By Emelia Hitchner
Below is a list of a few ways students can enjoy the long summer days without robbing your bank account. Whether it is a hike, a museum, or a park, students can find ways to kill boredom and make the most out of their free time.
African American Museum of the Arts – Deland. This museum is devoted to the colorful African history of cultural art. Students can enjoy unique sculptures and hundreds of African relics, all in the comfort of air conditioning for hot summer days. For more information, call 386-736-4004. 324 S. Clara Ave.
Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center – Deland. Artwork by Modernist painter Oscar Bluemner is displayed through Stetson University’s exhibit. Another way to enjoy time out of the house enjoying the beautiful paintings, while avoiding the heat of the summer. For more information, call 386-822-7262. 421 Woodland Blvd.
Barkley Square Dog Park – Deland. Students eager to pass time can enjoy a game of fetch with their favorite dog at this spacious dog park. With 14 shaded acres, owners can enjoy watching their pets swim in the lake, drink from the dog fountain, and race around the fenced-in area, while relaxing on benches. For more information, call 386-736-5953. 1010 N. Ridgewood Ave.
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge – DeLeon Springs. This bird sanctuary is home to multiple rare species and threatened wildlife. Enjoy hiking across natural Florida in this extremely large refuge. Students can easily spot eagles, alligators, and species of birds found along the hiking trails and throughout the beautiful marshy scenery. For more information, call 386-985-4673. 2045 Mud Lake Rd.
Lyonia Preserve and Environmental Center – Deltona. This preserve allows hikers to view birds in a more personal setting, with winding sandy trails and beautiful shady trees. Home to the friendly scrub jay, the preserve offers 360 acres of Florida’s natural scrub ecosystem for the bird watcher and nature lover. For more information, call 386-789-7207. 2150 Eustace Ave.
Turtle Mound National Historic Site – New Smyrna Beach. Students can explore boarded trails along beautiful, protected shores. With the addition of the plentiful turtle population, hikers can enjoy trails studded with wildlife, a massive India shell mound and the history of the Florida Native American culture. State Road A1A, located in the Canaveral National Seashore. (Small fee for admission into state park.)
Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory Tour – Daytona Beach. Free 30 minute tours are given to chocolate lovers through-out the chocolate-making process. Tours start at 10 a.m, and continue throughout 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m Monday through Friday. For more information, call 800-969-2634. 154 S. Beach St.
Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens – Port Orange. Remnants of Bongoland, a 1940’s theme park still remain amid the Florida jungle setting. The 12 acres of botanical gardens cradle the last part of an English sugar mill. Life-size dinosaurs add to the natural tropical scenery for wandering observers. 950 Old Sugar Mill Rd.