[vickitom]

Hi. Planning on going to Deland to visit the Stetson Mansion. I am looking for ideas on other things to do in the area. I did a Deland forum search & only found reference to the mansion. I'm looking forward to any suggestions that you may have.
Thanks, Vicki.

[vickitom]

bump

[chachacha]

i am not familiar with deland and have wanted to see that mansion! i do know that the nearby towns of Eustis and Mt Dora are cute to walk around in or take a boat ride on the lakes...will be interested in other replies!

[caseycasebeer]

An interesting place to visit in Deland (actually on the St. Johns river...) is to visit Hontoon Island State Park (HISP). The Park has a (free) electrically-driven pontoon boat that they use to trans port visitors across the river. ...Kinda fun.

HISP is a very good place to have a picnic if you're so inclined. Parking is free, the ferry boat is free, and as I recall HISP is the only state park with NO entrance fee!

Also, just a few miles south of Deland is Blue Spring SP (on the river); a very good manatee viewing area.

Casey&Mary

[mixsonci]

Originally Posted by vickitom

Hi. Planning on going to Deland to visit the Stetson Mansion. I am looking for ideas on other things to do in the area. I did a Deland forum search & only found reference to the mansion. I'm looking forward to any suggestions that you may have.
Thanks, Vicki.

There is also a very nice (at least online) up and coming retirement community in Deland. Can't remember the name exactly. But I checked it out on line before I bought in TV. The homes were less expensive and looked really beautiful. They rode around on golf carts and seemed to have plenty to do. I didn't go visit because I wasn't going to be in Florida again for quite a while and didn't want to wait to buy my house in case prices skyrocked. And I already knew how much I loved TV. But it did look quite promising.

[Carla B]

Only had time to visit the Stetson Mansion and eat lunch. There are many nice restaurants in the downtown area. We ate at a Latin fusion type restaurant and it was really good.

Suggest looking at Trip Advisor for ratings.

[vickitom]

Thanks for your input. I really want to see it all!

[chuckinca]

Do the skydiving school at the Deland Airport.

Manatee watching in Blue Springs State Park in nearby Orange City.

Short drive to Daytona Beach etc

[jojo]

Visit nearby DeLeon State Park and Springs. There is a sugar mill and restaurant where you can grill pancakes at your table. The narrated cruise is through old Florida swamp.

[chuckinca]

Originally Posted by chachacha

i am not familiar with deland and have wanted to see that mansion! i do know that the nearby towns of Eustis and Mt Dora are cute to walk around in or take a boat ride on the lakes...will be interested in other replies!

Deland isn't what I would call close to Eustis or Mt Dora.

.

[vickitom]

Thank you all for all the valuable input.
Thanks, Vicki.

[OldManTime]

I lived in Deltona for 9 years, and almost every day was in Deland. The last time i was there in 2002 the Main St, was lovely, make sure you visit the old courthouse, Blue Springs in Orange City, and DeLeon Springs a short drive from Deland. Nice Golf Courses in Orange City too

[OldManTime]

OPS, forgot the restored mansion in DeBary

[chuck90199]

How about the Reptile Discovery Center in Deland. Here's the link: Reptile Discovery Center - Home