Downtown Deland
Nestled about halfway between two of Florida’s most hallowed tourist destinations – Orlando and Daytona – the tiny town of Deland is home to Stetson University and renowned worldwide as one of the best places on earth to fling yourself out of a perfectly good airplane.

Jumpers descend on Skydive Deland (www.skydivedeland.com) from all over the United States and Europe to leap into the great wide open. Competitions and professional aerial artistry are regular occurrences, but the staff and coaches make the experience great for rookie jumpers too. And, given the proximity to Daytona and the convergence of scenic back roads, DeLand is popular with bikers from all walks of life and die-hard auto racing fans.

But, despite its adrenalin-charged international reputation, DeLand maintains a down home vibe and a quiet, artistic soul. Galleries, antique shops and antiquarian bookstores dominate downtown. And photo-worthy murals decorate buildings, depicting a century of quiet country life, patriotism and American optimism.

So, even if you’re not a law student, sky walker or motorcycle enthusiast you will still find plenty of reasons to park the RV and spend a relaxing day in Deland.

WHAT TO DO

  • Browse the books at Muse. We ducked in there to escape a torrential afternoon thunderboomer and found a delightful shop set up in a way that made the shelves seem to go on forever. Great Florida Author section and plenty of paperbacks for campsite or beach reading. 386.734.0278.
  • Flip through the vintage vinyl at two downtown record stores, Groovy Records and Steve’s Downtown Music. Love my iPod, but I still think records sound better.
    Deland Country Inn Bed & Breakfast
  • Stroll downtown on one of the monthly art walks, often capped off with wine tastings and live music at The Elusive Grape. www.delandartwalk.com
  • Continue to feed your artistic side with monthly sculpture walks, sponsored by the Museum of Florida Art (www.MuseumOfFloridaArt.org).
  • Turn off Woodland Blvd. (the main drag through town) and cruise side streets to appreciate late 19th-century architecture.
  • Add a night of pampering to your RV travels at the DeLand Country Inn Bed & Breakfast. Brit expatriates, Mark and Vicki Sutton, operate this traditional, family friendly inn in a fully renovated, circa 1880’s home in downtown DeLand. Comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast. www.delandcountryinn.com

WHERE TO EAT

All locations are along Woodland Blvd. downtown DeLand.

  • Bill & Frank’s Brickhouse Grill (www.brickhousegrill.com): delicious steaks and BBQ. 386.785.1237.
  • Santorini Restaurant: Greek and other Mediterranean specialties with a dash of Florida. Gyros and grouper on the same menu? Mmmmm… 386.736.7726.
  • Get a sugary blast from the past at Sweet Things. Fine chocolate, retro candy and delicious fudge. Get enough for everyone. One taste and you won’t want to share!
  • There are several other cafes along Woodland Blvd. Most close up around 2 PM.

SIDE TRIPS

Blue Heron River Tours (www.blueheronrivertours.com)

Blue Heron River Tours

Daily cruises on the St. Johns and Hontoon Dead rivers aboard the “Great Blue.” The boat makes frequent stops for extended wildlife viewing, photography and related discussion. Plan about 2 hours for the trip, a relaxing immersion into the St. Johns River ecosystem.

Reptile Discovery Center (www.reptilediscoverycenter.com)

Look at – but don’t touch – the largest collection of venomous snakes in the country. Watch venom “milking” up close. Walk the nature trail to observe alligators, lizards and tortoises in their natural habitat. Peruse dozens of the world’s most dangerous snakes including king cobras and Burmese pythons. More than just a spectacle, the Center is home to Medtoxin Venom Labs, a producer/distributor of snake venom used in pharmaceutical research.

Central Florida Zoo (www.centralfloridazoo.org)

Leopard watching a squirrel
Because so many places advertise “fun for the whole family” those words hardly register for me. But, when someplace actually IS fun for the whole family, I give them due credit. The Central Florida Zoo delivers.

  • For a smaller zoo, the variety of animals is impressive – we saw crocodiles, lemurs, leopards, emus, monkeys and the most motivated sloth I’ve ever laid eyes on.
  • The gallivanting howlers enthralled my little guy, the butterflies enchanted my wife and I was mesmerized by the one-eyed screech owl that was out for a walk with a trainer. Whether you are into cute & fuzzy, scaled & slithery or creepy & crawly – this zoo has you covered.
  • Without a doubt, the two biggest hits of the day for my preschooler were the kiddie train and the splash zone. We rode the train first, and, for the rest of the day he was Mr. Conductor: offering a consistent soundtrack of “toot, toots” and “whoo, whoos.”
    Skywalk at the zoo.
  • The Zoom Air Adventure Park (www.zoomair.us) allows daredevils of all ages to climb, swing, glide and otherwise get a monkey’s-eye view of the Central Florida Zoo. Courses to fit both adults and little monkeys over 3 feet tall.
  • The outdoor laser tag course looks like an urban/woods hybrid paintball course, without all the mess. This unique idea is operated on zoo property by B X-treme Adventures (407.547.8188).
    They also offer water tag and a rock climbing wall.
  • Footweary folks can arrange for a Segway tour of the zoo. The easy boardwalks won’t beat you up as you cruise. Reservations necessary – call 407.558.5481.
  • Locals and seasonal campers may want to experience the zoo after hours. Depending on the date, Nighttime Safaris are either open to the public or designated for clubs and groups. Call ahead for schedules. 407.323.4450.

The Central Florida Zoo is located at 3755 NW Hwy 1792 Sanford, FL 32771. GPS: Call 407.323.4450.

Cool off in the splash zone
















WHERE TO STAY

Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort (www.campresort.com)

The campsites at Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort

A fun and friendly campground that runs alongside the St. Johns River. Terrific fishing and shady spots provided by oaks and magnolias. The park is mostly seasonal campers, full timers and park models. The short-term sites are sizable and comfortable. Because of the number of long-term residents, there are always plenty of scheduled activities including ice cream socials, bingo nights, fishing, and nature cruises.
  • Full hookups: water, sewer & electric (50 amp)
  • WiFi & Cable TV
  • Pull thrus and plenty of room for big rigs
  • Large clubhouse, general store, laundry facility
  • Shade trees, swimming pool and well-equipped rec facility
  • Family & pet friendly
    The Marina at Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort

Located at 488 West Highbanks, DeBary, FL 32713. GPS: 28.890174, -81.352401. For reservations and more information, call 386.668.4491.

Orange City RV Resort (www.sunrvresorts.com/orange_city_rv_resort)

More a manufactured home park than an RV resort, but there are a number of short-term sites. Residents were warm and welcoming, even to the younger faces in our group. The community center offers regular activities and endless opportunities to meet and mingle with both seasonal residents and weekend campers.

  • Full hookups: Water, sewer & electric (50 amp)
  • WiFi & Cable TV
  • Pull thru sites with big rig access
  • Pool, game room
  • Family & pet friendly

Located at 2300 East Graves Ave. Orange City, FL 32763. GPS: 28.948648, -81.263287. Reserve online. For additional info call community manager Kim Turner at 888.485.3886.

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