DeLand, FL – A new partnership is set to drive more visitors to the Speedway and into West Volusia County, Florida! Visit West Volusia is proud to announce it is now the “Preferred Travel Partner of Volusia Speedway Park.”

Volusia Speedway Park (VSP), located in Barberville, Florida, is known as the World’s Fastest Half Mile. It hosts dirt track and go-kart racing events weekly, as well as the prestigious Dale & Emil Reutimann Memorial in November, the Sunshine Nationals in January and the DIRTcar Nationals in February.

“Volusia Speedway is a staple in our community, a storied institution,” said Georgia Turner, Executive Director of West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority. “This opportunity to partner with the Speedway is a perfect way to get the word out to those who visit West Volusia so they can experience the thrill of dirt track racing.”

Brian Carter, World Racing Group CEO, agrees. “Our fans and racers come from all over the country. This partnership helps us show them all the wonderful things there are to do throughout West Volusia, giving them even more of a reason to visit.”

The new partnership between Visit West Volusia and VSP began on July 1, 2022.

Volusia Speedway Park has been hosting racing events since 1968. Originally built by Benny Corbin, VSP helped grow dirt racing in Volusia County. World Racing Group now owns and operates VSP, and airs its events live on its streaming platform DIRTVision.

Visit West Volusia Hosts Special Beverage Contest

DeLand, FL – “CoolCrafters” will soon be creating signature drinks in hopes of being voted the best of the CoolCraft Summer!

Visit West Volusia is proud to announce its upcoming CoolCraft Summer beverage competition. Participants of the CoolCraft Beverage Trail will be creating one specialty drink – alcoholic or non-alcoholic – that features summer-inspired flavors and fresh ingredients, with a West Volusia flair. The competition starts on June 14, 2022, and runs through September 5, 2022, and visitors get to vote!

Visitors are encouraged to try each location’s CoolCraft Summer drink and then vote for which one they like best at coolcrafttrail.com/summer. At the end of the competition, the winners in each category will be crowned the Best CoolCraft Summer Beverage.

“The CoolCraft Beverage Trail is such a popular experience, and we are always concocting new ways for people to participate,” said Georgia Turner, Executive Director of the West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority. “This summer competition is a really exciting way for people to taste the best of what West Volusia establishments have to offer.”

Select concoctions include Trilogy Coffee Roasting Co.’s “Palmetto Highball”, a refreshing take on a classic with natural pineapple juice and single-origin espresso; Wander Bar’s “Camp Nowhere”, a truly unique cocktail featuring a feta cheese infused gin; and “Hello Summer”, Central 28 Brewing’s special pineapple jalapeño sour beer. Other participating “CoolCrafters” include Hyderhead Brewery, Blue Springs Brewing & Pizzeria, Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co., Odd Elixir Meadworks & Abbey Bar, MG Coffee Brews & Bites, NEST, The Lounge Tapas and Martini Bar, Buddha Bowls, and Centro Tea Co. & Plant-Based Kitchen.

The CoolCraft Beverage Trail kicked off last year to much success and has given visitors a chance to taste the best “crafts” around … and we aren’t just talking about the beer, though there is plenty. With more than a dozen destinations offering meads, smoothies, teas, coffees, and, of course, some of the best brews, you can tour and taste all the “trail” has to offer. For more information, visit coolcrafttrail.com.

About West Volusia County:
Conveniently located between Orlando and Daytona Beach, West Volusia County, Florida offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy parks, pristine natural beauty, historical homes like Stetson Mansion, a vibrant downtown, and award-winning restaurants within 14 distinct communities. Visitors can also enjoy Downtown DeLand – voted America’s BEST Mainstreet – and its many delectable restaurants, or for a bit more adventure, head out on the St. Johns River or explore the Blue Spring State Park. These are just a few of the many natural, cultural and historical area attractions you will find when visiting West Volusia County.

About Visit West Volusia:
West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority’s mission is to develop and support marketing and advertising programs that bring increased tourism to West Volusia County, and to demonstrate the desirability of West Volusia as a tourism destination. The Authority works with area hoteliers, tour providers, attractions and event promoters, to represent the area to vacationers, tour operators, travel and meeting planners, and the media.

