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Five Fun Facts About New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Photo of pelican in New Smyrna Beach, FL

Uncover Florida’s Secret Pearl

Pack your sun hat, grab your flip flops, and let’s dive into the wonders of New Smyrna Beach, Florida! This charming beach town is more than just a perfect spot for a sunny vacation. It’s also packed with intriguing stories and fascinating facts that make it truly one-of-a-kind.

Whether you’re uncovering the secrets of colonial ruins or exploring a mysterious island there’s always something new to see in New Smyrna Beach. Read on and you’ll quickly learn that while this beach town is not only a great place to build sandcastles and catch some rays, it’s also a treasure trove of amazing discoveries.

The Whole Town Loves Throwing Block Parties

Walk or run to Flagler Avenue — there is pretty much always a party going on. Downtown New Smyrna Beach is the perfect place to gather and enjoy life, thanks to the community-first Flagler Avenue Business Association. Anyone is welcome to sign up for holiday 5Ks (Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving) or take part in the monthly Wine Walks. On top of that, you can always enjoy seasonal food challenges, music festivals, small business showcases, and more

Locals can purchase personalized bricks at the location of their choice along Flagler Avenue. The bricks are individually engraved and carefully placed so they will last for years to come. Even better, the proceeds support the many community events in New Smyrna Beach that make it such a wonderful place to live. Stroll the short walk from river to ocean and see how many friends you can find along the way!

There’s a Famous Vanishing Act

You’ll only be able to find one of New Smyrna Beach’s favorite secrets if your timing is right. Known as ‘Disappearing Island’, there is a large sandbar in the crystal blue waters off of New Smyrna Beach beloved by locals and tourists. When the tide is low, a large sandy patch emerges from the waters of Ponce Inlet, and voila – the island appears! You’ll find folks sunbathing, building sandcastles, playing beach games, and exploring for seashells. It’s a perfect place for people to gather and enjoy Florida’s sunny weather.

But don’t forget — this is Disappearing Island. As the tide starts to rise again, the island will sink back into the water. If you lose track of time you might feel like a pirate marooned on a desert island. But don’t worry, you can easily paddle your way back to the mainland.

Home to the Largest Shell Midden in the U.S.

Humans have been enjoying the gorgeous scenery of New Smyrna Beach for thousands of years — and there’s plenty of proof. Turtle Mound, the largest shell midden on the mainland United States, is over 600 feet long and 50 feet high. What is a ‘shell midden’? It’s essentially an ancient trash pile, but don’t be put off by that! The Turtle Mound National Historic Site is a pile of oyster shells and other bits of ephemera left behind by the Timucuan Indians.

This small hill is a time capsule holding centuries of history. Archaeologists are able to study the shell midden and learn about how the Timucuan Indians lived. Preservation efforts are in place to protect the mound for future generations who will be able to use more advanced technology to learn about Turtle Mound without disturbing or destroying it.

Photo of Sugar Mill Ruins in New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Explore 1800’s Ruins

Ready for a trip back in time? The Cruger-dePeyster Sugar Mill Ruins in New Smyrna Beach provide just that. The old ruins were once part of a bustling sugar mill back in the early 19th century. Just imagine the mill in its heyday, filled with the sweet scent of sugar cane being processed into crystals of sugar! Today, you can explore the remaining stone structures which include a large chimney, walls of a sugar boiling house, and other foundations that whisper tales of the past.

Exploring the ruins feels like stepping into a real-life adventure book. The moss-draped walls and arches are a sight to behold, almost like a castle left behind in the woods. And they’re not just neat to look at, they’re a piece of history too. The mill was built by settlers who were drawn to Florida’s fertile land and warm climate, perfect for growing sugar cane, however it was abandoned during the Seminole Wars in the 1830s. The ruins are a testament to the hard work of those settlers, and a reminder of Florida’s rich past. As you explore, remember to look out for local wildlife that might be hiding among the ruins, making your adventure even more exciting! The Sugar Mill Ruins offer a fun, educational outing, like a field trip where the classroom is Florida’s wild outdoors.

Locals Know a Thing or Two About ‘FUN’

You can probably already tell, but the people who call New Smyrna Beach home love to have fun. If you don’t believe it, just give them a call!

See, the area code for New Smyrna Beach is (386) which, if you look at your telephone, literally spells out “F-U-N”. It’s not hard to remember what number you have to call when you’re looking for more information about all the amazing activities in New Smyrna Beach.

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