“The Athens of Florida”-that’s the nickname of DeLand, Florida, a small town tucked between Daytona Beach and Orlando. It may not have the hustle and bustle of larger cities, but don’t let the small size fool you. Whether you are seeking fine dining, outdoor adventures, a history-packed weekend, or a romantic getaway, this is the place to be. Here’s why DeLand should be a must-visit on your next trip to Florida.
The DeLand FL Experience
Remember those reruns of The Andy Griffin Show with a thriving Mainstreet Community? DeLand has a modern version. They’re the only community that has won both the “Great American Main Street Award” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street Center and the “America’s Main Streets” contest from IndependentWeStand.org. And, we’re not talking about a town filled with stuffy, boring businesses. Every block of Downtown DeLand is filled with unique restaurants, quaint boutique shops, and beauty, health, and spa options.
DeLand Attractions
DeLand has it all. From African American History to the stories of immigrants, Native Americans, and settlers, you’ll find it in Deland. Along with outdoor adventures, art collections, and activities for kids, here’s a small sampling of the many activities DeLand has to offer.
DeLand Wings– The brainchild of artist Erica Group, the original DeLand Wings mural was created on a wall directly behind the shop she was working at. It became an instant success, earning awards for the Best Local Attraction, Best Local Tourist Attraction, and Best Local Children’s Attraction in 2018. After the success of #Delandwings, Erica’s work has expanded to include 6 locations around West Volusia County, all of which include something that represents the area in which they are found.
Stop by any of the wings and take a picture. Then, post to social media using the hashtag #wingsofthewest or #DeLandwings. You can find a map of the Wing locations here.
The Henry A. DeLand House Museum and West Volusia Historical Society- Although the area around DeLand was home to residents long before 1876, it wasn’t until Henry DeLand arrived and envisioned a plan for a city bustling with commerce that the area began to come up. Mr. DeLand purchased land to plant orange groves, changed the name of the area from “Persimmon Hollow” to DeLand, and began convincing his friends and fellow businessmen to invest in the area.
Unfortunately, his dreams were dashed in 1885 when a killer frost swept through the city, destroying the orchards. His promise to repay investors with his own money if they were dissatisfied with their purchase left him bankrupt. He returned North, never to return. Today, you can tour a Victorian home from the era and view artifacts from the history of the town.
A small fee is charged for docent-led tours. Presently, due to COVID-19, docent-led tours are suspended and the Historical Society is open on a limited basis for research.
The Stetson Mansion– Known as “the house that hats built,” the Stetson Mansion is the finest gilded age mansion in the state. Built by John B. Stetson-the founder of the Stetson Hat Company-in 1876, the almost 10,000 square-foot home features “16 patterns of the nation’s most rare and intricate parquet wood floors and 10,000 panes of original leaded Tiffany glass windows.” No detail was spared in the building or restoration of this house. It even included electricity, uncommon in this era, installed by Thomas Edison himself.
The Stetson family sold the home in 1920. It languished in the Florida sun for years before being purchased in 2005. Now restored to its former glory, no part of this private home is off-limits to tours. Behind the home, you’ll find an 800 square-foot schoolhouse designed for Mr. Stetson’s children. A forward thinker in many ways, he allowed the children of his servants and other employees to attend. The building is now used as a guest house.
Also on the property, you’ll find a tranquil garden for meditating or relaxing. Reservations are required for tours.
Stetson University– Founded in 1883 by Henry DeLand, this is Florida’s oldest private university. Originally named DeLand Academy, the first academic building was opened in October 1884. DeLand Hall, still in use today, is the oldest building in Florida used continually in higher education. After Mr. DeLand’s business failures, he was no longer able to fund the university. He asked his friend, John B. Stetson, to take over as a benefactor. In 1889, the school was officially renamed “John B. Stetson University.”
Even if you’re not interested in the academics, the campus is lovely and well worth a visit. In the common area, you’ll find a statue of Mr. Stetson greeting you with a tip of his hat.
DeLand Walking Tours
Historic Mural Walk –When Henry DeLand arrived in 1876, he envisioned a “charming city that would become a cultural and educational mecca.” These 15 murals, spread over a few blocks of downtown, give a glimpse into the town’s past as Henry’s dream was realized. From a mural of Clara and John Rich, some of the earliest settlers attracted by “Orange Fever” to “the Florida Black Bear” to a mural of Lue Gim Gong, a Chinese immigrant who pioneered the science behind cross-breeding oranges to create a frost-resistant variety, it’s a colorful journey through over 140 years of history. You can find a mural map here.
