Visit West Volusia

09/01/2025

Amazing news! We love hearing stories like this one about Alby, Manhattan, and Swimshady thriving back in Florida at Blue Spring State Park! 💙 Huge kudos to the Cincinnati Zoo and all the manatee partners for this incredible success!

Great news!!! We just heard from our partners in Florida that Alby, Manhattan, & Swimshady have all been spotted back in Blue Spring State Park where they were released in Jan. 2023. The trio of orphans spent about a year at the Cincinnati Zoo until they reached the required 600lb mark to be released back into Florida waters. All three were tracked and monitored for a full year until they were deemed a success and are no longer wearing a tracking device. Our manatee partners are still able to identify them and let us know that they were all looking good! To track other manatees click here -https://www.manateemap.org/
Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership

08/01/2025

On January 6th, the Athens Theatre celebrated its 103rd birthday, and to honor this milestone, they’re inviting children and families to help them celebrate by creating a special birthday card for the theatre.

Here's how it works 🎉

• Create a birthday card no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches (include your name and contact information on the back).
• Drop it off at the Athens during Box Office hours (Tuesday through Saturday, 1:00–5:00 pm) or when you attend a show.
• The winner will be announced on opening night of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Youth Edition on January 24th. The creator of the most unique card wins 4 free tickets to any show in their season.

Kids and grown-ups can join the fun! All cards will be displayed at the theatre during the run of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Youth Edition from January 24th to February 9th.

08/01/2025

Join us at the 𝟒𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥! Bring the whole family to a fun-filled weekend with activities for everyone to enjoy while supporting a great cause!

Highlights include arts and crafts, face painting, games, rock wall climbing, live entertainment, the famous K9 Frisbee Show, delicious food, and the chance to observe manatees in their natural habitat at Blue Spring State Park.

📅 𝐉𝐚𝐧 𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
📍 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤, 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐅𝐋

Visit themanateefestival.com for details.

Please see our Event Info page for a more detailed list of events, times, ticket information and a printable Manatee Festival Guide as well as a Printable Manatee Activity and Coloring Book for the kids!

05/01/2025

Join Save the Manatee Club at Blue Spring State Park for "Manatee Adoption Day"! You can learn how to adopt one of these gentle giants, just like we did when we adopted Gator the Manatee. By adopting, you too can help protect and support these beloved creatures. Enjoy the experience as you choose your favorite manatee, receive updates on its adventures, and become part of a community dedicated to making waves in conservation.

Join us this coming Tuesday, January 7th from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. for our Blue Spring Adoption Day at Blue Spring State Park!
You can talk to our awesome volunteers, get educational materials and of course adopt a real living Blue Spring manatee! You may even be able to see YOUR manatee in the spring that day!

04/01/2025

Don’t miss tomorrow's DeLand Comic and Collectibles Show at the Volusia County Fairgrounds! Check out a marketplace packed with comics, toys, records, and collectibles, offering something for every fan!

02/01/2025

Looking for something to do today?

Spec Martin Stadium is hosting the 2025 Under Armour NEXT All-American Football Game Thursday at 4 p.m. Airing live on ESPN, this game will show the skills of the top high school athletes in the nation.

➡️ Get your tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-under-armour-next-all-america-football-game-tickets-1004793312847?aff=bannerUANext

01/01/2025

Happy New Year, friends!🎉 It’s Gator here, swimming by with warm wishes for a fantastic year ahead. May 2025 bring you clear waters and good vibes!

31/12/2024

The nation’s top 8th-grade football talent will come together later this week to compete in the Under Armour Next 8th Grade All-America Game. Airing live on ESPN, the 17th annual event will take place on Thursday, January 2nd, at 4 p.m. at Spec Martin Stadium in DeLand.

Learn more at underarmournext.com/football/all-america/

31/12/2024

Along with the DELEON DUNK 2025—DeLeon Springs State Park is ready to celebrate with a hike down the wild persimmon trail with a park ranger to start the new year off on the right foot!

🥾 First Day Hikes at 10 am and Noon
⭐ Bonus First-Day Hike Sticker

You’re invited – 📨

Hiking in is the perfect way to welcome 2025!

✨ What you can Expect:

• Fresh air 🌬️
• Beautiful views 🌅
• A chance to reconnect with nature 🌿

📍Find your perfect hike at the link below and let’s kick off the year with a step into adventure!
⚠️Limited edition stickers at participating parks while supplies last!

🔗: https://www.floridastateparks.org/events

30/12/2024

Ho Ho Howdy Do, Partner! Warm up with Hyderhead Brewery INC's Maid Leise Pumpkin Pale, where the coolness of the West meets the warmth of pumpkin spices. Perfect for a festive toast in the wee hours of the morning. 🎃🍺

CoolCraft Christmas ends tomorrow night! Be sure to get your card signed before it’s too late!

📸: Steph K. Photography & Kitchen
🎅🏻: coolcrafttrail.com/christmas

29/12/2024

Ho Ho Howdy Do, Partner! Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co.'s Freddy Fitz brings you a Belgian stout with sweet, malty flavors and a crisp, funky finish, named after the former Sheriff, Freddie Fitzgerald. Ideal for toasting under the Western holiday sky! 🍻🌌

📸: Steph K. Photography & Kitchen
🎅🏻: coolcrafttrail.com/christmas

28/12/2024

The Sound🎶returns to Shoestring Theatre in Lake Helen on December 29th at 2:30pm for a New Year’s celebration.🎉 Tickets include a champagne toast and 2 drink tickets.

This Sunday round out the year with the smooth jazz music of The Sound! Back by popular demand, come out and celebrate 2024 and toast in the New Year on December 29th at 2:30pm. Tickets on sale now and include a champagne toast and 2 drink tickets at https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/shoestringtheatre/4791

27/12/2024

Ho Ho Howdy Do, Pardner! Learn for yourself ‘How the West was Wined’ with The Elusive Grape's special concoction.

A warm, spiced Cabernet, infused with orange & spice syrup, clove, star anise, and cinnamon, topped with a candied orange peel. It's the essence of the Western spirit in every sip. 🍷🌟

📸: Steph K. Photography & Kitchen
🎅🏻: coolcrafttrail.com/christmas

25/12/2024

Ho Ho Merry Christmas, Pardner! Celebrate the holiday season with Berryville's Christmas Tree Shake!

Your cup becomes the canvas for holiday joy with sweet cake ice cream, blue frosting swirls, and festive confetti sprinkles. Topped off with a mountain of whipped cream and a Little Debbie Christmas tree, this shake is the perfect tree-decorating companion. 🎄🍦✨

📸: Steph K. Photography & Kitchen
🎅🏻: coolcrafttrail.com/christmas

24/12/2024

Ho Ho Howdy Do, Partner! Sidecar Market's Doc Holiday gives the classic old-fashioned a western flair with cranberry juice and root beer.

It's a concoction that's both festive and frontier, perfect for your holiday sips. 🍒🥃

📸: Steph K. Photography & Kitchen
🎅🏻: coolcrafttrail.com/christmas

24/12/2024

🎅 Ho-ho-ho! Gator is here swimming by wishing you all a holiday filled with warmth, cheer, and festive fun!✨

23/12/2024

Exploring downtown DeLand, Paradise Coast Parent highlights some local favorites! What are your favorite spots to visit?