DeLand, Florida
Votes
2012 Best Small Towns in America
Contest ended: May 16, 2012
195 Votes - "Most Patriotic"
27 Votes - "Friendliest"
16 Votes - "Most Beautiful"
7 Votes - "Most Fun"
4 Votes - "Best For Food"
Description
DeLand is named after its founder, Henry Addison DeLand, and is considered the Athens of Florida. It is home to Florida’s oldest private college, Stetson University, with a campus classified as a National Historic District. Be sure to visit the Stetson campus while visiting, and don’t miss the Stetson Mansion, Florida’s first luxury home built in 1886.
While the town hosts many events yearly, the most popular is the annual DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts. This two-day event held in the historic downtown area attracted over 50,000 people from all over Florida in recent years. The downtown area has been recognized as a "national Main Street program," and offers renowned shopping, dining and hotels.
As expected in Florida, DeLand is home to the outdoors with parks and lakes for boating, recreation and beauty. Stay on the St. John’s River or take a guided boat tour; get active with swimming, canoeing and kayaking; or nature watch with a variety of fish and birds in the area. Row through Lake Woodruff National Forest from De Leon Springs for 18,000 acres of natural exploration.
If you’re still looking for an adventure, visit the famed Skydive DeLand, the training capital of the world. DeLand is also known for its air station and features a Naval Air Station Museum with historic artifacts and equipment on display. For more on Florida’s patriotic treasure, check out these reviews.
Reviews
- I have lived in Deland since 2003 and I have to say it is one of the most friendliest places I have ever been. I love the old town feel, the old houses and the people most of all. I love history and it has alot of history Nd it has lots of things to see and do. As for the patriotism I hav never seen a town that shows up to thank our current and fallen soldiers they truly care and take care of the families affected. If you are near our quaint little town stop by and check is out you won't e disappointed.
- on July 18, 2012
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In 1980 I made my first trip to Florida, flew into Daytona Beach and had to travel inland to Eustis. My first impressions was "This is Florida?" So dissapointed...pine trees everywhere.no palm trees very depressing. Than as we were going inland we came upon DeLand. What a difference, like night and day. I fell in love with DeLand that day and still love going there now. It is true family Florida living....quaint, alot of originality and people are so nice. So having gone there approximately 32+ times, I can truely say, it is the most all around beautiful, relaxing place to go. Be back soon folks.
- on May 31, 2012
- I love this town. it is friendly, cultural great restaurants and museums...lots to do both inside and outdoors. Deland is home.
- on May 16, 2012
- DeLand's main street on Woodland Avenue is the center of it all. The parades, art shows and American flags during holidays make it happen. This is one cool city in which to live, work or just visit!
- on May 16, 2012
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DeLand is a wonderful town where I am proud to be raising my family! It is home and offers so much opportunity to my kids
- on May 16, 2012
