Local's Corner: New Smyrna Beach, FL Best Kept Secrets

We had a Q & A with Sherry Taylor, owner of Discovery Map New Smyrna Beach, FL about what makes the area special.

What are the best kept secrets, things to do off the beaten path?

For starters, I recommend:

• Going paddle boarding at Mary McLeod Bethune Park to see the manatees
• Mountain biking at the New Smyrna Beach Multi-Use Trail
• Checking out the monthly Wine Walk down Flagler Avenue
• Experiencing the many street festivals
• Checking out the dozens of public art murals that can be found along Flagler Avenue & Canal Street. The area is known for great scratch restaurants and one of a kind dining!
  • Canal Street is also New Smyrna Beach's vibrant arts district (The Hub, Jane's and ACA offer a variety of art or music classes, monthly stroll & sips with gallery/artist talks, new installations, etc.)
• Heading to Norwood's Treehouse & Eatery, and garden eateries likeThe Garlic & Riverpark Terrace
• Tasting some craft beer at NSB Brewing Co
• Tasting liquor at Sugar Works Craft Distillery tour
• Heading to the Ponce De Leon Cut Marina for watersports
• Going Island hopping the Intracoastal's scrub islands (camping permitted on some!)
• Learning to surf from a world re-known surfer Jimmy Lane at Jimmy Lane's Surfing Academy (just find the big blue bus on the beach!)
• Adventuring to Callalisa Creek paddle board & kayak trail
• Playing some golf! It's is huge here
• Checking out the Canaveral National Seashore & Nude Beach
• Catching a rocket launch from the Spacecoast!

Where is the best breakfast/brunch?

Brunch at The Bounty at Flagler Tavern (speakeasy with bottomless mimosas and specialty brunch menu) is always a good idea. You could also head to Wake Up Cafe for some Argentinian flavors and gorgeous plates of delicious food. Also don't forget the Third Wave Cafe!

What are the best places to hear music?

The best places for music are Beachside Tavern (NSB's only real music venue that is booked out with large acts); JB's Fish Camp (on the water), Chases on the Beach (has a pool too!) and Flagler Tavern (huge dance floor) book weekend bands and entertainment.

What is the history of this place and what historic sites can I see?

One of the original Florida settlements, NSB was a failed settlement at that. Settlers are believed to have migrated to the more successful settlement of St. Augustine. Many historic sites dot beachside and the mainland hamlets: Old Fort Park, Turtle Mound, the town of Eldora, Bethune-Volusia Beach (historic African-American resort beach; water is more blue than the inlet; second greatest surf spot after the Inlet), Sugar Mill Ruins, Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum, New Smyrna Museum of History & Surfing Museum, Eldora & Spruce Creek Park tie into NSB's arts' and environmentalism history.

What makes this place special?

Food, arts, the great outdoors and history!

Any other Recommendations for your area?

A million! Check out our Destination Page for more information.