Anybody have tips for the area? Going to be there for a few days later this month. Thanks in advance.
Downtown DeLand has some decent spots. Cafe Da Vinci keeps some quality stuff on tap with an awesome Taco Stand next door; BakeChop is across the street from it and has fantastic food and Trilogy Roasting is also nearby if your a caffeine addict like me. Half Wall on Indiana has a great tap list (was just there yesterday and Funky Buddha's Last Buffalo was on tap) and decent food. For high end food Cress is absolutely top notch but you have to make reservations in advance and they are only open a few days a week. Central 28 in Debary isn't too far and their beer is rather good. Their Up River Pale Ale is always fantastic. The Abbey is right in the heart of downtown also and sometimes has a good bottle or too. If you go there beware of them pushing their meads down your throat. Terrible stuff that is akin to cheap winecoolers. Actually, that's why I stopped going there. Persimmon Hollow Brewing is okay; they're heavy-handed with spices when it comes to their Belgian suds. Tomoka Brewing in Port Orange is decent; serving food and pouring their own brews(I had a Tom Yum Gose from them that was weird but delicious). There are a bunch more breweries in the area (Daytona Brewing, New Smyrna Brewing, Ormond Brewing, Wops Hops, Sanford Brewing) but they're all straddling that line of mediocrity. If you want to venture out a bit farther then definitely go to Redlight Redlight. A fun day activity is the lazy river at Blue Springs State Park. It is a natural spring that is crystal clear and stays 72*F year round. A true Floridian experience in my opinion.
Nothing in DeLand honestly. There is an ABC in town but you'll be hard pressed to find anything stellar there. Total Wine in Daytona is the closest with the best selection and occasional rarities. I've gotten some Funky Buddha limited stuff from there a few times just be sure to check dates on anything you want to be fresh. I've seen 2 year old IPAs. The Total Wine in Altamonte seems to have better rotation and they fill growlers as well. If you want to drive, Knightly Spirits in Orlando never disappoints.
Port Orange ABC would be the better place too look and it's not too far from Tomoka Which the beers are just ok but the food is enjoyable. THe abbey in deland is a nice place to have beer
@RashyGrillCook Is Sunnys Wine and Liquor still open in DeLand? I remember them having a decent bottle selection...but it's been a while since I've been there (over a year).
