15 resources for the best date in deLand

Where it’s at

I live near DeLand, Florida (think between Orlando and Daytona Beach). DeLand is the county seat, so most people in Volusia County know where it is. While we’re a small town, we’re big on fun. In fact, we won the America’s Best Main Street Award! No chain stores here. We’re all mom and pop stores in downtown – perfect for dates and family day out!

Just because we are a small town doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do here. Whether you’re looking for a daytime date (I’m a big advocate of those for helping your marriage) or a night on the town, we have something for everyone. Dates are key to a successful marriage, so let’s start here!

Best Resources

Without further ado, here’s my list of best resources for dates in DeLand:

Food

1. Manzanos is my absolute favorite sandwich shop – they know food! Grab lunch here for sure. Try the NSB first!
2. When you’re done with lunch go visit The Sweet Spot. This is our hands-down favorite ice cream shop. They make all their own ice cream and you can tell. Second to none! This is where we go for celebration traditions. Give it a try, really.
3. If it’s Sunday brunch you want, you have to try The Potato Patch. Doug and Lil do an amazing job – they hustle! There’s usually a line after church, so plan ahead. My husband and I are hooked on the eggs benedict, but we like everything there.
4. For date night, my husband and I swear by Bake Chop. They have an eclectic menu and we liked it all. They change their menu, too, so it doesn’t get stale. And the desserts?? No need to go anywhere else. Friday nights there’s a line, so plan ahead.
5. For coffee dates, you want Trilogy. My second choice is Boston (sorry, Boston!). The deep flavors at Trilogy make them my first choice, though. They have a very small baked good section, too. If you want alternative milks, they have it all. If you want a larger baked goods selection with your coffee, go to Boston. Their dessert case alone is worth the trip.
6. Finally, baked goods. I’ve mentioned a few good places already. If I’m just going to get dessert, I head over to Buttercup Bakery. This may or may not be a Friday tradition with my son after school. 💕 We may have uncovered my recent weight gain source! Seriously, though. You can watch the ladies making the deliciousness right through the window. Their selection has something for everyone, including vegan and gluten free. If you need a whole cake, go to Kneading Sweets. They do so much better than the grocery store and their prices are the same or better. You can’t beat it!

To Do

• 7. Want something fun to do? The Athens Theater is a top choice. They always have a performance in this historic theater and the talent is local. We highly recommend this for date night!
• 8. My husband swears The Half Wall is a destination spot! This is the largest selection of beer I’ve ever seen in my life. The food is good, too, but if you drink – grab a beer!
• 9. We wouldn’t be a town without a bowling alley. We have lots of lanes including the big screen, game-time ones! Sunshine Lanes is a good way to escape the heat in the summer, too.
• 10. If you like being outside, our parks are amazing. Some allow dogs, so check first. But you can walk the trails, play a game, or just have a romantic picnic. I LOVE our local parks.

Unique Finds

• 11. Did you know DeLand is home to a mural walk? It’s great fun – be sure to bring your camera. This site walks you through it and tells the story behind each mural.
• 12. There are lots of antique stores to be found in downtown. My favorite is the Marketplace at Rivertown. Start here, then walk around downtown and check out the other ones.
• 13. The DeLand Farmer’s Market in Artisan Alley (conveniently also wehre Bake Chop and Trilogy are located) is THE place to be on Friday nights. If you’re going to be downtown and you see a crowd, this is why. Go here.
• 14. Miss the old-style book store? We have one! Our little downtown bookstore, The Muse, is one of my favorite places. There’s just something about the smell of books that brings me comfort. She also has games and trinkets, so stop on by!
• 15. Finally, DeLand is known for its small-town hospitality and we always have a festival or parade on the books. See the Mainstreet Deland page for a master list of all events in DeLand. You’re bound to find a great one for your next date.
• BONUS: Looking for church on Sunday morning? My church is always welcoming new people and we have a children’s church, too, so no worries about bringing the kids.

So there you have it! My best resources for a great date in DeLand, Florida. You truly can’t go wrong to come on by and spend the day here.

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Hope to see you in town soon!

🌸 Andrea

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