We continuing DeLand—-but now we’re Walking
$30.00
So you have parked your car on the free lot south of New York on the eastern side of the road (17-92)
I usually park in the section of the lot next to and north of the The Checkers
Leave your car and return to 17-92
Turn left at the exit of the parking lot
A fact about this area you may not know that in the 1950’s people along the St. John’s River claimed to see a giant monster on the River. In fact there were many reports, even in the news papers and it was called (naturally) the St. Johns River Monster. While most of the sightings were recorded between Aster Park and Blue Springs, there were sightings as far north as Jacksonville and as far south as Lake Monroe—that lake Sanford sits on and we crossed over to see this area. These sightings gradually grew few and fewer till they stopped altogether, except in 1975 when it make a one more time appearance on the river near Jacksonville.
The Bizarre Case of the St. Johns River Monster
Our first Stop:
Artisan Downtown
215 S Woodland Blvd. This hotel was built in 1924—just two years before Florida started the Great Depression early–a prediction of what the rest of the country was to expect. Major hurricanes in 1926 and 1928 which killed many and caused a great damage contributed to the rapid decline…..eventually the hotel was reduced to a shadow of its former self but has maintained its existence and it has more recently had a major remake and is now DeLand’s only Boutique Hotel.
The Artisan Grill use to take up most of the ground floor but I recently heard that they had closed so don’t know what is in the area now but there is a reception area there which the restaurant shared the are with—I honestly don’t know if they would mind if you stepped inside for a look—I know I have done this all over even the posh hotels in London have allowed so it’s up to you if you want to try or not.
The Artisan Hotel Haunted? DeLand Florida Best Down Town?
According to Haunted Places: one of the most haunted in the state, but unusually, the ghosts of this inn tend to be relatively inactive apart from during the winter months. A visiting medium stated that up to thirteen ghosts inhabit the building, proving that the hotel is immensely popular with the spirit set. According to a guidebook, Room #002 is the most popular, with strange poltergeist activity being attributed to a mischievous spirit. Among the other ghosts reported are a man and woman in period clothing, a young girl looking for her mother, a prostitute strangled in the main banquet room, a worker who appeared on several occasions in the basement and a mysterious blue light that floats through an upstairs hallway.
$40.00
Alternative:
Turn back past the Artisan
To East Howery
Cross over at the light here —remaining at the south side of Howery
If you Continue Going West on Howery
Past the Mainstreet Community Bank of Florida at 100 on what is now West Howery
and crossing over Florida Ave–as you continue west on Howery
In the early days DeLand had a logging operation which involved cypress that grew along the river–these trees were large often measuring 25 foot in diameter at the trunks.
Old Florida Cypress Tree by The Withlacoochee River
you will come to:
FOODIE FILE: New restaurant casts its spell on DeLand
Spellbound Cafe
Hours: 11am – 10pm
208 W Howery Ave,
We are an upscale cafe serving hand crafted coffee and tea drinks, craft beer, boutique wine, house made pastries and desserts, and delicious international fare in an eclectic setting.
$15.00
Not interested in lunch or spells
then cross over Howery going north
And Continue North
Past Morgan Stanley
and
Forno Belothen
138 Woodland Blvd
HOME MARKET
128 Woodland Blvd.
Turn Left on W. Georgia
The first power plant in Florida with a 50 K generator donated by J.H. Stetson . There was a Deland Electric Light Power and Ice Company (also a first) and it was the original home of the E.O. Pointer Printing Company (which is now in De Leon Springs) and is the oldest operating printing company in Florida as well.
And here we find
Florida Victorian Architectural …
112 W. Georgia Ave.
Bringing the past to the present to preserve it for the future.
This is one of my very favorite stops in Deland and the pieces they salvage from all over is an amazing collection to see an possibly buy and add to your collection.
Many people come to DeLand for its access to the wilderness areas that nearly surround the town. But as we are seeing today the city is worth a visit all on its own. Especially for its historic district–the town was in fact incorporated 140 years ago (1882) and is said to be the best small town in Central Florida and given that it has a university and is a county seat it s even higher on the scale.
