By Jamye Durrance, Hometown News Staff writer | View Source

While the allure of white sandy beaches is definitely the main attraction in New Smyrna Beach, the city isn’t just a carefree beach town.

There’s plenty to do in this quaint city — and you can do it all without digging deep into your wallet.

“(The beach) is not all we have,” said Deborah Boyd, executive director of the New Smyrna Beach Visitor’s Bureau. “There are so many cool things to do. Most people tell us they didn’t know this was here. It’s wonderful. They say they are surprised because it is so much Old Florida.”

New Smyrna Beach, located just 15 miles south of Daytona Beach, is one of the oldest cities in the state: it was first settled in 1768.

You can take a stroll through the city’s rich historical heritage with a visit to the Southeast Volusia Historical Museum, located on Sams Avenue downtown, where admission is free.

Across the street from the museum is Old Fort Park, home of the Turnbull Ruins, which are believed to be the foundation of a personal home owned by Andrew Turnbull, the city’s founder.

Another historical site worth checking out is the Sugar Mill Ruins, located just off State Road 44 on the western end of the city.

The sugar mill was built during the early 1800s but was destroyed during the war between the Seminole Indians and the United States.

The city also has a black history museum, located downtown in an old Catholic church that was renovated into the museum in 1999. Admission here is also free.

While you are downtown, be sure to check out Canal Street, the city’s historic and shopping district.

Canal Street is home to several antique shops, restaurants and galleries and ends at the Indian River. Merchants there host a classic car night every second Saturday of the month.

At the Marine Discovery Center, located just off the North Causeway, you can either rent a kayak to explore the Indian River Lagoon, the most biologically diverse estuary in North America, or you can take a guided tour with a naturalist. Moonlit tours are also available.

Right next door to the Marine Discovery Center is the city-operated Water Taxi, which carries riders on a two-hour scenic ride from New Smyrna Beach to Ponce Inlet, along the Indian River Lagoon. Along the way, riders can stop off at Flagler Avenue or Ponce Inlet restaurants before getting back on the taxi. The trip costs $15 for adults and $8 for children roundtrip. Sunset cruises are also available.

Another popular destination for visitors is Flagler Avenue, the beachside shopping district.

Starting at the Indian River and ending at the Atlantic Ocean, Flagler Avenue is a half-mile palm tree lined-stretch of quaint shops, restaurants, pubs and galleries.

At the end of Peninsula Avenue, a side street of Flagler Avenue, is Smyrna Dunes Park, a 73-acre park where you can walk the 1.5-mile boardwalk over sandy dunes to the beach. Along the way, you’ll get a view of the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, which is located just across the inlet from New Smyrna Beach, as well as turtles, birds and raccoons in their natural habitats. The park is also one of the few dog-friendly parks in the area. Admission to the park is $3.50 per vehicle.

New Smyrna Beach is also well-known for its arts scene, with several galleries and hands-on workshops where you can learn to do everything from clay pottery to glass blowing.

At the Bob Ross Art Workshop & Gallery, you can learn to paint in the style of the famous PBS painter, who was from the area. At Galleria Di Vetro on Flagler Avenue, you can learn about glassblowing or buy a piece from the unique gallery.

The Atlantic Center for the Arts, tucked away on 70 acres on the Spruce Creek Preserve at the northern city edge, is an artists’ center with a residency program. But, visitors are welcome to check out the many unique galleries and buildings as well as the quiet nature trails. The Center also offers kid’s programs at its Harris House, located downtown.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, visit the New Smyrna Speedway, located on the western edge of the city, for auto racing every Saturday night from March to December. Admission is $10.

After the Speedway, if you are looking to slow it down a little, try a Segway tour of New Smyrna Beach. For $45 per person, you can ride your Segway onto the beach and through the beachside neighborhoods.

When it comes time to dine during your “staycation,” New Smyrna Beach has several dining options with a plethora of “mom-and-pop” restaurants scattered throughout the city.

For more information on New Smyrna Beach, visit http://nsbfla.com or http://www.newsmyrnabeach.com