Ready for something different and something in keeping with Central Florida’s burgeoning reputation for great craft drinks? Well, here comes West Volusia County with a fabulous idea to create a real buzz about local beer, wine and coffee specialties. West Volusia offers an eclectic mix of attractions, restaurants and boutiques that make it a spectacular place to visit, but now it’s even cooler with their all-new “CoolCraft Beverage Trail.”
Our region has long been known for outstanding craft breweries, but did you know we also have some truly original offerings for coffee, wine, tea, mead and more as well? With that in mind, the West Volusia Tourism Advertising Authority is proud to kick off their novel beverage trail starting on November 27.
Visitors will be able to hit the specially-created trail for the best “crafts” around – and we aren’t just talking about the beer, although there is plenty! With meads, smoothies, teas, coffees and, of course, some of the best brews, you can tour and taste all that these “trail” destinations have to offer.
Here’s what you’ll find.
BEER
HyderHead
Following the strict recipes and utilizing non-GMO ingredients, the folks at HyderHead invite you to have a wee taste of the Highlands in their legendary Downtown DeLand brewery, themed after the founders’ Scottish heritage.
Blue Springs Brewery
Florida inspired and Volusia brewed, Blue Springs Brewery, named after nearby Blue Spring State Park, brings delicious food and drinks to the heart of West Volusia County for people of all ages to enjoy.
Central 28 Beer Company
The culmination of 25-plus years of brewing outstanding beers of exceptional quality, Central 28 is a meaningful leader in the local craft brewery scene, offering crisp, superior beers.
Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co.
Sporting American and Belgian-style beers, Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. is the dream of two brewers and best friends who wanted nothing more than to open a craft brewery in the heart of historic Downtown DeLand.
COFFEE
Trilogy Coffee Roasting Co.
Trilogy is a small batch coffee roaster that is locally known for its ethically sourced, exceptional specialty coffee. Roasting each batch every day, Trilogy is the local expert in bringing out the ideal flavor from each coffee bean.
Breyting Community Roaster
Founded by enduring friends Von Coven and Fred Schneider (front-man of the iconic rock group The B-52’s), this roastery was created to do one thing well – support non-profit organizations through the sales of coffee. It is open virtually 24/7 and locally for select seasonal pop-ups.
MG Coffee Brews & Bites
Enjoy organic, single-origin, fresh roasted coffee and teas from around the world, along with your choice of freshly baked pastries, cakes and sweets. And don’t forget the sandwiches at this unique DeBary bakery.
WINE
The Elusive Grape
Featuring more than 40 different wines by the glass and a selection of cold beer, The Elusive Grape has been proudly serving as “DeLand’s living room” since 2003.
Elliot Vineyards
Enjoy the unique tastes of the Sunshine State with locally grown Muscadine Grapes, available all year long frozen, and learn the art of the craft of winemaking at Elliott Vineyards, home of the Sandhill Crane Gang Wine Club.
Spring Garden Vineyard
Every year, from August through September, enjoy picking your own muscadine grapes at Spring Garden Vineyard. Its Country Store also sells jellies, jams and other canned muscadine products, along with wine-making supplies.
OTHER
Odd Elixir Meadworks
Specializing in traditional mead techniques with a creative approach to ingredients and flavor, Odd Elixir is a nano concept winery inspired by the amazing local flavors of Florida.
Beeatroot
From 100 percent Authentic Organic Cold Pressed Juice, to Organic Whole Fruit Smoothies, Superfood Smoothie Bowls, Wellness Shots and more, Beeatroot is West Volusia’s holistic “Farmacy,” located in the heart of Downtown DeLand.
Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
What may seem like an odd addition to the CoolCraft Beverage Trail is actually one of our favorite stops in the area. Specializing in everything key lime, the Shoppe’s crown jewel is its Key Lime Juice. Pair it with their key lime pie-on-a-stick, dipped in Belgian chocolate, or any of their other key lime goodies, and you’re guaranteed to leave your mouth puckered.
As well as all the taste sensations themselves, visitors can also win on the “trail!” Taste and share your 5 favorites on Instagram by using #CoolCraftTrail and follow @VisitWestVolusia, and you can win a FREE pint glass koozie. For more information, on the CoolCraft Beverage Trail visit www.coolcrafttrail.com.
About West Volusia
Conveniently located between Orlando and Daytona Beach, West Volusia County offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy parks, pristine natural beauty, historical homes like The Stetson Mansion, a vibrant downtown and award-winning restaurants within 14 distinct communities.
Be sure to visit historic Downtown DeLand – voted America’s BEST Mainstreet – and its many delectable restaurants; take flight with the award-winning Wings of the West; head out on the St. Johns River; and explore Blue Spring State Park. These are just a few of the many natural, cultural and historical attractions you find in West Volusia County.
The Central Florida Tourism Collective is a group of like-minded tourism interests united in wanting to give our followers & visitors a reassuring message of life here in the heart of the Sunshine State
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