Swing into Valentine’s Day at The Center

It will be an unforgettable afternoon at The Center at Deltona, a spacious state of the art venue, for an incredible Valentine’s Day matinee. Featuring a Las Vegas-style show matinee, “Through the Years with Frank Sinatra” featuring Charlie Russo, champagne, and a gourmet dessert bar.

Couples Massage at Bodhi + Sol

Looking for a way to treat yourself and your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Look no further than Bodhi+Sol, a Boutique Wellness Center in Downtown DeLand which specializes in massage, facials, ayurveda and wellness.

For Valentines Day, Bodhi+Sol is inviting guests to “treat yourself + your love,” with a signature therapeutic couples massage. Including Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, custom aromatherapy, hot towels and even a rose, this is a fantastic way to reconnect with the one you love. 

Call Bodhi+Sol to book your massage: 386.507.2310

Romantic Dinner for two in Downtown DeLand

When downtown, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to one of our award-winning restaurants. Urban Brick, a stylish Italian eatery downtown, is planning on offering both a Valentine’s Day dinner and a brunch. Information for both can be found online or on their Facebook page.

Breakfast “Anytime” Sandwich – Urban Brick

Looking for the textbook definition of fine dining? Look no further than the award winning Cress Restaurant. Offering a Valentine’s Day to remember, Cress’s celebration features a 4-course dinner which includes some of their most beloved dishes. Dinner is $60 per person and reservations can be made at www.cressrestaurant.com or by calling 386-734-3740.

Looking to celebrate a little earlier in the day? Victoria Hills Golf Club is offering a special Valentine’s Brunch Menu featuring bottomless mimosas or bloody mary’s. Reservations can be made by calling 386-738-6000.

Victoria Hills Golf Club Valentine’s Brunch

Sweets for your Sweetheart

The sweetest shop in DeLand, Florida, Pat and Toni’s Sweet Things, will be a definite stop for you and your honey. Specializing in Handmade Chocolate, Fudge, Candy and Ice Cream, Pat and Toni’s has assembled some special sweetheart boxes for Valentine’s Day this year. It comes with 2 heart shaped hot cocoa bombs, 6 chocolate covered strawberries and 2 ruby hearts for a great night in. Call Pat and Toni’s at (386) 734-0066 to preorder.

Pat and Toni’s Sweet Things

Adopt a manatee for Valentine’s Day

For those of you who are unable to make it to West Volusia County this Valentine’s Day, don’t fret. You can have a little piece sent to you by adopting a manatee of Blue Spring State Park through the Save the Manatee Club. 

Every adoption gets you an adoption certificate with full-color photo and a biography of a real Florida manatee, a membership handbook, and a subscription to “The Manatee Zone,” the club’s official newsletter which features updates on the adopted manatees. For Valentine’s Day, the Club is offering a heart hand warmer as an added bonus. 

Visit https://www.savethemanatee.org/how-to-help/adopt-a-manatee/ for more information.

West Volusia Toursim Advertising Authority introduces the “Cool Craft Beverage Trail”.

It’s time to hit the trail and find beverages as “cool” as their destination! West Volusia County, Florida’s eclectic mix of attractions, restaurants and boutiques make it a spectacular spot to visit … and now it’s even cooler, with the “Cool Craft Beverage Trail.”

West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority is proud to kick off the beverage trail starting on November 27, 2020. Visitors will be able to hit the trail for the best “crafts” around … and we aren’t just talking about the beer, though there is plenty. With meads, smoothies, teas, coffees and, of course, some of the best brews, you can tour and taste all the “trail” destinations have to offer.

Who and what you’ll find:

BEER

HyderHead
Following the strict recipes and utilizing non-GMO ingredients, the folks at HyderHead invite you to have a wee taste of the highlands in their legendary Downtown DeLand brewery, themed after the founders’ Scottish heritage.

Blue Springs Brewery
Florida inspired and Volusia brewed, Blue Springs Brewery, named after nearby Blue Spring State Park, brings delicious food and drinks to the heart of West Volusia County for people of all ages to enjoy.

