Our next journey, which I will give you a full account of in later blogs, was one to give two of my friends their first train trip….I grew up in the north–spent a year going to school just west of Chicago where I could catch a train down town all day and a whole lot of the night. Same sojourns in England and Ireland got me even more use to having a conveninet way to my destination……but being in Florida greatly reduced that—though we did find that we could catch a morning train to Tampa and a night train back to Orlando—headed eventually to the cold north (and that was it one train each way, once a day.)
Then 8 year ago May 1st the SunRail began service—-but being useto driving everywhere I quite ignored it—except when those lights start blinking and the arms came down–unlike some people I have no desire to beat the train at the last minute. Then I met people—who used it and I went on it more. But I have like most people in Central Florida ignored it a whole lot of the time. And I still insist if they had it in service on the weekend I’d use it more but….
So today I’m gonna tell you more about the railway that if you live here or if you’re visiting Central Florirda you might use it to get around to those place you don’t see if you just journey through on or car or as visitors hang at the theme parks.
How much does it cost?
The base one-way fare is $2, plus $1 for going from one county to the next. So, for example, riding from Winter Park to Church Street would cost $2, but taking the train from Winter Park to DeBary would cost $4. There also are discounts for seniors and people who purchase multiday passes.
The city is situated on the karst topography of the DeLand Ridge, which is characteristically altered by erosion and collapsed caverns in the underlying limestone. The approximately 43 small water table lakes, sinks, and wet depressions within the municipal boundaries of DeBary are a result of these processes. The St. Johns River flows northward along the western and southern boundry of the city and is poorly drained, merging into creeks and strands. The river is the third largest drainage basin in the state of Florida and receives slightly more than 60 percent of the runoff from Volusia County
(Baldwin et al. 1980; Myers and Ewel 1990).
Slopes and high ridges of excessively and moderately well drained sand characterize the major residential areas of DeBary. Well drained soils support xeric vegetational communities predominately
forested by pine-scrub oak. The DeBary residential areas have undergone extensive ecological modification since the 1950s.
Where do you buy tickets
Use the ticket vending machines at the stations or the downtown Orlando SunRail information center, 201 N. Magnolia Ave. There is a reusable card called SunCard that can be purchased and reloaded online at account.sunrail.com.
 |
Purchase a Ticket at this site: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=7&p=3
Arrivals north bound: 4:48 PM:
| 5:18 PM | 5:48 PM | 6:18 PM | 6:53 PM | 7:23 PM | 7:53 PM | 8:53 PM |
Departures south Bound
5:28 PM 5:58 PM 6:28 PM 6:58 PM 8:28 PM 9:43 PM
Gemini Springs Park
37 Dirksen Drive,
DeBary
Directions to park
Open Sunrrise to Sunset
It’s about 1.2 – 1.4 miles from the train depot and you are allowed to bring your bike aboard, at least last time I was on the train there were passangers who had bikes
The 212-acre Gemini Springs Park has a
Dog Park
and camping..
As well as walking
Biking trails
and FIshing Dock
Oh and parking of course.
The Swamp House River Front Grill and the Happy Snapper Tiki Bar
488 W Highbanks Rd,
DeBary, FL
check out the menu:
You might want to try
24 hrs Taxi for the 5 1/2 miles from the station
321-318-6417
or
Book Online Here
They require a
2 hour reservation notice to ensure that we can be there on time
Provides you with an exceptional private transportation service. Please call our headquarters at (321) 318-6417 to reserve your taxi or car service today.
Does the train go to Orlando International Airport?
No, but a bus is available at the Sand Lake Road station to take riders to the airport. Just show your SunRail ticket and a free bus transfer is available for the LYNX Non-Stop Link 111. More information is available here.
How to Transfer from Votran to Sunrail
1. PAY YOUR BUS FARE
Purchase your fare on a Votran feeder bus route.
2. REQUEST YOUR TRANSFER
Ask the Votran operator for a free transfer to SunRail.
3. TAKE TRANSFER TO TVM
Follow instructions to use a transfer on the ticket vending machine.
Sanford Station
2720 W. State Road 46
Sanford, FL 32771
Seminole County
Located near the intersection of State Road 46 and Airport Boulevard.
FREE SHUTTLE
to downtown Sanford Mon-Fri Starting at noon. Click here for more information, or Call 407-948-2711
The City of Sanford’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) provides a free downtown trolley service. The Sanford trolley provides transportation between the Sanford SunRail station and downtown Sanford. The CRA also provides a free shuttle from the Amtrak Auto Train to the Sanford Information Center Monday through Saturday.
