WYTHEVILLE, VIRGINIA–FEBRUARY 2025–What’s in a name? In the case of Wytheville, Virginia, the answer is a lot. Contrary to many first impressions, it’s pronounced “withville.” No “why” sound here. But contrary is not the word for this Southwest Virginia town. It is unique. It is the only town in the world with that name. And as visitors have found for decades, it is just a little quirky. Situated at the crossroads of two major Interstates (I-77 and I-81), it’s more than the average stopover destination. Its personality shines in one-of-a-kind ways. Check out these not-to-be-missed experiences in one-of-a-kind Wytheville.

1. Tourist Town–In the early 20th century, as northerners found their way to Florida and Interstate travel blossomed, Wytheville became a convenient stopping point for travelers. The Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum (975 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) offers a look back to a time when Route 21 was the primary route to Florida from the Midwest.
2. Big and Bright, Small and Sacred–Some photo ops here come in extremes. When visitors see the water tower (Cove Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) that looks like a hot air balloon, they know they’re in the right place. The brightly painted tower is visible from I-81 and located in a neighborhood near the historic downtown district. Many also make a stop nearby at Wytheville’s smallest church (1090 Nye Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382). This is the smallest church in Virginia, which has become a true roadside attraction.
3. First Lady Fame–This is the hometown of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson. Often called the “secret president” and the “first woman president” by historians, Wilson’s amazing story is told at the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum (145 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382). It’s one of only eight historic sites across the country dedicated to the interpretation of a first lady. There’s also a boutique hotel downtown named and themed in her honor. The Bolling Wilson Hotel (170 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) has 30 luxurious guest rooms themed after three of the first lady’s favorite things: canaries, orchids and bourbon.
4. Summer Without Children–This was the center of the 1950 polio outbreak, with Wythe County considered ground zero. The details of the dire “summer without children” polio epidemic, along with much more, are on display at the Thomas J. Boyd Museum (295 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382). It is one of Wytheville’s five museums, each with its own stories to tell. 
5. A Big Pencil–In such a classic downtown, of course, there is shopping. But nowhere else can you take a selfie with the largest pencil in Virginia! Nearby, enjoy an impressive array of local retailers offering one-of-a-kind finds. Those looking for antiques, crafts and unique gift ideas will find it all here. Specialty stores range from fine jewelry to local crafts to handmade furniture. 
6. Light Meals and Lavish Settings–Quirky can be tasty, too! Skeeter’s World Famous Hotdogs (165 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382), established in 1925, is one of Virginia’s oldest continuously operating restaurants. Classic dogs, glass bottled colas and an old school lunch counter make for a delightful experience. On the other end of the spectrum, The Log House 1776 Restaurant (520 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) is delightful in its own way. Here, fine dining–with an extensive menu of options–is offered in an 18th century, two-story log cabin. Christopher’s Lounge and a sprawling country garden add to the cabin’s grand experience. 
7. Dinner and a Musical–Not the Alps, not on Broadway, but in Wytheville! The Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre (170 Malin Drive, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) is a 200-seat German-themed venue which presents outstanding Broadway style professional productions. Before each performance a four-course, themed, plated meal is served.
8. Lookout!–Big Walker Lookout (8711 Stoney Fork Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) is the oldest and highest private attraction in Virginia and family-owned and -operated. At an elevation of 3,405 feet, the lookout offers a spectacular view of the Appalachian Mountains and Virginia farmlands. The Big Walker Country Store is a craft haven, featuring the work of more than 25 artisans from the region. There are locally made jams, jellies, fudge, ice cream and more for sale.
9. Homemade Zoo–When a local carpenter fulfilled his dream of having a zoo, the Fort Chiswell Animal Park (569 Red Hollow Road, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360) was born. From mobile petting zoo to full-blown safari park, the attraction now offers an interactive experience amid a 45-acre setting. The largest zoo in Southwest Virginia, it is home to more than 200 animals from six continents, including camels, zebras, antelope and buffalo. 
10. Lavender Academy–Beagle Ridge Herb Farm (1934 Matney Flats Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) is Southwest Virginia’s premiere lavender farm and actually offers a two-day Lavender Academy for those who want to delve into the details of choosing, growing, pruning and harvesting. The farm features 14 themed display gardens as well as the Flying Flowers butterfly house to showcase its herb and perennial collections. It’s the only one of its kind in Southwest Virginia.