Central 28 Beer Company
The culmination of 25-plus years of brewing outstanding beers of exceptional quality, Central 28 Beer Company is a meaningful leader in the local craft brewery scene, offering crisp, superior beers.

Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co.
Sporting American and Belgian-style beers, Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. is the dream of two brewers and best friends who wanted nothing more than to open a craft brewery in the heart of historic Downtown DeLand.

COFFEE

Trilogy Coffee Roasting Co.
Trilogy is a small batch coffee roaster that is locally known for its ethically sourced, exceptional specialty coffee. Roasting each batch each day, Trilogy is the local expert in bringing out the ideal flavor from each coffee bean.

Breyting Community Roaster
Founded by enduring friends Von Coven and Fred Schneider (frontman of the iconic rock group, The B-52’s). The roastery was created to do one thing well, support non-profit organizations through the sales of coffee. (Open virtually 24/7 and locally for select seasonal pop-ups.)

MG Coffee Brews & Bites
Enjoy organic, single-origin, fresh roasted coffee and teas from around the world, along with your choice of freshly baked pastries, cakes and sweets … and don’t forget the sandwiches at this unique DeBary bakery.

WINE

The Elusive Grape
Featuring more than 40 different wines by the glass and a selection of cold beer, The Elusive Grape has been proudly serving as “DeLand’s living room” since 2003.

Elliot Vineyards
Enjoy the unique tastes of the Sunshine State with locally grown Muscadine Grapes, available all year long frozen, and learn the art of the craft of winemaking at Elliott Vineyards, home of the Sandhill Crane Gang Wine Club.

Spring Garden Vineyard
Every year, from August through September, enjoy picking your own muscadine grapes at Spring Garden Vineyard. Its Country Store also sells jellies, jams and other canned muscadine products, along with other wine making supplies.

OTHER

Odd Elixir Meadworks
Specializing in traditional mead techniques with a creative approach to ingredients and flavor, Odd Elixir is a nano concept winery inspired by the amazing local flavors of Florida.

Beeatroot
From 100% Authentic Organic Cold Pressed Juice, to Organic Whole Fruit Smoothies, Superfood Smoothie Bowls, Wellness Shots and more, Beeatroot is West Volusia’s holistic “Farmacy,” located in the heart of Downtown DeLand.

Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
What may seem like an odd addition to the CoolCraft Beverage Trail is actually one of our favorite stops in the area. Specializing in everything key lime, Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe’s crown jewel is its Key Lime Juice. Pair it with their key lime pie on a stick, dipped in Belgian chocolate, or any of their other key lime goodies, and you’re guaranteed to leave your mouth puckered.

You can also win on the “trail!” Taste and share your 5 favorites on Instagram by using #CoolCraftTrail and follow @VisitWestVolusia to win your FREE pint glass koozie. For more information, visit www.coolcrafttrail.com

From the highly coveted Downtown DeLand to the rustic simplicity of Barberville and its Pioneer Settlement, West Volusia is known for everything from skydiving above to manatee-sightings at Blue Spring State Park; This is the real Florida vacationers sometimes overlook.

Most curious of all the attractions in West Volusia is Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp.

Neither haunted house attraction nor typical historic ghost tour, Cassadaga is in a class by itself. Established in 1894, visitors are drawn year-round to the spiritual teachings and experiences found from the peaceful, healing energy of this community. 

As the oldest active community of mediums in the Southeastern United States, and known as the Psychic Center of the South, readings (tarot, palm, psychic) and spiritual healings are given daily. Walk and discover Cassadaga’s historic, unique and mysterious beginnings and the spirit activity that still goes on in the historical homes of present-day mediums.

Cassadaga embraces its haunted side a bit more throughout the month of October by focusing on the spirits that remain a bit mischievous.

Cassadaga’s own haunted museum, C. Green’s Haunted House and Museum, offers 25 rooms filled with various spooky items that are sure to pique anyone’s curiosity. Some of the items include the seance table that once belonged to the founder of Cassadaga, and even some haunted dolls. The historic building itself is 118 years old and may possess some secrets of its own. 
The museum is open Friday – Sunday from 10am to 7pm. Admission is $10, children 7 years old and under are free.

