Daytona Beach

I have never been here so thought I would check it out ...

On my way I passed up the zoo and botanical garden because of a time crunch .... I wanted to be sure to get to the lighthouse before dark and didn't want to take a chance ...

I did get to drive down some of the Florida Scenic Highway on my way to Lake Helen, which was nice.

Cassadaga is a 116 year old camp for spiritually-minded and gifted people of central Florida.  I guess I expected to see more here; there was an old camp and lots of physic storefronts, and motorcycles, but not much else.

Next stop was Dr Mary McLeod Bethune's home and the college she founded.  Mary McLeod Bethune, the 15th child of former slaves, rose from humble beginnings to become a world-renowned educator, civil and human rights leader, champion for women and young people, and an advisor to five U.S. presidents. 

Her home on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University ...

 

 

I did drive by the Daytona International Speedway, which was cool.

The Broadway Bridge in Daytona Beach serves U.S Route 92, and offers a beautiful view of the Halifax River and the Intercostal Waterway. Visit the bridge for lovely mosaics located on the bridge .......

Next stop was Angell and Phelps Chocolates ... started by two ladies in 1925 in their kitchen, each piece of candy is made my hand.  They are still using some of the presses and copper pots today.  The "factory" provides a tour and you watch the candy makers (about 10 people) make each batch of candy by hand, which is then taken into the showroom to be sold.  At the end of the tour they give you a couple of samples of your choice ... I picked a chocolate covered potato chip and a beehive (which is a turtle - except that is a franchised name).  They were very good.  I picked up some chocolate covered bacon and white chocolate over-easy eggs for the family's "breakfast," along with some nut brittle..... and dog biscuits for my grand-dogs.

And then onto the lighthouse ....

Ponce de Leon Lighthouse Museum examines and features the history of Florida's tallest lighthouse. Built in 1887, Ponce de Leon is one of the most well-maintained lighthouses in the nation.  

 

 

And some mailboxes I found along the way to the lighthouse ...

Stopped at a Mexican restaurant on my way back and had a #10 - shrimp tacos with beans and rice.  I sat outside and it was quite lovely there by the Broadway Bridge, before heading home again.