Trail or Park? Yes–Whatever you call it, it’s beautiful any time of the year! The New River Trail is nearly 58 miles long and is one of America’s premier rails-to-trails routes. The trail is designated an official National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior and is also a Virginia State Park which runs through Wythe and three other Southwest Virginia counties. Foster Falls, the New River State Park headquarters (116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360), is located about midway along the trail and is a popular starting point.

The post 10 Quirky Wytheville Must-Dos appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

Across the street from the flowing waters of Georgia’s Flint River, brews at Pretoria Fields Collective (120 Pine Avenue, www.PretoriaFields.com), offer sudsy sips for everyone. Patrons can come and enjoy the four core beers anytime, as well as seasonally released limited editions available only in the tasting room. Flights of beers are available to those who have a tough time choosing. The brewery also serves as a community space, a place for gathering old friends and making new connections over a shared enjoyment of craft beer. The outdoor courtyard is the perfect place to toss a game of corn hole or practice your disc golf putt. Indoors, board and card games, as well as an exceptional view of the 30-barrel brew house, make for a relaxed ambiance. Field Guides offer free guided tours of the brewery on the top of the hour–just let them know when you order a beer that you’d like to join a tour. Ongoing events, including live music and food trucks, round out the experience. Well-behaved children and dogs on leashes are always welcome, too.

Neighbor nearby, The Flint (112 Pine Avenue, www.TheFlintAlbanyGeorgia.com), opened its doors in Summer 2019. Owned and operated by the Singfield family, the same tour de force behind Albany Fish Company, The Flint is a full-service fine dining restaurant situated along the Flint River and remains true to local roots while exploring the flavors of the world. Guests can salivate over Southern cuisine with a modern twist, including Stuffed Flounder and Fried Catfish, while celebrating a sense of community in a gathering place featuring the freshest seafood and richest Southern cuisine in Southwest Georgia.

Fredando “Farmer Fredo” Jackson, the executive director of Flint River Fresh, has worked in agricultural outreach to low-income communities and in food production for a decade. He wants to make a difference in rural and under-served communities by teaching “super simple” sustainable practices that feed people, preserving the environment and empowering young people. Southwest Georgia is one of the most productive agricultural regions of the state with an annual farm gate value of $2 billion, but many citizens of Albany are still disconnected from local, healthy foods. Albany is the main hub for much of the surrounding rural region of southwest Georgia, which is primarily farmland and forestland. In 2018, Flint River Fresh:

• Assisted with 22 school and community gardens throughout Dougherty County.
• Organized Mobile Farmers Market with Albany Housing Authority and serving five communities with high population of seniors and people with disabilities.
• Hosted Grow Your Groceries workshops at churches, hospitals, community centers, businesses, nurseries, feed stores, and health/wellness centers.
• Supplied Dougherty County Schools with locally grown collards and satsuma oranges.
• Distributed over 75,000 pounds of produce from local farmers directly to shoppers in Dougherty, Lee, Mitchell and Sumter County.

Farmer Fredo and his organization continue to offer healthy food and sustainable farming practices to low income and under-served communities through programs such as the Pop-Up Farm Stand, Youth Development, Small Farmers Distribution Network, Grow Your Own Groceries, Community Urban Farms and Seed to Sanctuary.

Located in the Pecan Capital of the World, Albany, the 1,769-acre pecan farm, Sunnyland Farms (www.SunnylandFarms.com/Page/welcome-to-sunnyland-farms), has been family-owned since 1948 and strives to do everything with excellence, from the harvesting to the grading, packing and shipping. What started as a mail-order business now provides products to tens of thousands of customers around the world and shipping is always free. Sunnyland Farms is unique in that it is a farm and a manufacturer. Every product is managed on site with close attention to detail. Customers can stop by the Albany-based farm to purchase certified Kosher and heart-healthy products or shop online.  Interested in a behind-the-scenes view from a Chef and food writer who came to visit? Check out her fantastic write-up and review of life at Sunnyland Farms and what makes the Georgia pecan business and farm so special—”What’s In Season: Georgia Pecans” by Virginia Willis.

Don’t miss a stop at Mark’s Melon Patch (8580 Albany Highway, Dawson, Georgia 39842, www.MarksMelonPatch.com). Just outside of Albany, the famous roadside farm market is well known for the freshest produce around. For more than 30 years, families from across the state and country have visited the Highway 82 roadside market for delicious fresh fruits, vegetables, and a family fun atmosphere. During autumn, a corn maze, hayrides, and other family fun activities enhance the authentic farm stand experience.