Also in Cassadaga is one of the scariest haunted houses in Central Florida, The Cassadaga Haunted Attraction! The Cassadaga Hotel, famous for its connection to the paranormal and its timeless grace 20th century building construction, transforms into a haunted house where you can get an up close, in your face experience with real monsters, not animatronics and props. This is where the monsters you have nightmares about, come to life! 

The theme this year is Haunted Carnival, so there will be carnival games, trick or treating, a costume contest and a Halloween party. The event takes place on October 30 and 31, and will be from 7-11pm or later…

See below for other hauntingly fun and friendly Halloween happenings in West Volusia

This Halloween may be different than most, with children and adults matching their masks to their costumes this year or attending virtual events, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy Halloween with your family and friends. Despite the many changes to Halloween this year, many of us will still get the chance to dress up as monsters and superheroes with the intent of filling up buckets of candy or partaking in a spooky virtual tour thanks to the many events that are still taking place! 

We’ve compiled a list of the Halloween happenings and events that will be safely held around West Volusia this October. 

DeLand of Oz Corn Maze
Oct 1-31
Heritage Farms, known locally for their yearly corn mazes, hay rides, and a pumpkin patch, returns this year with yet another month of Halloween fun. For the entire month of October, find your way through the twisting and turning path to Oz in the DeLand of Oz Corn Maze! They are offering a day and night maze with a scavenger hunt. They are also hosting free outdoor family movie nights and encourage guests to bring chairs. 

The maze is open 10am-10pm Mon-Sat, and from 10am-5pm on Sundays. Admission is cash-only, $5 per person for the maze, and $2 per person for the hayride. 

Masks are not required but they encourage groups to social distance. 

Halloween Candlelight Tours at DeBary Hall
Oct. 23-24 & 30
Candlelight will lead your way through DeBary Hall while listening to scary tales from the past on a spooky tour designed to startle and activate the imagination. The tour will begin in DeBary Hall’s theater as a storyteller describes previous tenants’ lives and creepy customs born in the Victorian era. Expect mild frights, as the floor creaks and staff tell tales with tragic ends while weaving through the narrow hallways and darkened rooms of the 1871 mansion.

The tours will take place at DeBary Hall Historic Site at 7 and 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, Saturday, Oct. 24 and Friday, Oct. 30.

Reservations are required. Space is limited to 10 guests per tour; call 386-668-3840 to make a reservation. They ask that you please wear a mask. Admission is $10 per person. Children under 12 will not be admitted.

DynoClimb Halloween Meteor Nights
Oct. 24-25
It’s Back! DynoClimb, DeLand’s rock climbing gym, has announced that the popular ‘Halloween Meteor Nights’ are returning this year on October 24 and 25 from 10pm-12pm. For 2 nights, The Halloween Fun Festivities will take place with giveaways, contests, tape art shines, blacklights, and special events a plenty. Climbing appropriate costumes are highly encouraged. 

Online booking for the event can be found at www.dynoclimb.com

9th Annual Pumpkin Pairing at Abbey Bar
Oct. 25
What’s more festive than pumpkins and beer? This year, Abbey Bar, a Downtown DeLand indie spot featuring craft beer, mead, wine & gastropub fare with a funky, rustic vibe, will be hosting their 9th Annual Pumpkin and Beer Pairing. 

Due to social distancing requirements, Abbey Bar will be limiting seating for the event to 25 people, so reserve your spot! Admission is $40 and includes 6 Beers, 6 Courses, and 6 Pairing

PHANTASMAGORIA XI “Plague Tales”
Oct. 31
Join Phantasmagoria’s evocative troupe of storytellers, dancers, and chorus as they embark on their all new dark journeys through literary tales of terror, horrific folk stories, legends, and myths at the historic Athens Theatre in Downtown DeLand. From Edgar Allan Poe to Robert Louis Stevenson, to a mythical Plague Maiden and more this show is sure to set the tone for a truly Phantasmagorical Halloween season!

Available for viewing on a full-sized movie screen at the Athens Theatre or at-home streaming on October 31 from 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm. 

Recommended for children 8 and up.