DeLand Sculpture Walk– Thanks to a collaboration between the Museum of Art-Deland and the city of DeLand, visitors can stroll through the streets of DeLand to find a dozen or so sculptures. These pieces change annually and come are designed in a variety of mediums. The museum also collaborates on the “Utility Box Wrap Program,” a project that covers unsightly utility boxes with stunning works of art. You can find maps for both of these exhibits here.
Walk DeLand– If you are interested in history, download the app of Florida Stories: A Walking Tour of DeLand. Written by Larry French, the former Executive Director of the West Volusia Historical Society and owner of Great Tasting Tours, this tour includes 12 stops and takes around 2 hours. You’ll learn the history of the town while visiting sites such as the “neo-classical Historic County Courthouse or Painters Pond Park, located in what was once the heart of DeLand’s African-American community.”
Where to Stay
The DeLand Hotel-Why stay in a place without character when you can visit the Deland Hotel? Built during the roaring ’20s and used as a hotel until 1975. In 2016, the hotel was purchased by Ross Janke, who lovingly restored the structure to include 20 rooms, all with period details.
You will truly feel as if you stepped back in time when you enter the building via the quiet courtyard. Inside a Victorian parlor urges visitors to come and relax, have a glass of wine (available for free to guests during the afternoon hours), and chat with other hotel patrons.
Guest rooms combine historical elements-clawfoot tubs, original door knobs, and wood floors-with modern amenities like showers, free wi-fi, and comfortable mattresses. The hosts are welcoming and friendly, there’s free parking, and it’s located just four blocks from Stetson University. Added to the National Historic Register in 2019, this hotel offers a gracious taste of old-time charm.
Things to Know Before You Go:
Attractions:
DeLand Wings is located on Persimmon Lane directly behind Sidecar Home Market and Bar.
The Henry A. DeLand House is located at 137 West Michigan Avenue.
The Stetson Mansion is located at 1031 Camphor Drive.
Stetson University is located at 421 North Woodland Blvd.
Places to Stay:
The DeLand Hotel is located at 442 East New York Avenue, DeLand.
Have you visited historic DeLand, Florida? Remember, this town, with its motto, “Old Florida, New Vibe,” is fun for the entire family no matter what your interests. If you’ve visited, tell us about your favorite activities.
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Such a great place to stay! The place is so stunning that I wouldn’t bother taking pics now and then.
This is the first time that I’ve heard of this place. We’ve never been to Florida, though. Will keep this place in mind.
Wow so interesting place. And that art paint on the wall looks cool. It’s full of stories. I’m excited to visit Florida someday, so many sites to wonder to. Thank you for this awesome guide!
Thanks for sharing this! I can’t wait to visit Florida again.
This place looks so beautiful. I have only ever been to Florida once, and it wasn’t even for that long. I’d love to check out this area someday.
Love DeLand, and will be revisiting when we can
I love it too! Everyone is so friendly and it’s such a beautiful city!
That looks like a beautiful place to visit. I would love to see this in person someday.
It looks like there’s so much to see and do here. I’d love to visit some day.
I love visiting Florida and will have to put this on my list to go to one day. We are traveling, but just by car for the time being, and Florida is several hours away.
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I’ve been to Florida but not here. Maybe next visit as it seems lovely.
I’ve never heard of Deland but it sounds so cozy and nice! I will have to add it to my travel list. Thanks for the recommendation!
Wow! This place is simply astonishing! I will definitely visit DeLand Florida with my wife soon.
What a nice and pleasant place! It would be awesome to visit it with my whole family!
I agree,this sounds like a great place to explore. Mr. Stetsen’s statue is stunning.
Deland, Florida seems like a fun place to visit. I would love to check out the Stetson mansion! The hotel looks charming!
Deland, Florida is not an area I hear about much but I love areas that aren’t shared predominantly in the touristy circles. I love unique places and this looks like an excellent and unique place to visit in Florida some day!
Learning about a location’s history is one of my favorite things about traveling. It looks as if DeLand has a lot to explore.
Thanks, Pam! You make our city sound fine and , of course, we are! But you missed the museums, Earl Brown Park with ducks, tennis, skate board park and jungle gym. Plus lots more! Come back for another visit with different views especially when we have parades with flags waving down both sides of the boulevard. Lots more outdoors eating. Lots of everything!
I know there are lots I didn’t get to see! I would love to return as soon as we can travel again and see the other sites you mentioned!