 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.
 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.
 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!
 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.
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