​Downtown DeLand has always been known for the vibrant business life along Woodland Boulevard., the city’s main thoroughfare in town. It is a great atmosphere for shopping and night life with plenty of possibilities for food and drinks. However, some of downtown DeLand’s popular places are not the city’s main street. Georgia Avenue has become a popular spot that can make for that perfect evening with a loved one or with friends. Below are four things that will make a Friday night out in DeLand a success. 

1) Happy Hour at Persimmon Hollow

After a long week, Persimmon Hollow is the perfect place to unwind. This craft brewery provides some of the best American and Belgian-style craft ales in the state of Florida. Since their opening in 2014, Persimmon Hollow makes it their passion to ensure creativity in every glass of their unique beers. Once you meet founders Robbie and Andy, you will never be a stranger again. It is the perfect place to get your weekend started right. 

2) Artisan Alley Farmers Market

After you relax with that one-of-a-kind beer, walk next door to Artisan Alley for the weekly Artisan Alley Farmers Market. There you will find  a group of local farmers and artisans selling items such as local produce, bread, coffee, cheese, honey, pickles, tea, meat, fish, eggs, as well as local art. Once you begin walking the open-air market and interacting with the vendors, the creative vibe is contagious. 

3) Dinner at Bake Chop

When you are hungry, the Bake Chop will satisfy, not only giving you that physical sustenance, but does so in atmosphere that feels like you are sitting down at the family dinner table. The name is simple and comes from the passions of the founders to create amazing food and delicious baked goods. All meats are pasture raised or free range that are grass fed and hormone free. All vegetables are sourced locally from independent farmers. The fare is a unique blend of this and is prepared with passion, just like a home-cooked meal. Don’t forget to try the sweet potato fries!

4) Coffee from Trilogy Coffee Roasters

Sometimes after an amazing dinner, you just want the perfect cup of coffee to top of the evening. A one minute walk from Bake Chop is the new location of Trilogy Coffee Roasters. Trilogy has an amazing selection of coffee in atmosphere that is modern and friendly. With their custom pour overs, each cup is crafted individually for the customer. All coffee is imported and then roasted on site. Once you taste the freshness of Trilogy coffee, you won’t be a stranger, thanks to the great coffee and friendly staff. 

5) Cafe DaVinci

Sometimes in the course of social media, a post can take on a life of its own.  We wrote this piece back in November with plans of doing a full spotlight piece (similar to that of the Athens Theater) this Spring on one of our favorite venues in all of DeLand.  To those inquiring, yes, Cafe DaVinci is a lifeblood of Georgia Avenue and largely responsible for the resurgence and activity in the corridor.

Please consider this our revision to ensure that anyone coming to this post on its own doesn’t forget to make a crucial stop by Cafe DaVinci in their Georgia Ave. wanderings.

From a premier artist calendar (check their Facebook Page to keep up to date), amazing ownership, wonderful staff, on point refreshments, and one of the best atmospheres in Downtown DeLand, Cafe DaVinci should never be overlooked.

And if you’re able to catch the musical stylings of JimCougarMellendan, then you know you’ve truly experienced the wonder of Cafe DaVinci.

P.S: We’re super excited about the newest venture from the owners of Cafe DaVinci, stay tuned for more: The Table