For authentic comfort food that’s good for the soul, head to Pearly’s (814 N. Slappey Boulevard, Albany 31701; PearlysCookin.com), which is Albany’s oldest family-owned and operated restaurant. There’s a reason they’ve been voted “Best of the Best” three years running!

Continue authentic explorations with a quick day trip to Still Pond Vineyard and Distillery (1575 Still Pond Road, Arlington; (StillPond.com). Still Pond is the only Farm Winery and Distillery in the Southeast United States and is a proud member of the American Distilling Institute for having proudly produced craft spirits. Enjoy strolling through the lush vineyards and sample some of Still Pond’s 18 award-winning wines. Savor sips of the vodka awarded a Double Gold medal by The Fifty Best, an online guide to fine living, featuring rated listings from unbiased, proprietary blind tastings by wine/spirits journalists, spirits professionals, retailers, mixologists, spirits consultants and connoisseurs. 

Jarrett and Michelle Martin are the talented Albany-based master artisans behind Rusty Cage Designs, a business offering handmade jewelry using quality gemstones, genuine leather, and soldered pieces as well as custom handmade metal and wood lighting. Find the jewelry at locally owned Livi and Company. Complementing the jewelry side of the business, Jarrett is dedicated to crafting lighting that is handmade to order. The business was born after the Martin’s 22-year-old niece, Jordan, passed away in a car accident in 2013. Feeling devastated and channeling his grief, Jarrett made a chandelier out of rusted metal parts from his grandfather’s farm. Inspired, he continued to make lighting and the dynamic duo began selling the pieces. The name Rusty Cage Designs was again inspired by the rusty metal Jarrett uses and the song “Rusty Cage” by Johnny Cash. The blue bird in the company’s logo symbolizes the couple’s niece. Michelle builds her offerings by making what she likes to wear, and she refuses to mass produce, citing Rusty Cage Designs as a hobby outside of working full time at an orthopedic office and raising two boys. The family also owns a landscaping business.

“I would definitely say between the two of us, being creative is our therapy,” says Martin. “My vision is just to continue being creative as long as we can, or as long as it’s still fun!”

When they’re not crafting, find the couple at locally owned Harvest Moon (Stewbos.com, 2347 Dawson Rd, Albany 31707), enjoying community at Pretoria Fields, exploring Chehaw Park (Chehaw.org, 105 Chehaw Park Road, Albany, 31701) and the Flint Riverquarium (www.FlintRiverquarium.com, 117 Pine Ave, Albany 31701).

“Albany is home, our families are here. We both grew up in Albany. We moved away with schooling and jobs. We both made it back to Albany and have made our home here raising our family,” adds Martin. 

To place a custom order, email rustycagedesigns7@gmail.com.

Complete the getaway with a retro experience at Merry Acres Inn (1500 Dawson Road, Albany; MerryAcres.com), with its Southern historic charm. Catch up over cocktails at the Manor House Pub located at the hotel while live music on the hotel’s veranda fills the air with sweet sounds. TIP: Take the inn’s free shuttle to The Catch (2332 Whispering Pines Rd., Albany; Catch.Stewbos.com) for dinner. Start off with the best hush puppies the South has to offer! Order from their oyster bar–eat em’ raw off the shell or baked to perfection.

The post Find authentic Southwest Georgia experiences in Albany, Georgia appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

HENRY COUNTY, GEORGIA—DECEMBER 2020—Folks are scampering to find road trips that offer fun, excitement and adventure without breaking the bank. Thirty minutes south of Atlanta, Henry County is poised to offer all these elements plus a culture of unique delights that the entire family will enjoy. Find out why Henry County is a hidden gem amongst Georgia communities.

A visit to the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum (next to the EchoPark Speedway) is in order for any group touring this destination. The Hampton, Georgia, Legacy Chapter offers free hangar tours and there’s ample opportunity to get up close and personal with elements of Army Aviation like the helicopter ride program. In finding ways to connect the public to the American soldier, the AAHF has created patriotic flying presentations, aircraft and equipment displays alongside the ride program which allows folks a chance to take flight in a Bell UH-1H or Bell AH-1 Cobra helicopter piloted by a military veteran. (Note: rides are currently grounded until February 2021 so be sure and check the website if you are interested in a ride.) Don’t miss a chance to wander the free Flying Museum for an education experience through narrated static displays. Before stopping by, please call ahead to make an appointment for the complimentary tour. 