For information about the Trolley, please contact Andrew Singh at 407.330.1210 (I found two numbers so provided them both for you)
More How to Transfer
SUNRAIL TO VOTRAN
1. PAY YOUR TRAIN FARE
Purchase at least one SunRail ticket or SunCard.
2. SHOW YOUR TICKET OR SUNCARD
Present your SunRail ticket or SunCard to the Votran operator.
3. TRANSFER TO THE BUS
Good for one free transfer on to a feeder bus route that serves SunRail.
Visit Historic Downtown Sanford, Florida
Sanford is the county seat of Seminole county and sets invitingly on Lake Monroe. It has a long history including an early fort—a site on a railroad that strethed from the west coast of Florida, not to mention a politican who was a goveror that ran for state office—got Seminole county cut out of Orange and Sanford made the county seat then left his state’s Legislature position and retuned to be Mayor of the aforementioned town. Oh he eventually went to jail for shady practices involving his bank and a hotel (which still sets there on the lake) and when he was released he spent his old age living on the city streets.
Down town Sanford has an abundance of historical buildings that are enjoyable to view and the shuttle will drop you off down town where all are within walking distance.
The City of Sanford Museum
520 East 1st Street
Sanford, FL 32771
407.688.5198
Tuesday-Saturday
9 AM – 5 PM
is a great place to go to find out about that history and is right on main street and an easy walk. The Sanford Family Collection, including the library and papers of city founder Henry S. Sanford, as well as European and American paintings, furniture, personal objects and books from 1820-1890 are on display.
The Imperial Started out as a store several years ago.
A Tour of Sanford’s Best Bars and Eateries by @drinksanford
Artisan soaps and apothecary items, well-crafted housewares, and heartfelt gifts that are both funky and functional
And what would you do without shopping—-from a German Deli and additional stores all related and all just around the corner from the restuarant (Willow Tree) to a great used book store (Maya Books and Music) with an upstairs area of records—there’s lots to shop at and for in Sanford
All Shopping
And yes there is the Arts:
Gallery on First
211 East First Street
Sanford, Fl 32771
email: info@jtfolkart.com
phone. 407-323-2774
Tuesday – Saturday 10:00AM -6:00PM
Sunday 12pm-5pm
In the charming historic district of Downtown Sanford, Florida her 5,000 square foot gallery is an incubator for visiting artists who enjoy their stay in sunny Central Florida. From this home base, Jeanine ventures out for road trips to stay connected with artists throughout the Southeast – her beloved French bulldog, Louie (THE BEST DOG EVER), riding shotgun. A full schedule of exhibitions and special events are offered throughout the year.
Gallery on First
in the same shop space as the Folk Art Gallery (infact as you come in look to your left and right and these working spaces frame the Folk Art Space)
Gallery on First is a unique gallery and working space for professional and emerging artists that invites the public inside the artistic process through shows, events, education and conversations with working artists.
Box Office: 407-321-8111
SANFORD’S HISTORIC COMMUNITY THEATER
201 S. Magnolia Ave., S
Sanford, Fl
Located in Historic Downtown Sanford, Florida, The Ritz Theater is the region’s entertainment destination. Presenting memorable experience that engage, inspire, and entertain audiences of all ages.
No food or open food containers are allowed on SunRail vehicles.
Passengers may bring non-alcoholic drinks onboard, but drink containers should be closed to
prevent spills.
Saving the biggy to last
Cruise the St. Johns River on a River Ship
St Johns Rivership Co.
433 N. Palmetto Ave. Sanford, Florida 32771
- Phone: (321) 441-3030
Here’s a totally different way to experience Florida, its wildlife, its beauty, and its warmth. All while enjoying the very best in chef-prepared cuisine, live entertainment and endless hospitality in climate-controlled comfort. Family-owned and operated, the St. Johns Rivership Co. is the latest in a long line of sternwheelers that have been serving and sailing the St. Johns River for centuries.
Map of Historic Downtown Sanford, FL
Smoking, or the use of tobacco products, is NOT allowed on SunRail vehicles or
at SunRail facilities, including station platforms.
So that’s it for this week–I took last week off for my birthday—getting lazy I guess—next week we’ll do Bits and Pieces looking at lots of thing, places and whatever—then in 2 weeks we’ll do that trip to Kissimmee and give you a few (or more) reasons to go there—just like we found in Debary and Sanford today. So until next week please get out and do something—-I’m doing a Kentucy Derby party with a hat contest and a nice lady’s tea—a different diversion to keep me movin’. I enjoy different if you haven’t noticed. Duh.
