MEET THE EXPLORERS!
Follow our Explorers each month as they discover the
Ecological, Cultural, Historical, and Outdoor resources in West Volusia. Linda - When we initially moved to DeLand, we decided we wanted to try just about every restaurant around. When we were driving around we discovered Karling's Inn in DeLeon Springs and went in to look at the menu. We are always looking for a place with a unique atmosphere to go for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.Read more… Bob - I have always had a great love of the arts whether it's visual, musical or performing. The Gateway Center for the Arts in DeBary, was built about 4 years ago and I have been coming to various performances and exhibits since then. What's great about the Center is that there are a lot of programs and events for all ages. Read more… Cheryl - I am a storyteller and was fortunate enough to be invited to perform at the annual Fall Country Jamboree last year which is held at the Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts in Barberville. I love the Settlement because the buildings and exhibits of this historical village are all incorporated into natural surroundings. Read more… Josh - I'm sad to say that I haven't been to Blue Spring State Park since I was about 3 years old. When you have children you want to share experiences with them and Jen and I wanted to bring our son Jonah to see the manatees up close. As we drove in I recognized a large area as scrub habitat and said to Jen that I bet they have scrub jays. Read more… Christine - My family and friends all say I love to dig in the dirt! That's because gardening is my favorite hobby and I enjoy learning about fruits and plants. I didn't know that Pell's Citrus & Nursery has been here for over 75 years until a friend mentioned it. We visited their location on Doyle Road in Osteen. Read more… Gene - Several years ago I went to Vienna's Restaurant and Café for a business meeting since their location was convenient for both of us and it offered free WIFI. The minute I walked in I knew I had discovered someplace special. Vienna's has a cosmopolitan look but a warm, welcoming feel with bookshelves, a fireplace, nice artwork and the most wonderful hostess, Claudia. I felt like I was visiting a friend's home!
Read more…  Erin - My grandfather was a horse trainer in New York at Belmont and Saratoga. When I learned that the Spring Garden Ranch Training Center was so close, I thought my daughter would enjoy seeing how her great-grandfather supported his family. And, needless to say, we love horses! The red clay track was huge and there were some horses with their trainers in the buggies going around it.
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Renee - Like opening presents at Christmas, the discovery of new and unique places to shop is always fun for me. One of the best finds in our area is Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe located in the DeLand Industrial Park at the municipal airport. Needless to say, every item there contains lime in one way or another. Even if you don't like "lime", some products just contain a mere essence that enhances its flavor.
Read more… Paris - My community and its history really fascinate me so I always take advantage of opportunities to learn more. A friend recommended the Legendary Florida exhibit at the historic county courthouse in DeLand so I decided to check it out. It was my first time in the courthouse and I was in awe of the huge stained glass dome and the marble rotunda where the exhibit is located. The exhibit consists of 18 oil paintings on two levels of the courthouse by well known artist Jackson Walker. Read more… Kim - I've lived here for over five years and hate to admit that I have never eaten at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill & Griddle House restaurant in DeLeon Springs State Park. My husband is always checking out www.www.www.www.www.visitwestvolusia.com for things to do in our area and suggested we go for breakfast over the holiday break. Finally! We got to the restaurant early, right as the park opened, because we had heard lines form fast creating a lengthy wait of 45 minutes or more. Read more…
Rhonda - I love the Nest! The first time I came here I was checking out the scene of downtown DeLand on a Friday night with some girlfriends. We stopped in and had a glass of wine. Read more… Blaine - Anyone that lives in our area and rides a motorcycle knows about the Osteen Diner! It's the perfect place to meet up, gather up or go see people you know there. When you drive intoRead more… Katy - This is my first time here at Skydive DeLand and my first time skydiving. I've been thinking about doing it for years and decided to go for it as a birthday present to myself.Read more… Stephen - I come from a family of gospel singers and we have had a lot of health challenges in recent years. We decided to record family songs together for lasting memories.Read more…  Tabitha - When I first moved to DeBary I lived behind DeBary Hall but didn't know it. One Saturday I heard noises in the neighborhood and went to find out where it was coming from. Read more… Larry - I have lived my entire life in sand pine scrub habitat and as an environmental educator I've spent most of my time hiking and recreating in this terrain. What people don't know is that this scrub habitat, depending on the time of year and time of day, will seem like a desert or like the Antarctic...Read more Binta - It's been about 10 years since my last visit and I had forgotten how unusual Barberville Roadside Yard Art & Produce is. It's hard to describe - maybe, an explosion for your eyes! It is filled to the brim with just about anything you can image. A visit here is truly the most unique shopping experience...Read more Wendy - Years ago I was introduced to the African American Museum of the Arts when my daughter was in the county's ECHO Ranger program. As part of the program, we went to the African American Museum of the Arts. As an artist myself, I was really impressed with how everything was...Read more Ricardo - I am from Mexico, studying at Stetson University for a couple of months, and have spent considerable time in downtown DeLand with my new friends. I noticed plaques on some of the buildings but didn't know what they were about and frankly didn't have much interest in learning...Read more Kim - I have been here to the Red Roof Café many times and love their food but I never knew about the Doggie Dining! My husband and I like to bring our dog Clifford with us as much as possible to get him out of the house and to have the opportunity to socialize. I know that most... Barbara - I used to own a Bed and Breakfast Inn in Lake Helen and would recommend the Shoestring Theatre to my guests. I've always loved the quaintness and friendliness of the people at the theatre and enjoyed seeing their smiling faces. Read more… Bob - My wife and I have lived in DeLand for the past 13 years and still are always learning something new about the area. We've found the history of West Volusia encompasses so my factors that one has trouble deciding where to start. Read more… |
