DeLand : Small Town Charm in Central Florida

Disclosure

DeLand Florida main street

DeLand Florida main street

Recently voted as one of the 10 Best Main Streets in America,  DeLand Florida is a picturesque tree-lined town with lots of history and old Florida charm.  The city was founded in 1876, and was named for its founder, Henry Addison DeLand.

This quaint town boasts museums, antique shops and is home to Stetson University.  As you walk along Woodland Boulevard, DeLand’s main street, you feel transported back in time. There is a friendly and familiar feeling and a laid back atmosphere here in DeLand.  No one is rushing, time seems to slow down here and you feel content to just sit down in one of the restaurants or cafe’s and people watch.

DeLand Florida court house

DeLand Court House. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz, all rights reserved.

The Volusia County Historic Courthouse in downtown DeLand is a significant local landmark with its Neo-Classical architecture, copper-clad dome and grand rotunda topped by a stained glass dome. In the back a long fountain lined with trees and benches provides a great space to just sit and relax or take a walk.

DeLand Florida

DeLand Florida. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz, all rights reserved

We visited DeLand as part of our recent vacation in West Volusia as guest.  After enjoying the natural beauty of the area at the Blue Springs Park and taking an eco tour along the St Johns River we where ready for a dose of architecture, culture and good food and downtown DeLand’s historic district was just what we needed.  We parked in front of the Court House and stopped by the visitor’s center where we received information about the area and  a fun scavenger hunt that had us looking for historical buildings in the downtown area.

DeLand Florida

DeLand Florida architectural detail on the historic downtown. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz, all rights reserved.

As we walked along Woodland Boulevard and looked for the clues we enjoyed a number of beautiful examples of 19th century architecture.  This was a fun way to get to know the historic downtown and even the kids where excited about it.  After our walk we stopped to have lunch at Byte, one of the many restaurants on DeLand’s main street.

Byte DeLand

Having lunch at Byte Restaurant in downtown DeLand. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz, all rights reserved.

It was Sunday and they where still serving brunch which included a Bloody Mary bar.  We had a MooMoo Oink hamburger and the kids ordered off the children’s menu.  The food was great and the prices where very affordable.  After lunch we walked to the nearby BerryVille Frozen Yogurt where the kids enjoyed choosing and serving themselves different flavors of frozen yogurt topped high with fresh fruits and chocolate chips.

DeLand Florida

Berry DeLand Florida

For more information about things to do in West Volusia visit VisitWestVolusia.com, like Visit West Volusia on Facebook and follow @WestVolusiaFla on twitter to stay informed about events, offers and vacation giveaways!

Disclosure: My family and I were invited to BerryVille Frozen Yogurt by the West Volusia Tourism Bureau. However, all opinions are sincere and are my own.

Follow 365 Things to Do In Southwest Florida on Facebook for the best events, attractions and Florida getaway ideas for the whole family. 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sign In

Register

Reset Password

Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email.