THE SECRET TO ALL GREAT VACATIONS FOLLOW THE LOCAL

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1 THE SECRET TO ALL GREAT VACATIONS FOLLOW THE LOCAL 1 When it comes to fun in the sun, Florida offers many choices. For years, the savviest travelers have used a simple technique to identify the roads less traveled, yet worthy of exploration. The key: Follow the Locals. They, more than anyone, can lead you to the places that are quiet and protected, beautiful and charming, fun, interesting and authentic. New Smyrna Beach is one of these places. Year after year, Central Florida residents have voted New Smyrna Beach, Best Beach in the Orlando Sentinel s Best Bets competition. Telling, when you consider this is one of the world s premiere vacation destinations, literally surrounded by world-class coastal options. An unspoiled jewel located 45 minutes east of Orlando International Airport between Daytona Beach and Kennedy Space Center, New Smyrna Beach still tends to fly under the radar of many. Here, you ll find a laid-back blend of history, culture, the arts, nature and 13 miles of pristine white sand beaches. New Smyrna Beach is an eclectic mix of old and new; of subtle sophistication and bohemian soul that is as real as Florida gets. It occupies a notable place in history as the second oldest city in Florida, site of the largest single attempt at British colonization in the new world. The city is also recognized as one of the Top 100 Small Art Towns in the US, home to numerous galleries and the internationally renowned Atlantic Center for the Arts, recently profiled in the New York Times. Other local attractions include 1830 s-era sugar mill ruins; the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, which at 187 feet, is Florida s tallest; two marine science centers featuring hands-on discovery tours; and a host of palatepleasing local dining options. While history, the arts and culture offer much, New Smyrna Beach and the surrounding areas of Port Orange, Edgewater, Oak Hill and Osteen are perhaps best known for outdoor recreation. Whether your idea of fun is relaxed or adventurous, it s here. The area s beaches are clean, safe, wide and uncrowded - perfect for sunbathing, bicycling, swimming, fishing and building sand castles. National Geographic Magazine has named New Smyrna Beach as one of the World s Top 20 Surf Towns, and many recognize the area and its spectacular inland waterways as The Redfish Capital of the World. Kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and kite boarding are all popular. Accommodations range from charming hotels to quaint bed and breakfast inns, to a variety of oceanfront homes and vacation rentals. Condominiums are a popular choice for families and extended stays. For more information, call the Visitor Center at or visit nsbfla.com. Discover for yourself what the locals have known for years.

2 NEW SMYRNA BEACH: A HEART FOR ART ARTS AND CULTURE 2 New Smyrna Beach is rooted in local culture and art. Our unique arts town has the distinction of being included in the book, The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America: Where to Discover Creative Communities, Fresh Air, and Affordable Living, by John Villani. The Atlantic Center for the Arts and Harris House of Atlantic Center have also captured the attention of Anne Jeffrey and Aletta Dreiller, authors of Art Lover s Guide to Florida. New Smyrna Beach s small size belies its great artistic spirit. Many art festivals are held throughout the year and visitors can find distinctive pieces in the area s numerous galleries. The world-renowned Atlantic Center for the Arts, which concentrates on the fields of composing, as well as visual and performing arts, draws aspiring artists in many disciplines from across the country to learn from accomplished artists. Exhibitions and events are held frequently at the Center. The Little Theatre is revered for the quality of its productions, ranging from comedic farce to gripping drama, featuring highly acclaimed local and visiting performers. Young and old, no matter the style, we have it all when it comes to music. From the bluesiest of blues to jammin reggae to smooth jazz, music lovers can delight in New Smyrna s plentiful concerts, featuring world-famous musicians and our local hidden talent. What better way to commemorate a vacation than with your own personalized masterpiece? Checking out our local art workshops and studios, many visitors enjoy creating their own unique piece of art, by exploring jewelry making, learning Bob Ross style painting or taking a class in glassblowing and pottery, just to name a few. If you would rather discover the essence of New Smyrna Beach artists, make sure to check out our local galleries on Canal Street and beyond. The combined galleries feature the work of hundreds of local artists, for viewing and purchase, and the buildings are as interesting as the art within. Many other opportunities for artistic experiences abound in New Smyrna Beach, and a comprehensive list can be found on our website. New Smyrna Beach has a heart for art!