4. Get a gift card/certificate for one of our popular restaurants. Cress, De La Vega, Forno Bello, Chicas, or The Table are sure to be a hit!

3. Buy tickets for one of our amazing attractions such as the Stetson Mansion, Skydive DeLand, Athens Theatre, the DeLand House Museum, DeBary Hall, Smooth Waters Wildlife Park, or a relaxing river cruise.

2. Send the gift of Key Lime Pie.  Kermit’s Key West Lime Shoppe has a production facility right here in DeLand and they make and ship everything from fresh and delicious key lime pies to bath and body and apparel items.

1. Adopt a manatee.  Save The Manatee Club gives people the opportunity to “adopt a manatee” for just $25.00. The adoption fee includes an “adoption” certificate, a photo, and biography of the manatee.

Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular 11/15-1/15

Mistletoe March thru Downtown DeLand 11/19-12/20

Orlando’s Nutcracker Ballet 12/3 and 12/4 – Athens Theatre

Fridays Before Christmas 12/6, 12/13, and 12/20 – Chess Park

Light Up Orange City 12/4 – Mill Lake Park, Orange City

Light Up Deltona 12/4 – Deltona City Hall

DeBary Christmas Tree Lighting 12/7 – Gateway Center for the Arts DeBary

Lake Helen Christmas & Garden Tour 12/7-12/8 12:30-5:30pm – Lake Helen

DeLand Christmas Parade 12/7 – Downtown DeLand

DeLand Indie Market Holiday Edition

DeBary Christmas Parade 12/8 – US 17/92, DeBary

Candlelight Christmas Tours of The DeLand House Museum 12/12

A Florida Christmas Remembered 12/14 – Barberville Pioneer Settlement

Orange City Christmas Parade 12/14 – Volusia Avenue, Orange City

DeLand Christmas Boat Parade 12/14 – St. Johns River

Lake Helen Annual Christmas Parade

Starts at 4:00pm.

Parade Route:
Leave Corner of Main Street and N. Summit Avenue (Fox Glass Inc)
Head North on Summit Avenue
Turn East onto New York Avenue
Turn South onto Lakeview Drive
End at Ohio Avenue

Lake Helen Christmas Parade 12/14

After the Parade meet at the Equestrian Center for Food Trucks, Family Fun and Holiday Movies. Merry Madagascar and Frosty’s Wonderland will be shown. Bring bug spray, chairs and blankets to watch these short films under the stars.

Candlelight Christmas Tours of DeBary Hall 12/20-12/21

Butler’s Express Train Rides Through Historic Lake Helen

Board the Butler’s Express train for a ride through the colorfully decorated streets of historic Lake Helen. 12 /13 and 12/14, 12/20-12/23 6pm-9pm

MainStreet DeLand Association and The Rotary Club of DeLand have partnered to create their first-ever haunted house located in heart of its historic, award-winning Downtown District.

Haunted Hollow DeLand will transform Artisan Alley Garage in Downtown DeLand into a den full of fear and fright. Featuring a “mild” side for children under the age of 10 and a “wild” side designed for those who dare to be scared, the event will run from Wednesday, October 23 to Thursday, October 31. Scaring hours will vary by night: 6 to 10 p.m. on weeknights, 6 to 11 p.m. on weekends and 6 p.m. to midnight on Halloween night.

Staffed by community volunteer scare actors, cost of entry is $10 and all proceeds will benefit The Rotary Club of DeLand and MainStreet DeLand Association, which are both not-for-profit organizations.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance via www.hauntedhollowdeland.com.

“What excites me most about this event is how so many people have jumped in to help,” said Melisa Reed, organizer and past president of MainStreet DeLand Association. “From construction materials, to volunteers, to connecting with Dynamic Design International who has done set work for theme parks and nationally recognized haunts, this experience shows just how strong our community is.”

“The partnership between our Rotary Club and MainStreet is an unparalleled example of two great organizations coming together for one great cause,” said Brittany Gløerson, event organizer and incoming president of The Rotary Club of DeLand. “We have worked tirelessly to bring the best family experience to our Downtown community this Halloween Season.”