Be sure and check out Heritage Park Veterans Museum in McDonough where our nation’s history is promoted in an educational way to help future generations understand military significance through the display of artifacts and information dating back to WWI, as explained by the military veterans who volunteer as guides. Visitors will see a meaningful collection of uniforms, equipment, supplies and personal belongings on display thanks to many generous benefactors in search of ways to keep a family member’s military experience alive. Guests hear the soldiers’ stories, often by name, learning more about the war or battle through their personal experiences. Free admission (but please consider a contribution) also allows for a look at real-life military aviation thanks to a Huey combat helicopter on the side lawn. Take home a souvenir from the Ship’s Store and don’t skip the Wall of Honor room recognized by Gold Star Mothers. The room houses pictures of fallen soldiers and is a place to remember, honor and reflect. This is a special room as it is the only memorial of its kind outside of a military installation allowing family members and the public free and easy access. Other prominent exhibits/displays include the granite Veterans Wall of Honor located just up the hill from the museum and honoring veterans from all conflicts, the Veterans Walk of Honor paved with inscribed bricks and the POW/MIA Tribute. 

Continue exploring the area and take a self-guided tour along Henry County’s Artisan Trail, a collection of places featuring artisan goods and art throughout the area. Experience agritourism at Southern Belle Farm and other area farms. Delight in custom barnwood furniture, leather goods and more at area retailers. Satisfy a craving at local restaurants like Drip-Thru Coffee and Made Fresh Juice Co. Take home a Georgia-made souvenir as a reminder of your getaway.

Get outdoors and breathe the fresh air at Panola Mountain State Park in Stockbridge. Panola Mountain is a granite outcrop known as a monadnock and is similar to Stone Mountain and Arabia Mountain. Activities include hiking, archery, tree climbing, birding, geocaching and so much more for your family to love about the great outdoors. Panola Mountain additionally has a designation as a conservation area, home to rare plant life. The mountain itself is only accessible with a guide for this reason so that protection may be maintained for these plants. The Park’s ecosystem is pristine and your family will no doubt enjoy adding this venue to the “Must Do” list for Henry County travel.

NASCAR anyone? EchoPark Speedway (formerly known as the Atlanta Speedway) in Hampton is the state’s only NASCAR track offering year-round fun for motorsport aficionados as well as people interested in learning more about the sport. EchoPark Speedway sits on about 850 acres and hosts the NASCAR Cup Series annually. Aside from that, the track plays host to Monster Jam and the Georgia State Fair among other events. Take a track tour or even a few laps around the track in the Speedway van with a behind-the-scenes peek at Petty Garden, the garages, Victory Lane and more! Two races are planned for 2024. Fun Fact: Richard Petty’s final race was at EchoPark Speedway and Jeff Gordon’s first race was as well, and incidentally, both phenomenal events were in the same year—1992.

Finally, Floyd Chapel Baptist Church is a great, history-filled stop to put on your touring list. Located in Stockbridge, Floyd Chapel Baptist Church has long since been recognized as a haven for black worshippers. Rev. Martin Luther King, Sr. worshipped at this church with his mother Delia Lindsay King during his childhood. Later King was ordained and preached his first sermon at Floyd Chapel. In 2015, Stockbridge unveiled the MLK Sr. Heritage Trail and a marker stands in front of Floyd Chapel honoring his legacy. Learn more about the King family legacy by viewing a commemorative plaque located at the Stockbridge City Hall close-by. The church is not currently open for tours, but visitors can attend worship services on Sundays.

Glam up your winter with an affordable getaway exploring unique Georgia cities in Henry County. For more information and help with planning, head over to VisitHenryCountygeorgia.com. 

The post Discover the Unique Side of Henry County appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

BLUE RIDGE, GEORGIA–OCTOBER 2019–Find the unusual and unexpected in Blue Ridge, Georgia, about 90 minutes north of Atlanta via Interstate 575. From tempting taste buds with flavors from around the world to harnessing the powers of salt for relaxation, Blue Ridge has quirky ways to create a memorable escape. 

Quell a craving

Treat your inner hippie to a oozy, cheesy slice amidst the peace signs and welcoming, relaxed vibe at family-owned and -operated Mystic Mountain Pizza (4118 E 1st St, Blue Ridge, GA). Eclectic décor is as colorful as the menu choices, which range from specialty pies to fresh salads to indulgent desserts.

