By Samantha Taki
Two weeks from tomorrow we will be heading to Daytona Beach, Florida and I am really looking forward to our visit. Because Florida can be quite expensive, at least depending on what you are doing, I wanted to find a few free things to do while in the Daytona area. Here are my top seven suggestions.
Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory Tour
This fascinating chocolate factory is known for high quality, handmade chocolates made fresh every day.Take a free, guided 20-minute tour through the chocolate-making process and learn what makes their chocolate creations so good! Angell & Phelps recently made the list of TripAdvisors top 10 Sweetest Attractions in the U.S.! Tours are Monday thru Saturday at 10am, 11am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm and 4:00pm. Open Sundays from 12pm to 5pm.
The Casements
The Casements in the former winter home of millionaire and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, this facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features the Rockefeller Period Room, Boy Scouts of America historical memorabilia, and a collection of Hungarian festival costumes and artifacts. In addition Rockefeller Gardens is also part of the attraction, and serves as the scenic backdrop for several cultural festivals throughout the year. Free tours are offered Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens
Marvel at the changing gallery exhibits featuring the works of prominent Florida and international artists. Ten stroll the lush tropical gardens, with peaceful nature trails, fishponds and fountains. The Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens was created in 1946 as a living monument to creative freedom and equality of all persons, and to commemorate the service of World War II veterans. The spirit of gratitude continues today honoring veterans of multiple wars within the museum and the gardens. Open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday, noon -4 p.m.
Friends of the Bandshell Concert Series
Friends of the Bandshell has successfully presented an array of concerts presenting performing artists from local high school and college groups to regional and nationally known professionals. Musical offerings include Big Band, Swing, various Jazz stylings, Blues, Latin, Folk, Country and Gospel. The free concerts are made possible by corporate and individual sponsors, annual members’ donations, Volusia County and Florida State grants, volunteers, City of Daytona Beach, corporations “in-kind” contributions, and audience donations.
Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens
Enjoy these English sugar mill ruins surrounded by lush botanical gardens, native trees, a butterfly garden and collections of bromeliads, ginger and cacti. A rare human sundial allows visitors to stand next to the current month’s tablet and with arms raised, the shadow will point to the time. The gardens feature the ruins of a 19th century sugar factory which contains the most complete sugar grinding machines in the country. Around every corner there are huge dinosaur statues, remnants of an amusement park from 1949-1952, Bongoland. Open daily from dawn to dusk.
Sun Splash Park
Sun Splash Park features an interactive water fountain, decorative walkways, shaded playground, volleyball courts, picnic areas, restrooms and outdoor showers. Two beach access ramps. Open sunrise to sunset.
North Peninsula State Recreation Area
Pedestrian only beach. Enjoy fishing and swimming. Great Florida Birding Trail site.
Please fee free to comment below if you have visited any of these sites in the Daytona Beach area, or if you have any other free suggestions. FYI, information and links above are from the site www.daytonabeach.com. Happy travels.
Article originally from: http://ourtravelingblog.com/2017/06/01/7-free-things-daytona-beach/
