comfortable and upscale fishing resort with lots of amenities and moderate rates. There is no shortage of things to do, including fishing, boating, nature watching and swimming in the outdoor pool. 386-822-5662 www.rivieraresort.net
Campground: Clark Family Campground, Orange City - Clark Family Campground has been family owned and operated for more than 25 years. It accommodates everything from tents to luxury motor coaches while maintaining the natural beauty of its surroundings. Blue Spring State Park and the St. Johns River are just minutes away. The campground is centrally located off I-4 near area beaches, attractions, speedways, golf, flea markets and antiques. 386-775-3996 www.clarkfamilycampground.com
Featured Events
Celebrate the New Year and a beautiful winter season here in West Volusia! We have a full slate of family-friendly festivals and events. Below are just a few highlights ~ visit our website for a complete calendar. With so much happening, why not plan a long weekend getaway and experience our charming, small-town Florida communities, unique shopping, music concerts, theatrical performances and affordable accommodations.
Dec. 31: New Year's Eve with The A+Team, Athens Theatre, DeLand - Ring in 2011 with '80s pop, rock, and new-wave cover band The A+Team. Dance the night away at this high-energy concert at the beautifully restored historic Athens Theatre in downtown DeLand. 386-736-1500 www.athenstheatre.org
Jan. 8-9:Florida Rail Fair, DeLand - Located at the Volusia County Fairgrounds in DeLand, this popular model train show features more than 300 vendors and five working layouts over two days. 386-736-8185 www.gserr.com
Jan. 15: The Donna and Dunning Show, Gateway Center for the Arts, DeBary - With world class vocal talent, uncanny singing impressions, humor, music and mayhem, this dynamic duo promises a delightfully entertaining evening. 386-668-5553 www.gatewaycenterforthearts.org
Jan. 21-Feb. 6: Sands Theater Company presents Noises Off, Athens Theatre, DeLand - Called the funniest farce ever written, Noises Off presents a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop production. Doors slamming, on- and back-stage intrigue, and errant diversions all figure in the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play. 386-736-1500 www.athenstheatre.org
Jan 22-23: Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival, Valentine Park, Orange City - View Florida's endangered manatees up close as they huddle in the warm spring waters of a favorite wintertime retreat during this fun, family-friendly festival. The event will feature animals from the Central Florida Zoo, a frisbee dog show, music, dancing, children's activities and a free shuttle to Blue Spring State Park. 386-775-9224 www.themanateefestival.com
Jan 22: Taste of DeLand, Downtown DeLand - West Indiana Avenue in beautiful downtown DeLand becomes an outdoor caf?? filled with culinary delights from more than 25 area restaurants. From burgers to fine dining, there will be something for everyone. Enjoy entertainment, prizes and more! 386-738-0649 www.mainstreetdeland.org
E - Blue Spring State Park, Orange City - Enjoy wintertime manatee viewing at this popular state park, a designated manatee refuge. This time of year, visitors can also enjoy miles of nature trails, canoeing and kayaking, camping and a narrated eco-history river cruise. Don't miss the Manatee Festival at nearby Valentine Park on January 22-23rd, with free shuttles to see the manatees at Blue Spring! 386-775-3663 www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring
C - Gateway Center for the Creative Arts, DeBary - Painting, drawing, creative writing and more! There are so many classes - for both adults and children - this winter at the Gateway Center. Visitors can also take in their many changing art exhibits and theatrical productions. 386-668-5553 www.gatewaycenterforthearts.org
H - Conrad Historical Research Center, DeLand - The Conrad Research Center is the central archive for the West Volusia Historical Society and the DeLand House Museum. History buffs can spend hours delving deep into one of the most comprehensive collections of Volusia County historical artifacts, documents, vintage photos and newspapers dating from 1877. 386-740-6813 www.delandhouse.com
O - Golfing in West Volusia - Tee up for some of the best golfing in Central Florida! Golfers visiting West Volusia will be pleasantly surprised to find themselves walking championship courses more characteristic of those in the Carolinas. Enjoy some of the state's most scenic courses at special discounted prices with our Golf Escape lodging packages! visitwestvolusia.com/golfescape
STOP BY AND SEE US!!!
West Volusia Tourism Bureau & Visitor Center116 W. New York Avenue, DeLand FL 32720800-749-4350 386-734-0162visitwestvolusia.comWe also have a satellite visitor center at
DeBary Hall Historic Site210 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary FL 32713386-668-3840 386-736-5953www.debaryhall.com | |