When you’re finished with Victorian artifacts continue turn to your left away from 17-92…..
Cross over at the next safe crossing area over Georgia\ north-side of Georgia
Then turn right
111 W. Georgia
Downtown Deland Taproom
$20.00
Stetson University came to DeLand in the 1880’s when the town was uncertain if it had a future after the Great Freeze had destroyed its entire citrus crop with about 90% of the trees destroyed as well. But thank to John B. Stetson’s (he invented and manufactured as well, the Stetson Hat—you know the one the cowboys wear) contributed monies to keep it functioning and Deland who had founded it change the school’s nae to Stetson in honor of his saving it from closing.
Continue on along W. George
Turn left on Woodland at Trident Title
Past the second building (looks just like the Trident Title Building—-and holds Volusia Advisory Group (120 S. Woodland all three of the businesses all made of red brick—the third being the Volusia Journal– are in fact at this same address number.
Then there’s
114 S. Woodland Blvd
This place has a wide variety of antique and vintage collectibles
Muse Book Shop
112 S. Woodland Blvd.
Backhome Antiques Inc
We have a wide range of antiques and collectibles.
and more shopping
Ms Preppy Pants Ladies Consignment Boutique
106 S. Woodland Blvd.
At Ms Preppy Pants, we believe that there is a social responsibility that comes with buying “gently loved” clothing. It’s an easy, economical, and stylish way to help the environment.
Champra Shoe Repair
&
Thrive Nutrition DeLand
Both at 104 Woodland Blvd
$100.00
More than a dozen murals portray scenes of the region’s early settlement. It’s a creative showcase commemorating the city’s bygone days and beloved citizens. As you view the murals, take the time to search for hidden elements that artists have cleverly placed in them for you to find.
We’ve included some of these on this tour but there is a tour specifically for the murals:
DeLand Mural Walk
Continuing on there’s
Sidecar Home Market and Bar
and
100 S Woodland Blvd
Market:
We re-purpose mid century furniture in DeLand, Florida. Our store is located downtown DeLand in the Historic District, a must visit for anyone living in or traveling through Central Florida. Our bar is stocked and new guests are always welcome. Meet us downtown and get in on the festivities.
and Bar
Come have a drink with us on the main intersection of New York Ave and Woodland Blvd in Historic Downtown DeLand. Here you’ll find great local beer, wine, cocktails and good people. The DeLand bar and food scene attracts people from all over central Florida and beyond. Come on in and find out what makes our bar one of DeLand’s finest!
$100.00
Next move is around the corner onto New York Ave which will include an old courthouse, historical theater and the Deland Wings to name just a few so see you hopefully next Sunday and I am trying to not being so slow but it’s been crazy all through the Holiday season an now beyond—but honest I’m trying.
Going Out on Friday Night in Downtown DeLand Florida | Historic Garden District
One thing I forgot to mention about near by Lake Helen,, that we visited on an earlier part f this ongoing tour, has a lake near by, by the same name—it was named by Mr. Deland for daughter—who you ((‘m sure) guessed it was named Helen–I’m assuming he named the lake and the town picked it’s name up from there.
$60.00
PAINTINGS & ASSEMBLAGES
100 N. Woodland Blvd.
DeLand, Florida
John Mellencamp, The Stardust Sisters, 2013 Grammy award winner and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, John Mellencamp showcases a selection of paintings and assemblages…
Check out the Next weekend
57th Annual DeLand Outdoor Art Festival March 26 & 27, 2022!
Or an event in one of the places we walked by today
Cafe Da Vinci
112 West Georgia Avenue
DeLand, FL 32720
For nearly four decades Donavon Frankenreiter has been travelling the globe, first as a professional surfer and now as a musician. Born in Southern California, Donavon spent most of his youth chasing waves, turning pro at the age of 16. These days instead of surf competitions, it’s concert halls that brings Frankenreiter to town, where he entertains audiences with his unique blend of laid-back grooves, philosophical lyrics and soulful delivery. You can find him touring the world with his three-piece band and still catching waves anytime he can.
$30.00