For an authentic Cuban experience in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, try sweet bites of moist cake and warm, energy-surging Cuban coffee at the Rum Cake Lady Bakery and Cuban Café (111 Ocoee Street, Copperhill, TN), a family-owned, fast-casual cafe offering authentic Cuban comfort food, just like “mami” used to make. The icing on the cake? You can’t miss the café’s famous rum cakes. Satisfy a craving six days a week and enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, a retail selection of Cuban products, all flavors and sizes of their famous Rum Cakes, fresh roasted espresso Cuban coffee, fresh baked Cuban bread, pastelitos and a larger menu offering specials for lunch, as well as an assortment of ready to-go meals–perfect for stocking up the cabin during your getaway. An additional location in downtown Blue Ridge means a sweet treat is always within arm’s reach. The Rum Cake Lady to Go (205 West 1st St., Blue Ridge, GA) is reminiscent of a Cuban walk-up window-cafe, “La Ventanita,” and offers fresh-off-the-press Cuban sandwiches, pastries, the best Cuban coffee in town, grab and go Cuban food bowls, desserts and a full selection of their famous rum cakes.

For another delicious Blue Ridge foodie experience, stop at the Trailer Drive-In (2691 E 1st St, Blue Ridge, GA) where temptations like biscuits and gravy, patty melts and milkshakes make mouths water.

Nearby, at The Boro Inn Irish Pub and Restaurant (150 West Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA), savor a variety of ales, ciders, lagers, stouts, international gastro beers, spirits and wines, along with soft drinks, Irish foods, a song, a sonnet or a poem, a story of histories past and present.

Round out unique restaurant experiences in Blue Ridge with a visit to Rod’s Rockin’ Rolls (327 Main Street, Ducktown, TN), a family-owned restaurant specializing in Southeast Asian cuisine. Chef Rod’s food is prepared fresh daily. Enjoy hand-rolled sushi, Thai spring rolls and more.

Unusual souvenirs

Shop souvenir treasures at Folk Apothics (3586 East 1st St., Ste. 302, Blue Ridge, GA). The store specializes in remembering Appalachian Roots and purveys organic herbs, teas, salves, extraction, ointments, supplies, mountain knowledge and all things folk. Stories and wisdom are shared through hands-on workshops.

In Copperhill, Pic N Vine (104 South Grande Ave., Copperhill, TN), is the ultimate souvenir stop. Think you can’t be in two places at once? Think again! Here, take a picture while standing in two states (Copperhill, TN/McCaysville, GA) at one time. The state dividing line actually runs through the shop. Also here, you can dress up and step back in time with a vintage black and white picture ($5 per print and photos are emailed on the spot). And, in just 30 minutes, master the art of basket weaving using kudzu vines and leave with your own work of art. Pic N Vine offers individual and group basket-weaving instruction, $5 per person for one to five people and $10 for five or more people. Instruction is available during normal business hours and no appointment is needed unless you have a large group or would like a specific time slot.

One-of-a-kind adventures

Tap into childhood dreams at Tank Town USA (10408 Appalachian Hwy., Morganton, GA), the ultimate heavy equipment playground for adventure sports and off-road excursions. Whether you want to drive a military tank, military trucks or construction equipment, Tank Town USA has it all.

Make one final stop to see Expedition: Bigfoot! Adventure Outpost (721 East Main St., Blue Ridge, GA) where the legend comes to life through a well-done museum and souvenir gift shop.

Unusually relaxed

When it’s time to relax, splurge on treatments at Serenity in the Mountains (59 McKinney Road) which offers tree house suites for a spa experience with heightened perspective and a newly opened Himalayan salt cave, which provides a peaceful area to detox and rejuvenate.

If you go

For accommodations complete with kitchens, choices include lodges with stunning mountain views, creek-side hideaways, riverfront fishing lodges, cabins on the lake, cozy cabins, hotels and resorts–which range in price from $100 to $1,000 per night. Visit  www.BlueRidgeMountains.com/where-to-stay for a complete listing.

The post Go Quirky During Your Next North Georgia Mountain Escape appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

DELAND, FLORIDA–JUNE 2019–West Volusia County, Florida, is where many visitors come to find what they consider the real Florida. Then they come again and again because they love it! A new “Wings of the West” trail is giving visitors a flight path to follow in seeing not only some of the most popular classic attractions of the area but also a fresh infusion of the kind of creative and quirky elements that make this destination unique.

