Oh, the stories we can tell . . . Old Florida. Real Florida. Vibrant Florida. Right there between Orlando and Daytona Beach!

West Volusia encompasses fourteen communities with an eclectic collection of accommodations and attractions. The combination makes for some fascinating stories.

Top Rated Downtown: DeLand The authenticity travelers are looking for is here, in DeLand. This “real Florida” downtown has taken the top rating as best downtown outside of Orlando. It’s a destination that combines a sense of history and a contemporary vibe. It is home to shops and boutiques, galleries and (nine!) museums as well as a slate of annual events. All this plus live theatre, fabulous restaurants, microbreweries and a series of murals – including number one selfie spot #DeLandWings – combine in this delightful downtown setting.

Manatees at Blue Spring State Park Blue Spring State Park is a designated manatee refuge and the winter home to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. The park comprises more than 2,600 acres, including the largest spring on the St. John's River. On cold days in manatee season, (mid-November through mid-March), several hundred of these amazing creatures can be seen from the spring’s overlooks. While swimming with the manatees is not allowed, the spring´s crystal clear, 73-degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers and certified scuba divers during the park’s designated swimming season. Other popular activities on river are fishing, canoeing and boating. River boat tours are also available.

Drink it Up! We’re not all about umbrella- topped tropical drinks here in Florida. Downtown DeLand and West Volusia are home to microbreweries, brew pubs, wine bars and even a small batch meadery. From pale ales to porters, local brewers celebrate central Florida’s people and the region with names like Dee-Land White Boy, Daytona Dirty Blonde and Sunburned Tourist; and with Honey Bach, featuring gallberry and orange blossom honey from Florida, and Blood Orange IPA. Wine bars feature worldwide selections, by the glass, bottle or flight. The meadery is known for its concoctions especially suited for the Florida climate and lifestyle.

Ecotourism The scenic St. Johns River flows through West Volusia and has long been considered the heart of this region. One of only 14 American Heritage Rivers in the country, it was named Welaka, River of Lakes, by Native Americans and now it, and the series of lakes it connects, makes up the St. Johns River Blueway and the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor. Whether by canoe or kayak, river boat or house boat, exploring the river gives visitors access to view turtles, gators, manatees more than 200 species of birds and a lush, natural Florida landscape.

Georgia Turner, Executive Director GTurner@VisitWestVolusia.com West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority 116 W. New York Avenue, DeLand, FL 32720 386-734-0162 800-749-4350 (cell) 386-785-3862 www.visitwestvolusia.com

Fishing The St. Johns River is not only at the heart of this region, it’s a major source of recreation and for many, that means fishing! The river and its many lakes and tributaries throughout the West Volusia region are well known among fishermen far and wide. Largemouth bass and crappie get top billing, but there’s even more for those who love to cast a line. Bluegill, catfish, redfish, snook, flounder, striped bass and warmouth can also be found. Spring and fall are excellent times to enjoy the variety of fishing and the beautiful waterways and adjacent wildlands of this inland Florida paradise.

Old Spanish Sugar Mill/ De Leon Springs State Park You don’t often hear “natural springs” and “pancakes” in the same sentence. Except when someone is talking about De Leon Springs State Park. The Old Spanish Sugar Mill, opened in 1961, is a restaurant housed inside the park in a 100-year-old replica of the original 1830s sugar mill. A

griddle sits at each table, where homemade pancake batter is delivered. Customers make their own pancakes, adding their choice of fruit, peanut butter, pecans and chocolate chips. This 625-acre park also features a spring, which produces 19 million gallons of water a day, year-round. It also provides water access to Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can explore 22,000 acres of lakes, creeks and marshes by canoe or kayak.

Skydive DeLand Skydive DeLand is one of the busiest drop zones in the world. Nearly 100,000 people a year take the plunge here, where outstanding year-round weather and proximity to the beach combine to add to its popularity. Tandem jumps for beginners, Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) training and advanced jumps are all part of the program offerings. Whether experiencing the adventure first hand or enjoying the view of the action from the on-site restaurant, there’s no place better to enjoy the thrill of the jump.

Stetson Mansion The Stetson Mansion, built in 1886 for famed hat maker John B. Stetson, is often hailed as Florida’s first luxury estate. Lost to the public for years, the private estate has been renovated and updated and is now open for tours and festive celebrations. It’s been named “Florida’s Most Popular Attraction” and one of the “Top 10 Places to Visit in Florida” by Tripadvisor. This must-see attraction is popular for Christmas events and as a wedding venue, as well.

Cassadaga Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is the oldest active community of mediums in the Southeastern United States. People come from across the country and throughout the world for readings and séances and to experience the healing energy touted here. Seminars, festivals, historical tours and spiritu-al teachings take place among the cobblestone streets and meditation gardens of this storybook community. Mediums and spiritualist healers are available for sessions daily.

MEDIA CONTACT: Georgia Turner, Executive Director West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority GTurner@VisitWestVolusia.com 116 W. New York Avenue DeLand, FL 32720 386-734-0162 800-749-4350 (cell) 386-785-3862 www.VisitWestVolusia.com