Traffic can be a hindrance even in a small city like DeLand. Depending on the time of day, you can hit every stop light and get slowed down by several minutes when making a normal work commute. For one part of town, relief is on the way!
 So nice, we’d like it twice! If you are a fan of Jeremiah’s Italian Ice located at the south end of DeLand, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that another location is set to open at the north end of town in the coming months.
 Photo credit: Sunrail Riding the train to an adventure is the dream of almost every child or child at heart. The clickety-clack of the track, watching the scenery fly by, seeing everything from a new perspective and for adults, avoiding the traffic that accompanies a drive on the interstate.
 ‘Tis the season to be merry and bright and no small city does it better than DeLand. It's no secret that we think this city is extremely special and charming. DeLand rolls out the red carpet for Santa and his merry makers (that’s you !) in December!
 It all started with the original Wings of DeLand, which are the iconic mural wings painted by local artist Erica Group. The wings became such an iconic symbol in the city. Locals and visitors alike would get the pictures taken with the wings behind them and post them with the hashtag #wingsofdeland.
 Photo credit: athensdeland.com One thing that is never a hard question to answer is, “What is there to do this weekend in DeLand?” If it's not a festival or shopping downtown, it's enjoying the local parks, museums or taking a stroll through Stetson University's campus.
 The COVID-19 pandemic caused many parents to take a hard look at the education of their children in ways the've never thought about. Most children were forced to attend virtual school in some capacity. While virtual school isn't for everyone, there are some benefits for parents whose children learn from home. The main benefit is flexibility.
 It is no surprise the real estate market in Central Florida is one in like we've not seen many years. The supply is low and the demand is high. Houses are on the market for only days or hours before selling. It has many thinking, when is it going to slow down?
 In 2020, the professional baseball season was abbreviated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, there was no minor league season altogether. Thankfully, in 2021, local minor league baseball is back for fans of all ages to enjoy an evening at the ballpark.
 The charm and quaintness of downtown DeLand expanded again in April thanks to the opening of The Create Space at 112 E New York Ave (located in the Dreka Building). Ginny-Beth Joiner, born and raised DeLand resident, renovated the space and unleashed her creative expertise on the empty space. For decades, she has crafted, painted, created, and designed under the name “Martha MacGyver”; a nod to the craftiness of Martha Stewart and the creative abilities of fictional character and 80’s TV icon “MacGyver”.
 The wait is finally over! The long-awaited Daytona Beach location of Buc-ee’s gas station and convenience store opened on March 22, 2021. The location is at 2330 Gateway North Drive, on the northeast side of the Interstate 95/LPGA Boulevard interchange, and had packed-out crowds on opening day.
 People give up homes for various reasons. Sometimes the circumstances are in their control (such as making the choice to sell a house and move to a new one) and sometimes they aren’t (like in the case of a foreclosure, house fire, natural disaster, or death of the primary resident). Leaving a home can be very sad and emotional regardless of the reason.
 Why would DeLand need another ice cream shop? People come from miles to visit places like Sweat Spot and Rodeo Whip. Are two new ones really going to make a big difference? To fans of these new institutions, the answer is yes!
 The Covid Grinch trotted into December and tried to snatch Christmas joy from Volusia County. He figured it would be easy, but Volusia County is still filled with holiday merriment. This the first year in recent memory the Downtown Christmas Parade was cancelled. It may look a little different (and aren’t we getting used to that at this point), but it's still jolly!
 The DeLand and Stetson University community were saddened to learn that former Stetson Basketball coach, Glenn Wilkes passed away last November. Known as the Godfather of Florida Basketball, Wilkes put the Hatter Basketball program on the map in the 60's and 70's.
 It’s been six years since the dreams of two DeLand locals became a reality. In 2014, Robbie Carelli and Andy Sistrunk began Persimmon Hollow, the now-beloved craft brewery in Downtown DeLand. It is considered to be an anchor in the Artisan Alley district of businesses that are west of Woodland Blvd.
 What’s better than one Aldi opening in DeLand? Two Aldis! That's right. Another Aldi is joining the DeLand community, this time in South DeLand. Although no official announcement is on the Aldi company website, the city has confirmed the German chain will open its doors with a new location yet again in DeLand.
 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a night listening to the night sounds of the St. John’s River? Crickets, gator calls, the gentle lapping of the water along the shore, owl hoots. What about the early morning stillness before it becomes busy with fishermen and motorboats? Birds awakening, the fog over the river, otters and manatees playing in the gentle current. Few modern river visitors have the opportunity to experience such peace, but West Volusia visitors have that special chance.
 There’s a new, yet familiar, business in downtown DeLand and it's a one-of-a-kind place with a familiar feel.
Confused? Let’s clear that up.  During the COVID-19 lockdown, many began home improvement projects. Many of us had the time and still do to work on making our homes better.
 True, authentic Florida has always been known for its vast, rugged and unforgiving terrain, rich Native American influences and history, wildlife that demands respect and a wide berth and gorgeous waters, flora and fauna. It's been the envy of states for years and the topic of many books and explorations. One such explorer was William Bartram, an American naturalist (1729-1823). Bartram took a four year expedition to chart the beauty of many southern states. His journey in Florida took him from Amelia Island to the Gainesville area where he studied what is now Payne’s Prairie. Eventually, his adventures brought him south along the St. John’s River to Astor and then Blue Springs in Orange City.
 Every Volusia County resident knows (or should know) the pride and crown jewel of the west side of the county is DeLand. Woodland Boulevard runs through the beautiful and historic Stetson University and continues through the picturesque downtown lined with restaurants and shops. Downtown DeLand is at the center of most of the town’s events, from annual art shows and jazz festivals to weekly concerts, farmer’s markets and theatrical performances. But, what brings the quaintness and true character to DeLand are the merchants who keep the Boulevard alive day-to-day.
 Are you a sucker for baking chocolate chip cookies...for the eighth time? Let's face it, during quarantine, it is easy to let things go and get out of a rhythm of healthy eating and exercise.
Note: Please follow governmental guidelines and stay up to date with rules, recommendations, and changes from officials.  You can only go through your email inbox and binge Tiger King so many times before you go stir crazy! While in isolation at their homes, many Americans are turning to home improvement projects. Lets face it, those projects are long overdue, and many now have the time to do them.
 Some who are used to eating in Downtown DeLand might be feeling a little lost these days. The main reason why so many love dining in this lovely setting is the community. Although we might not be able to have the same experience as dining in public, some of these local establishments have pivoted to offer some pretty great takeout options and service.
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Swann Real Estate
Swann Real Estate has been an established part of the local community since 1987.
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