SaraJean & Christopher
Things To Do
New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach and the surrounding area offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation: these include fishing, sailing, motorboating, golfing and hiking. In July 2009, New Smyrna Beach was ranked number nine on the list of "best surf towns" in Surfer. It was recognized as "one of the world's top 20 surf towns" by National Geographic in 2012. The beach in New Smyrna has soft sand warm waters and allows cars on the beach. The Hampton Inn and Springhill Suites hotels are within walking distance. For those interested in history, the New Smyrna Beach Historical Museum offers great exhibits on NSB back to its founding by Scottish physician Dr. Andrew Turnbull in 1768. There is even the Old Fort Park, which contains the ruins of the first major building built by the colonists. When you're done, stroll along Canal Street to try some good food. If you're up for BBQ, try Yellow Dog Eats, one of our favorites, which specializes in great pulled pork sandwiches.
DeLand
DeLand is one of our favorite spots in the area. Only 24 miles west of New Smyrna Beach, it boasts all the charm of Old Florida. There are numerous delightful restaurants with great food, including a Cuban restaurant (Chica's) for those who want to try something unique. Once you've strolled past the antique shops and taken in the architecture of Stetson University, stop by Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company, where we took a break to develop the menu of food you all will enjoy at the wedding.
Third Wave Cafe & Wine Bar
This is one of our favorite restaurants in New Smyrna Beach! Great place to relax, have a nice drink, and enjoy some delicious food right near the water along Flagler Avenue.
Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum
Visited by over 170,000 people each year, the Ponce De Leon Inlet Light Station was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1998. The lighthouse tower and museum are open to the public year round. Fall, Winter, and Spring Hours of Operation (Day after Labor Day to Day before Memorial Day) Open from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. (last admission at 5:00) Daily Admission Rates: $6.95 for adults and $1.95 for children (11 & under). Infants (NB - 2) are admitted free of charge Please call the Lighthouse at (386) 761-1821 ext. 10 for more information.
The Club at Venetian Bay
If you like golfing this public course is nearby! Play a round of golf on the 18-hole championship golf course by designer Clifton, Ezell and Clifton design. The layout is for everyone with challenging experienced players while making newcomers comfortable as they learn the game. There is also generous practice putting green, a chipping green with a practice bunker and a beautiful driving range with multiple target greens. While there enjoy a first-class dining experience in the Champions Grill. Venetian Bay also has a spa on the property. This is very close to the rehearsal dinner venue.
Cracker Creek
Cracker creek does kayak and canoe rentals by the hour. Enjoy paddling along an inter coastal river full of turtles, manatees (seasonal), fish and Florida fauna.
Kennedy Space Center
Educational and fun experience at the epicenter of all the NASA space launches. Don’t forget to buy some freeze dried ice cream!
Historic St Augustine
Explore the cobblestone streets and you will find historic sites all around downtown St Augustine. Every corner is rich with a long history, waiting to be discovered. No vacation in St. Augustine is finished until you have gazed up at the Louis Comfort-Tiffany stained glass at Flagler College, or climbed the steps of the lighthouse, taken a sip from the fountain of youth or learned of the vast history of Aviles Street, the oldest street in the oldest city in the nation. Parts of the city predate the country itself! Visit St. Augustine and stop in at the old houses and museums to discover a new side of the city that was once a small port town and is now a bustling, energetic community dedicated to preserving its valuable past. The heritage and culture of the old city are still deeply relevant even today! St. Augustine is about 45 minutes away from New Smyrna Beach.
Walt Disney World Resort and Various Theme Park Attractions
Disney World, Universal, Sea World and all associated water parks are located in Orlando approximately 1 and 1/2 hours from New Smyrna. Feel free to spend a night in Orlando to enjoy or drive back and forth, please have fun and enjoy!