3 MILES OF WHITE SAND BEACHES IT S ALL ABOUT THE WATER 3 Sunbathing, swimming, bicycling, strolling or doing nothing at all is the choice of most visitors. But, the beach is also well-known to surfers, offering some of the finest wave action on the Eastern Seaboard, treasure hunters in search of rare coins and jewelry, and anglers who say surf fishing is the only way to go. Surfing is a favorite pastime and the locals have the scoop on where to catch the best wave. New Smyrna is the perfect place for experts and amateurs alike. With rock ledges 4-5 miles offshore, the wave breaks are plentiful but swimmers are protected from dangerous undertows. Beginners like our beaches because they can learn the sport in safe waters. Three main surfing areas include from the Ponce de Leon Inlet to the extension of Esther Street, from centerline of the extension of 6th Street south to the centerline extension of 24th Avenue, and from the south edge of 27th Avenue Park to the Volusia County line. Each summer, New Smyrna Beach is flooded with surfers as the American Professional Surfing Association holds one of its premier contests. Seasoned veteran or simply a spectator, New Smyrna is the place to hang ten! Fishing is a fun way to reel in a good time, whether you surf fish in New Smyrna Beach, the redfish capital of the world, or spend a lazy day angling on the pristine Indian River in Edgewater or on the Halifax River in Port Orange. Boat rentals, charters and expert guide services make fishing easy, and these resources are almost as plentiful as the fish themselves. Local tournaments like FishStock, held every Memorial Day, attract anglers worldwide. So, grab a pole and hop on board. The big ones are biting in the Greater New Smyrna Beach area! Year after year, Central Florida residents have voted New Smyrna Beach, Best Beach in the Orlando Sentinel s Best Bets competition. Telling, when you consider this is one of the world s premiere vacation destinations, literally surrounded by world-class coastal options. An unspoiled jewel located 45 minutes east of Orlando International Airport between Daytona Beach and Kennedy Space Center, New Smyrna Beach still tends to fly under the radar of many. Here, you ll find a laidback blend of history, culture, the arts, nature and 13 miles of pristine white sand beaches.

4 HISTORIC CHARM, FLORIDA STYLE DISCOVER OUR HISTORY 4 Any visitors have been pleasantly surprised to discover the history imbedded within New Smyrna Beach, which holds the distinction of being the second oldest city in Florida (though you might strike up a good argument with certain historians, who believe it to be older than St. Augustine!) Not just for history buffs, New Smyrna is home of fascinating treasures left behind by its original settlers, both British and Native American. As early as 2,000 B.C., Timucuan Native Americans inhabited the area of New Smyrna Beach. The Timucuan population almost vanished by the time Dr. Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish physician and entrepreneur, settled in New Smyrna in 1768 naming the area in honor of his wife, whose birthplace was Smyrna, Asia Minor (what is now Izmir, Turkey.) New Smyrna Beach offers visitors many historical legends and artifacts as witness to its rich history. In fact, more than 30 historical sites continue to intrigue visitors. Old Fort Park, now a downtown riverfront park, awaits your discovery of the mysterious coquina rock foundation, believed to be the home of Dr. Turnbull. Just blocks away from Old Fort Park on Riverside Drive is the 1770s era Old Stone Wharf, where a significant maritime Civil War battle was fought. If you re lucky, you ll catch a glimpse of it at low tide. Turtle Mound is a relic containing 33,000 cubic yards of oyster shells, covering two acres and is 50 feet tall. The Timucuan Indians created many sand and shell mounds on our coast, and Turtle Mound was first shown on an explorer s map in It is protected as part of the Canaveral National Seashore. More fascinating gems located throughout New Smyrna Beach can be found by visiting the New Smyrna Museum of History. The Black Heritage Museum is one of a few of its kind in the state. Filled with memorabilia and artifacts of the twentieth century, visitors are offered a glimpse back in time through African American history in Florida. Be sure to stroll down historic Canal Street, too! Come discover the history of New Smyrna Beach and become part of our history in the making.

5 DRAWN TO NEW SMYRNA BEACH LOCAL ATTRACTIONS 5 New Smyrna Beach may be famous for its beautiful beaches, but the locals know we have many areas to explore besides the sun and sand. When you need to cool off that sunburn, check out some of these fun and interesting attractions around the Greater New Smyrna Beach area. Love the water? Escape away from the hustle and bustle by visiting the Marine Discovery Center. Dolphin Discovery cruises give visitors a 2-hour journey on the Indian River Lagoon with certified Florida Coastal Naturalists. Interact with abundant marine life through hands-on creature identification, and marvel in sighting Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. If the day has gotten away from you, the center also offers sunset cruises, complete with relaxing music. Bring your own dinner, as food and beverages are welcome, and travel down the river past local nautical landmarks like the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse. Are you more the adventurous type? Paddle your way down the Lagoon in a guided kayak ecotour, either day or night. Or, simply rent a kayak and venture out on your own to discover North America s most diverse estuary. Feeling the need for speed? New Smyrna Speedway is the place to be on a Saturday night! Whether you like late models, modifieds, pro-trucks or more, New Smyrna Speedway has a race for you. Best of all, kids 11 and under are free! Would you rather be soaring high? New Smyrna Beach can give you a birds-eye view with BiPlane Funflights. See Mosquito Lagoon from the air, fly the Intracoastal Waterway, circle the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse or enjoy extended flights along the beaches. Prefer to stay grounded? Be sure to check out the Sugar Mill Ruins. This once highly functional sugar mill was built during the uprisings of the Native Americans in the early 1800s. Now, the remaining Ruins speak of the memories of the mill and the sugar plantations, destroyed during the war between the Seminole Indians and the United States. Part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Ruins is a place not to be missed! Hoping for some local interaction? The Hub on Canal, housed in the building that was once the Palace Theater, has been transformed into a mecca of art, entertainment and discovery in the New Smyrna Beach community.

