|
|
The DeLand/Deltona — Greater West Volusia County region is situated along Interstate 4 between the Daytona area beaches and Orlando theme parks. Yet West Volusia is a world apart. Its authentic Florida communities radiate historical, cultural and natural charm. Visitors should first begin their journey by acquainting themselves with the St. Johns River. At 310 miles in length and Florida's longest river, the mighty St. Johns is one of only three rivers in the U.S. to flow south to north and is the only designated American Heritage River in Florida.
Dominated by a shady assortment of moss-draped live oaks, flowering magnolias, tall pine and scrub palmetto, the lush scenery is dotted with freshwater springs and creeks. Native wildlife such as white-tailed deer, gray fox, manatees, alligators, gopher tortoise and more than 200 species of birds call West Volusia home. Birding enthusiasts from around the world flock here to view kingfishers, wood storks, warblers, terns, loons and ducks as well as endangered Florida Scrub-Jays and redheaded woodpeckers. Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, home to the second-largest nesting colony of Southern bald eagle, is also the second-largest remigration roosting population of swallowtail kites. Three state parks, a national wildlife refuge and several river tour operators provide access and excursions that reveal interesting tales of the river's history and ecology.
Anglers from around the world visit West Volusia for its trophy black bass fishing. Abundant freshwater fish include crappie, blue gill, shell cracker, catfish and the ever-popular large-mouth black bass. Area marinas offer boat rentals, guided fishing trips and the necessities for a day's excursion on the water.
West Volusia is home to some of the most pristine championship golf courses in Central Florida designed by golf's finest architects including Ron Garl, Lloyd Clifton and Pete Craig. Often ranked in Golfweek, Golf Digest and Travel & Leisure Golf, West Volusia’s courses offer rolling hills, lush fairways and an abundance of trees and lakes.
As Volusia’s county seat, the central city of DeLand is home to a variety of historic and cultural sites. The newly restored 1921 Italian Renaissance-style Athens Theater is a marvel to visitors and serves as the main stage for the Sands Theater Center. The Museum of Florida Art offers visual art exhibitions featuring Florida artists. Stetson University offers world-class musical performances. MainStreet DeLand, a revitalized downtown district, boasts a variety of unique shops, art galleries, sidewalk cafes and restaurants.
Visitors may drive just 30 minutes east to the white sandy beaches of Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, and the Daytona International Speedway attractions. The world-famous Orlando area theme parks are less than an hour’s drive to the west. West Volusia is the perfect family vacation destination for taking advantage of all that Central Florida has to offer with plenty of amenities and attractions designed to help visitors relax and experience the quieter side of authentic Florida. It’s the perfect place to discover your happiness.
Get the inside scoop on West Volusia from vacationplanning.net’s local blogger Gail Radley.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|