West Volusia: Some Things to Write Home About
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For more info:
Renee Tallevast, West Volusia Tourism Bureau
386.734.0162 rtallevast@visitwestvolusia.com
DeLand/Deltona - Greater West Volusia County Region
West Volusia: Some Things to Write Home About
The obvious natural beauty of the DeLand/Deltona - Greater West Volusia County Region provides a wild and wonderful backdrop for the area's charming cultural and historical treasures. The 15 distinct communities that make up the area provide endless inspiration for writers who want to share the unique experiences hidden along the banks of Florida's only American Heritage River. Here are just a few story ideas to explore:
Houseboating on the St. Johns River
For some outdoor adventurers, living on a boat is a way of life; for visitors to the Greater West Volusia County Region, it is also a great way to vacation. Visitors may rent luxurious 38 to 58-foot houseboats on the St. Johns River, providing a unique way to explore the natural wonders of the river with all the comforts of home. Boats range from one- to four-staterooms, each equipped with full kitchen and bath, furnishings, air conditioning and heat, color TV/VCR, linens, marine radio and gas grill. Rental is by the weekend, mid-week or week.
Holly Bluff Marina
2280 Hontoon Road, DeLand, FL 32720
(386) 822-9992 (800) 237-5105
hollybluff@att.net
www.hollybluff.com
13,500-foot Free Fall
Visitors are welcome to drop in anytime at Skydive DeLand, where they can take their vacation to new heights through tandem parachuting. Pioneers in the sport since 1983, the team of experts at Skydive DeLand developed the tandem parachuting method that is now used worldwide. They also manufacture the most up-to-date and innovative equipment for tandem and student parachuting at their facility, the Relative Workshop. Tandem jumping is a way for first-time thrill seekers to experience the exhilaration of skydiving with the benefit of a seasoned professional along for the ride. Only 30 minutes of training is required to skydive with a professional tandem instructor. Skydive DeLand is also a world-class drop zone for champion skydivers training for competition, and offers the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) training method enjoyed by thousands, including Tom Cruise and Ron Reagan, Jr. This seven-level course teaches beginners how to parachute safely on their own.
Skydive DeLand
1600 Flightline Boulevard
P. O. Box 3071, DeLand, FL 32721
(386) 738-3539
www.skydivedeland.com
info@skydivedeland.com
Take a Spirited Visit to Cassadaga
The site of religious gatherings, or "camp meetings," since 1894, the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is the oldest active religious community in the Southeast. Designated a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, Cassadaga is home to a collection of historic buildings in various architectural styles, providing an interesting look into Florida's past.
Living on some 57 acres with more than 50 homes, the residents of the camp live, work and worship together while embracing an eclectic mix of spiritual beliefs. On any given day, curious visitors could find church, healing and message services, spiritual readings and seminars, workshops and educational programs where students can study to become a medium, healer or ordained minister. Open seven days a week, the Cassadaga Camp Bookstore offers a wide selection of books on traditional Spiritualism and metaphysics, as well as the Annual Program, which contains the names of all certified mediums in the camp and a schedule of activities throughout the year.
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp
112 Stevens Street (Cassadaga Camp Bookstore)
P.O. Box 319, Cassadaga, FL 32706
(386) 228-2880
info@cassadaga.org
www.cassadaga.org
Visitors Flip over the Old Spanish Sugar Mill & Griddle House Restaurant
Just inside the 603-acre DeLeon Springs State Park, the Old Spanish Sugar Mill & Griddle House blends in perfectly with the park's beautiful landscape. Established in 1961 by Peter and Marjorie Schwarze, this long-time favorite provides a unique setting and rare opportunity for hungry visitors to fix their own hearty breakfast right at their table. Using inset tabletop griddles, guests can cook their own pancakes made from grain that is stone-ground on site with French buhr millstones. The friendly staff provides pitchers of homemade batter, a mixture of five different flours and an unbleached white. Guests can order blueberries, bananas, peanut butter, pecans, chocolate chips or apples to create their own customized pancakes. The griddles make it quick and easy to toast a variety of homemade breads, as well as cook vegetarian sausage, bacon and eggs. Fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice, hot coffee and other breakfast and lunch favorites are also available.
Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant
601 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
P. O. Box 691, De Leon Springs, FL 32130
(386) 985-5644
St. Johns River - Florida's Only American Heritage River
The St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida, at 310 miles long, and one of only three in the United States that flows from south to north. In 1997, as part of an initiative by President Clinton, the historic significance of the river earned the St. Johns the distinction of being Florida's only federally designated American Heritage River. A beloved natural wonder, the river feeds a lush Florida landscape and diverse wildlife population on its lazy trip from Cape Canaveral in the south to Jacksonville in the north. Along the way, the St. Johns River provides endless opportunities for outdoor activity, but also draws a meandering liquid path through the state's rich past. Nicknamed "Florida's First Highway," the river was a popular waterway for vacationers from the north who traveled the St. Johns on steamboats to admire its wild and scenic beauty. Blending outdoor adventure, nature and heritage along its banks, the St. Johns River today offers a unique way to explore Florida's natural and historic treasures. Popular stops along the river include Blue Spring State Park and Hontoon Island State Park. On Hontoon Island, visitors may explore nature trails along ancient shell mounds, and will find replicas of original totems found on the river bottom, painting a picture of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the island. In cold weather months, park rangers at Blue Spring State Park have counted up to 200 manatees in the spring run area. For overnight stays, the park is great for camping, and also offers a number of vacation cabins. The spring run is great for swimming and canoeing, and connects with the St. Johns River for boaters and anglers who want easy access for a day on the water.
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