For more spooky events in West Volusia, be sure to check out Spooky Happenings Blog Post.

About The Organizations

MainStreet DeLand Association focuses on keeping downtown authentic and exciting while working daily to maintain a lively and economically successful community. In 2017, MainStreet DeLand helped Downtown DeLand earn the designation of America’s Best MainStreet. Further information about its mission can be found via mainstreetdeland.org.

The Rotary Club of DeLand raises thousands of dollars annually to give back to the community. Rotary is focused on providing service to others, promoting integrity, advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace through fellowship of business, professional and community leaders. Further information about its mission can be found via delandrotary.org.

Haunted Hollow – Artisan Alley Garage

10/23 thru 11/2 Various Times

The Evil Four, The Horsemen Ride Again – Cassadaga Haunted Attraction

10/24-11/2 7pm – 11pm

Sorosis Club Haunted House H.H. Holmes 1893 World Fair: A Trip To Nowhere – Sorosis Club, Orange City

10/17 thru 10/26 Various Times

Hay Day Fall Fest – Earl Brown Park, DeLand

5pm-10pm

Pumpkin Bowling, Hay Dig and Mummy Wrap all at HAY DAY!!!  #hayday2019#earlbrownpark#sanborn

Monsters on Mainstreet – Woodland Blvd., DeLand

10/31 6pm-8pm

Lake Helen Fall Fest – Blake Park, Lake Helen

10/26 5pm-10pm

Orange City’s Halloween Block Party – Mill Lake Park, Orange City

10/26 5pm – 8pm

Deltona Spooktacular – Dewey O. Booster Park

10/26 6pm-10pm

Deltona Parks & Recreation will host a one-night only Spooktacular from 6 to 10 p.m., Oct. 26, at the Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex, 1200 Saxon Blvd. Don’t miss the Zombie Warehouse and our Haunted Trail. The costume contest will begin around 6:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded.

Enterprise Trunk or Treat – Enterprise Museum

10/31 5pm-6:30

Come join the Enterprise Museum for the 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat. You can bring a car with a trunk loaded with candy and scary decorations or you can bring your children to celebrate Halloween with us. If you want to park and pass out candy please call Cindy at 386 804 6987 or the museum at 386 259 5900 to reserve a spot. All decorated cars must be parked by 4:45. At that time the front driveway will be closed, so the children can walk safely through our parking lot to visit the cars with candy.

Darken’d Journey Walking Ghost Tour – DeLand

Fridays and Saturdays 10/4 thru 11/30 beginning at 8pm and 10pm

Lurking in a small town lies tales of murder, lost love and the paranormal. Come here the darker tales of DeLand, FL.

Walking tour. Please wear appropriate walking shoes. Tour lasts approx. 90 minutes.

Our costumed guides will lead you through DeLand to tell you the darker stories of the town. Tickets are required for this event. Kids and pets are welcomed.

Meeting place: In front of the fountain across from the Volusia County Courthouse (next to the bike rental shop in DeLand)

Tickets $20 per person (tax included)

Presale is available now! Please email us at
[email protected], call us, or send us a Facebook message with your phone number, tour date/time and how many in your party and we will be sure to get back to you with a confirmation.

Your Darken’d Journey starts tonight!

Creepy Candlelight Tours of DeBary Hall

Oct. 25 and 26 DeBary Hall

Get spooked before Halloween by listening to scary tales and taking a candlelight tour of DeBary Hall Historic Site at 7 and 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26.
Guests will start their tour in DeBary Hall’s theater, where a storyteller will describe the lives of previous tenants and describe some creepy customs born in the Victorian era.
Then visitors will enter the DeBary mansion, where they can expect some mild frights as they are escorted through the narrow hallways and darkened rooms once occupied by 19th century wine merchant Frederick deBary and family. Staff and volunteers will share spooky stories and tell tales with tragic ends as they creep through unlit rooms and listen to the creaks of the 1871 mansion.
The tours are designed to startle and activate the imagination.
Reservations are required, and space is limited; call 386-668-3840. Admission is $10 per person. Children under 12 will not be admitted.
DeBary Hall Historic Site, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is owned by the state and managed by the county’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Division.