When you’re thinking about moving to Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, Deltona, or elsewhere in Florida, make sure that your search doesn’t exclude exploring all that DeLand has to offer! If you’re all about enjoying local arts and culture, you won’t be disappointed with a trip around this amazing area filled with Old Florida scenery and fun things to do and see. Read on for a few different things we love about tapping into a creative, cultural mindset in the DeLand area!
Enjoy a Historic Trip Around DeLand
Passionate about the past? You’ll love exploring DeLand to enjoy its amazing, eye-catching historic architecture. Start your self-guided sightseeing tour by checking out the prominent Stetson University. Founded in 1883, this campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Florida’s oldest college and collection of education-related buildings. In fact, DeLand Hall is known for being the oldest building in Florida continuously used for higher education!
If you’re curious about the university’s namesake, you’ll want to pay a visit to DeLand’s John B. Stetson House, built in 1886. This Gilded Age estate is referred to as “The House that Hats Built” – as former owner John. B Stetson was known as a famed hat manufacturer. While it is a private residence, you can take a guided tour of the home between February and July or enjoy a special Christmas tour when the home is decorated for the holiday season between November 1st and January 22nd.
Explore Art Galleries
It's time to tap into your inner artist – living in DeLand means access to plenty of amazing arts institutions to discover! You might enjoy spending an afternoon exploring the Museum of Art – DeLand, a community visual arts museum featuring 23,000 square feet and 5 galleries filled with rotating exhibitions. The space also hosts gallery talks, receptions, master artist workshops, and more to connect with the local art community.
Another DeLand art hub is the Hand Art Center – part of the aforementioned Stetson University campus. This location’s rotating exhibitions support local and regional artists, as well as featuring a spectacular permanent collection of work from the Modernist painter Oscar Bluemner.
Check out Local Live Theatre
Theatre buffs will enjoy access to wonderful live performances at the historic Athens Theatre in DeLand. This venue was built in 1921 and initially associated with vaudeville performance. Nowadays, you can visit the theatre to view live productions by the Athens Theatre Company, along with concerts, film festivals, lectures, and other live events. The venue also connects to the community through summer camps and workshops to introduce kids to the performing arts!
Find Your Fill of Festivals
Looking forward to attending fun arts festivals? DeLand certainly has its fair share! Plenty of yearly outdoor festivals bring local arts and culture into the streets, creating fun afternoon activities for the whole family to enjoy. In the fall, be sure to visit the Fall Festival of the Arts in DeLand’s historic downtown. This juried festival features art in many different mediums – plus, admission to the site is free! Also, each year in March, be sure to stop by the Annual DeLand Outdoor Art Festival for arts and crafts for sale from over 135 artists and vendors. The event also features live musical performances and delicious food!
No matter where you look, DeLand is a perfect place to enjoy arts and culture at every turn. When you’re considering planning your move, we’re prepared to help! Our team of Deland FL realtors at Bruno & Dinneen can help you fulfill all your relocation needs with our knowledge and expertise of the local area. Contact us today for help locating your perfect Volusia County home!
