Located in East Central Florida along the eastern shore of the St. Johns River, DeLand is the county seat of Volusia County. Originally called Persimmon Hollow due to the abundance of wild persimmon trees that grow around the natural springs, the city was renamed DeLand in honor of its founder, Henry Addison DeLand. He was a baking soda magnate from Fairport, New York, and when he visited the area in 1876, he was impressed with its high and rolling land, fertile soil, and healthy orange groves. He purchased 159 acres of land, and the city was officially incorporated in 1882. The list of fun and interesting things to do in DeLand is a long one – you may have some difficulty deciding what to do first! The Stetson Mansion is a gorgeous Victorian manse that was built for the famous hat maker and philanthropist, John B. Stetson.
Not only is it Florida’s first luxury estate, but it features some of the most beautiful and intricate parquet floors in the world! Visitors to DeLand will see fine examples of stucco Mediterranean Revival architecture, many of which have been painstakingly restored, including the Athens Theatre. Art aficionados in particular will appreciate the Museum of Florida Art, and outdoor enthusiasts will delight in De Leon Springs State Park, Hontoon Island State Park, and Lake Beresford Park. Thrill-seekers will jump at the chance to participate in one of the local pastimes – DeLand has been called the “skydiving capital of the world”! When you have the chance, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the scenic town of Deland. Hotels in the area allow you to stay conveniently close by to where you want to be. When you stay at Choice Hotels, you can enjoy affordable rates, many amenities, and friendly service. Reserve your room today! We look forward to hosting you soon!