Enjoy all the hospitality the South can serve up in DeLand.  This beautiful little town is sandwiched between the calm beauty of the St. John’s River and the fun and excitement of the Atlantic Ocean.  DeLand also offers a quaint downtown area filled with unique gift shops and restaurants.

There are several nearby parks that provide a wealth of activities.  Blue Springs still has the same pristine beauty that the original settlers to the area enjoyed.  A boardwalk guides visitors through to the scenic area of Blue Springs.  There is swimming and canoeing, but most people come to see the gentle giants of Blue Springs . . .  the Manatees.

Hontoon Island State Park gives visitors several different breathtaking vistas.  The higher areas are draped with Pine Flatwoods while the lower areas display marshes and cypress swamps.

Deleon State Park allows visitors to experience the history of the early settlers.  Guests can experience the “Old Florida” by paddling through the rugged wilderness.  The Old Spanish Sugar Mill houses a unique restaurant with griddles built into the tables.  This allows guests can make their own pancakes from grain stone-ground on site.

Besides DeLand’s natural beauty the town also has a rich history.  DeLand’s first attorney, George Hamlin, built the DeLand House Museum in 1886.  The house was built on land owned by the founder of DeLand, Henry A. DeLand.  The interesting items in the museum let visitors relive DeLand’s history and development.  One of the most interesting features in the home is the firewood trolley that allowed wood to be transferred from room to room.

Stetson University is the oldest private college in Florida and a national historic district. The tree lined streets and vintage homes plus the cultural offerings of Stetson, enhance Deland’s appreciation of the arts.

Other historical attractions include Elephant Fantasyland.  Mrs. Hawtense Conrad has collected thousands of elephants of every size, shape and color over a 40-year period.  Mr. Robert Conrad’s collection of antique toys can be seen at Conrad’s Toyland.  The Gallery of Black Heritage contains artifacts dating back to the 1800’s and gives a look at the early life of the Black community.

DeLand’s interesting history, natural beauty and the friendly hometown atmosphere makes this quaint town Florida’s best kept secret.