6 THE NATIVES KNOW NEW SMYRNA IS NATURE 6 Sun and sand may be what New Smyrna Beach is famous for, but we are also one of the best places in the country to experience bountiful wildlife in its natural habitat. From marine life to flora and fauna, high in the sky or below sea level, the Greater New Smyrna Beach area is a nature lover s dream come true! INDIAN RIVER LAGOON The 156-mile long Indian River Lagoon is one of Florida s natural wonders and begins at the north end of New Smyrna Beach. This underwater rainforest is the most biologically diverse estuary in North America. It is home to over 4,000 species of plants and animals, including sea turtles, manatee, bottlenose dolphin and a wide variety of sea birds. To truly appreciate this priceless aquatic asset, venture its tranquil waterways via pontoon boat or kayak. CANAVERAL NATIONAL SEASHORE One of the longest stretches of pristine coastline in the United States, NASA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services protect the long barrier island of the Canaveral National Seashore from the construction and development so prevalent on many Florida beaches. The park provides visitors with hiking trails, campsites, seaside horseback riding, a restored turn-ofthe-century home, museum and information center, which provides ranger-led educational programs throughout the year. SMYRNA DUNES PARK Located at the northern tip of the New Smyrna Beach peninsula, visitors may arrive by land or sea to explore 73 acres of animals, birds, reptiles, marine life and vegetation. Two miles of elevated boardwalks, pavilions and an observation tower help protect the natural habitat. Swimming, boating, fishing and picnicking are just a few of the opportunities awaiting in this natural setting. Bring Fido too. Smyrna Dunes Park welcomes its leashed four-footed friends! SUGAR MILL GARDENS Old Florida is alive and well within this beautiful botanical garden, featuring a 16th century sugar mill. Stroll the trails, view the reconstructed sugar mill, watch the butterflies or check out the Human Sun Dial. The gardens, overflowing with exotic flowers, plants and ancient trees native to Florida, is open from dawn to dusk and admission is free. Discover the nature the New Smyrna natives know.

7 LET US WINE AND DINE YOU SHOPPING AND DINING 7 No matter how simple or eclectic your tastes, New Smyrna Beach has something for everyone. From wooden bench casual to candlelight chic, from whimsical bohemian to classy boutique, we have a variety of shopping and dining options to fit your every mood. The Greater New Smyrna Beach area boasts numerous one-of-a-kind restaurants, familiar chain names and even a decades-old drug store soda fountain. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll down charming Canal Street and quaint Flagler Avenue. Colorful boutiques, unusual gifts, antique shops and restaurants make for a fun afternoon respite. Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna s Main Street, is a great place to start your day. On the west end, businesses are shaded by the stately oak trees for which the Old South is famous. Boutiques and galleries are plentiful, and you are sure to find something special to take with you. As you head closer to the beach, the oaks make way for palm trees, the smell of the salt air and the sand underneath your feet. Sea shells, surfers and sunshine abound in the laid-back stores, restaurants and coffee shops as Flagler Avenue dead ends at the beach. Well, not exactly: New Smyrna Beach is one of the few beaches remaining in the country where you can drive right onto the beach. Canal Street, part of charming and historic downtown New Smyrna Beach, is a perfect place to shop and dine right in the heart of our city. Specialty shops, art galleries and _ne dining can be found surrounded by tree-lined streets flanked with historic buildings. If you re an art buff, Canal Street is known as the area s arts and design district. Among the artists, you can also find dress shops, an Irish pub and even a Farmer s Market in Old Fort Park on Saturdays. Parking is free, and The Loop is a great place to stroll for a unique gift or a tasty treat. Didn t satisfy that craving yet? Head over to Third Avenue, known by the locals as Eat Street. Over 20 venues, from casual to fine dining, await you here. New Smyrna Beach residents take pride in their cuisines, from brick oven pizza to fresh catches from the Atlantic. Bakeries, groceries and a variety of sundries can also be found on Third, if you prefer to bring it home and nosh a bit later after the sun goes down. Our website is filled with a comprehensive list of locations in which to grab a bite and find a bargain.