Nestled Between Orlando and Daytona Beach: Explore DeLand, Florida's Hidden Gem
Explore the Hidden Gems of Central Florida
DeLand, FL – Looking to explore the Sunshine State without the hustle and bustle of Orlando? DeLand, Florida, might just be the perfect destination for you. Located just 45 minutes north of Orlando and 35 minutes from Daytona Beach, DeLand offers a delightful mix of shops, museums, and outdoor activities, all within a walkable downtown area.
Known as "The Athens of Florida," DeLand was founded by Henry Addison DeLand with a vision of celebrating culture, art, and education. Today, the city continues to honor its rich historical heritage. Visitors can enjoy unique art experiences at the African American Museum of the Arts and explore a variety of cafes, bakeries, and vintage shops. The city's award-winning main street is home to numerous attractions, including the Athens Theater, the historic Stetson Mansion, and Stetson University, which dates back to 1883. A walking tour of these landmarks takes about one to two hours and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's past.
Art enthusiasts will find plenty to love in DeLand. Artworks DeLand and The Hand Art Center on Stetson University's campus offer a range of exhibits and workshops. The DeLand House Museum, one of the oldest buildings in the city, provides art and history exhibitions, educational tours, and other events. Don't miss the Deland Wings mural, a popular photo spot behind the South of N.Y. Market. DeLand's downtown main street hosts a variety of events, including the Historic Mural Walk and the DeLand Sculpture Walk. For a unique beverage experience, the CoolCraft Beverage Trail takes you through local breweries, coffee shops, pubs, and more. When it comes to dining and nightlife, options abound, from the live music at Cafe DaVinci to the karaoke nights at Issues Lounge.
Foodies will appreciate the diverse dining options in DeLand. Bake Chop offers organic and humanely-raised meat, while Santorini Greek Cuisine serves up a highly-rated Greek menu. For those with a sweet tooth, Pat & Toni's Sweet Things offers a delectable selection of truffles, chocolates, and baked treats. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options or luxurious stays, DeLand has you covered. The At Home Express Tangerine Inn and DeLand Motel offer affordable rates, while the Hampton Inn & Suites DeLand and the Historic Artisan Downtown Hotel provide more upscale accommodations.
Nature lovers will enjoy the outdoor activities available in and around DeLand. The St. Johns River offers opportunities for manatee sightings, alligator spotting, and bird watching. Hontoon Island State Park, accessible only by boat, is perfect for kayaking, hiking, cycling, and fishing. Nearby Blue Spring Adventures offers scenic river cruises. DeLand is also close to beautiful beaches like the Canaveral National Seashore and the Kennedy Space Center. The Reptile Discovery Center, just outside the city, features live tortoises, lizards, alligators, and snakes, making it a great stop for animal lovers.
Kolter Homes Communities
Kolter Homes is proud to offer two communities in DeLand: Cresswind DeLand and The Reserve at Victoria. Additionally, we have two communities near DeLand: Cresswind at Lake Harris and Cresswind at Hammock Oaks. Each community provides a unique living experience, combining the charm of DeLand with modern amenities and beautiful homes.
Cresswind DeLand
Cresswind DeLand by Kolter Homes is an active adult community located in DeLand, FL, offering convenient access to Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Orlando. This gated community features the award-winning "Set Yourself FREE" lifestyle program, emphasizing Fitness, Relationships, Education, and Entertainment. The resident-only clubhouse boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center with stunning lake views of Lake Winnemissett, providing a perfect gathering spot for social activities led by a full-time Lifestyle Director. Outdoor amenities include pickleball and tennis courts, walking trails, a resort-style pool and spa, a resistance pool, and various event and entertainment areas. The new homes at Cresswind DeLand range from 2 to 5 bedrooms, offering exceptional personalization and structural options through Kolter's on-site Design Studio. Each home design includes a minimum of 25 structural options per plan, ensuring that residents can customize their living spaces to suit their preferences. The community also offers special finance opportunities and promotions to make the home-buying process easier. Discover everything our community has to offer and explore our homes for sale in DeLand, FL.
The Reserve at Victoria
The Reserve at Victoria is a new home community nestled in the charming city of DeLand, Florida. Located less than 10 minutes from DeLand's historic and award-winning downtown, this community offers convenient access to some of the area's best attractions, including beautiful beaches, recreational activities, shopping, and dining. Within five miles, residents can enjoy cultural and educational events at Stetson University, savor Zagat-rated dining and vibrant nightlife downtown, explore unique shops, and appreciate local arts in the Garden District.
The community is strategically situated on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, just off State Road 44, providing easy access to schools, great restaurants, and the artisan alley district. For those seeking adventure, New Smyrna Beach, Hontoon Island State Park, Blue Spring State Park, and the Daytona International Speedway are all within a short drive. The Reserve at Victoria features a variety of single-family homes, with amenities including a pool, playground, and pickleball court. This community represents the latest trend in home development, offering modern living in a picturesque setting.
Cresswind at Hammock Oaks
Cresswind at Hammock Oaks is set to open for new home sales in the Spring of 2025. Located in Lady Lake, Florida, and less than 3 miles from The Villages, this community marks Kolter Homes' second active adult community in Lake County and one of four 55+ communities in the Central Florida, Orlando area.
The community will feature a variety of amenities designed to enhance the active adult lifestyle. Residents can look forward to wide walkways and trails, a clubhouse, pickleball courts, and the Cresswind SmartFIT Training Center powered by EGYM. Additionally, there will be a resort-style pool, numerous social areas, and resident clubs to foster a vibrant community atmosphere.
Cresswind at Hammock Oaks will offer more than a dozen different floor plans, all designed as one-story homes with a minimum of 25 structural options per plan. These homes will range from 2 to 5 bedrooms, providing flexibility and personalization to meet the diverse needs of residents. The community's strategic location also offers easy access to nearby attractions, including Leesburg and the many amenities of The Villages.
Cresswind at Lake Harris
Cresswind at Lake Harris by Kolter Homes is a new home, active adult community in Tavares, FL, known as "America's Seaplane City," and just 15 minutes from Mt. Dora, convenient to Orlando. This gated community in Central Florida features Cresswind's national award-winning "Set Yourself FREE" lifestyle program, which focuses on the cornerstones of Fitness, Relationships, Education, and Entertainment.
The resident-only clubhouse boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center with stunning lake views of Lake Harris, providing a perfect gathering spot for social activities led by a full-time Lifestyle Director. Outdoor amenities include pickleball and tennis courts, walking trails, a resort-style pool and spa, a boat ramp, and various event and entertainment areas.
Cresswind at Lake Harris offers a unique collection of new home designs for active adults, ranging from 2 to 5 bedrooms. Each home provides best-in-class personalization and structural options through Kolter's on-site Design Studio, with a minimum of 25 structural options per plan. The community also features special finance opportunities and promotions to make the home-buying process easier. Discover everything our community has to offer and explore our homes for sale in Tavares, FL.
Kolter Homes: Commitment to Quality
Kolter Homes is dedicated to building high-quality homes that cater to the needs and lifestyles of our residents. With a focus on innovative design, superior craftsmanship, and attention to detail, each home is constructed using the finest materials and the latest building techniques. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every Kolter home is not only beautiful but also energy-efficient and built to last. Whether you're looking for a cozy retreat or a spacious family home, Kolter Homes provides a range of customizable options to suit your preferences, ensuring that your new home is a perfect fit for you and your family.