The original DeLand Wings mural, created by DeLand native and artist Erica Group, has become an iconic photo spot in downtown DeLand. Now there are wings located throughout the destination at some of the area’s most popular spots for visitors to West Volusia.

Downtown DeLand–The downtown wings mural, located on Historic Downtown DeLand’s Persimmon Lane, was the original creation in the series. What started as a chalk design used in a photo shoot for a local business has turned into the #DeLandWings social media sensation. There is a new vibe in this classic Florida downtown as artisans, retailers, brewers and restaurateurs share their wares, creativity and hospitality. It is home to art galleries, live theatre and museums as well as a slate of annual events. Also home to Florida’s first MainStreet program in 1985, DeLand was named “America’s Best Mainstreet” for 2017 and has been ranked as Florida’s best downtown outside Orlando. 

Skydive DeLand (1600 Flight Line Boulevard, DeLand, Florida 32724)–At one of the busiest drop zones in the world, many of the favorite selfies are being taken by visitors with their feet firmly on the ground. Nearly 100,000 people a year take the plunge here. Tandem jumps for beginners, Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) training and advanced jumps are all part of the program offerings. Near the on-site restaurant and gear store, Group’s second set of wings, fittingly painted as biplane wings, can be found.

Barberville Pioneer Settlement (1776 Lightfoot Lane, Barberville, Florida 32105) –This is home to one of Florida’s premier living history demonstrations, a popular spot for history buffs and school groups and most recently, to a peacock wings mural. “Peacocks reside in the settlement and were the perfect muse for this set of wings,” explained Group. “The scale of this set of wings falls somewhere between adult- and child-size to please the generations that frequent the settlement.” The village includes several structures set on its large grounds within a moss-draped oak hammock. On guided or self-guided tours, visitors learn of life in rural Florida in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Cassadaga (1112 Stevens Street, Cassadaga, Florida 32744)–The Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is a 122-year-old community of spiritually-minded people located in rural West Volusia. Visitors come for readings from resident mediums, for church services or just to take in the peaceful energy of the community. Many also attend tours, classes, workshops and, of course, visit the fabulous gift shop. Group’s Cassadaga-inspired creation is a set of life-size fairy wings, free-standing in a clearing at the end of the camp’s Fairy Trail on Chauncey Street.

Lyonia Preserve (2150 Eustace Avenue, Deltona, Florida 32725)–This 360-acre scrub habitat is home to nearly 100 Florida scrub jays, dozens of gopher tortoises and many other species that thrive in the Central Florida ecosystem. It is also home to the Lyonia Environmental Center, with its engaging and educational displays offering insight into this ecosystem, its flora and fauna. A tour of the center offers an understanding of the county’s environment, natural heritage and ecological challenges. Visitors can also take to the three hiking trails of the preserve for a first-hand look. While there, they can also admire another of Group’s creation, a mural of scrub jay wings, completed in October of 2018.

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge (2045 Mud Lake Road, De Leon Springs, Florida 32130)–The 22,000-acre Lake Woodruff NWR, was established in 1964 as a migratory bird refuge. Bordered by the famed St. Johns River on its western boundary, the refuge contains natural habitats including marshes, swamps, creeks, hammocks and uplands. Man-made dikes form pools that attract waterfowl year-round and bald eagles, deer, marsh rabbits, otters and gopher tortoises are common sights, as well. The final installment on the Wings of the West trail can also be viewed here. The swallow-tailed kite wings are tucked away at the very end of Mud Lake Road; park in the Live Oak parking lot. Past the gate and to the right, the wings are situated down the trail, under a big oak tree. 

This trail of wings makes a unique travel itinerary for Central Florida visitors, combining some of West Volusia’s classic attractions with an extension of that “new vibe” so prevalent in downtown DeLand. So far, the combination is sending visitation soaring to new heights.

“Erica’s new wings in the area have left a positive impression, not only on her canvases but also on the community in which they reside,” said Georgia Turner, executive director of the West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority (WVTAA). “Thousands of people have been photographed in front of the original wings and now they have other sets of wings to add to their collection.”  The Wings of the West trail is a collaboration between Group and the WVTAA.

The post Winging It in West Volusia, Florida appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.