This Cheery Florida Beach Town Is So Happy Bob Ross Once Owned A Home Here
Bob Ross's mountainside evergreens, better known as 'happy little trees,' were a staple on his long-running PBS show 'The Joy of Painting, but the Florida native was probably more familiar with palms. Beloved for his gentle nature, part of Ross's sunny disposition might be a result of his time spent in New Smyrna Beach, where he owned a home and opened a workshop and gallery.
Just south of fast-paced Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach is the quieter beach community that melds small-town sensibilities with excellent food, art, and surf scenes. Its five distinct communities have a lot to offer beyond just the 17 stunning miles of sugar-white sand beaches—though those are a big draw. Stroll the charming historic district with its Victorian-style inns and colorful galleries. Spot wildlife on the expansive Canaveral National Seashore. Enroll in surf school. Or have dinner and drinks inside a treehouse. Everything in New Smyrna is meant to bring joy and spark genuine delight. Keep reading for the best things to do in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Related: 15 Dreamy Beach Towns In Florida
Things To Do In New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Explore the Canaveral National Seashore
Cross the causeway and explore this barrier island that holds the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline in the state. There are gorgeous swaths of untouched beaches, as well as dune, lagoon, pine flatland, salt. Marsh, and hammock habitats to explore. Wildlife, from endangered loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles to manatees is abundant. Birders will have more than 310 species to identify. In addition to you usual list of beach activities, Viking Eco Tours can take you out for an unforgettable kayak tour. Morning kayak tours are ideal for spotting dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles, while nighttime tours give an opportunity to spot bioluminescent plankton and comb jellies.
nps.gov/cana/index.htm; 386-428-3384
See Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
The state's tallest lighthouse is open to the public. For just $7 admission, you can climb to the top of the 175-foot beacon and drink in the sweeping ocean views, then learn more about what you're seeing inside the Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse Museum. For just a few dollars more, gain admission to the Pacetti Hotel Museum, an 1880s building that's one of the county's oldest structures.
ponceinlet.org; 4931 South Peninsula Drive, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127; 386-261-1821
Stroll Flagler Avenue
New Smyrna's main drag can be found along Flagler Avenue, a historic hub that spans barrier island in five blocks that stretch from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Indian River in the west. The lively area is littered with local boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. It's also the central location for several events throughout the year including chili and chowder cook-offs, wine walks, and more. Two spots to make sure you stop at include the Coronado-Mainland Shuffleboard Club, where you can try your luck at this Florida-favorite pastime and the Beachfront Park.
visitnsbfl.com/flagler-avenue
Live It Up On Canal Street
A second spot to check out in New Smyrna is the historic business district of Canal Street. Like Flagler, Canal Street is home to dozens of shops, eateries, museums, and vibrant galleries and art spaces like Jane's Art Center and the Hub on Canal, where you can take classes and workshops and see work from local artists in rotating exhibits. When you need a little refreshment after your day of strolling and shopping, stop into New Smyrna Beach Brewing Company for a cold pint. Check out the weekly farmers' market Saturdays starting at 7 a.m. or time your visit to coincide with Canal Street Nights, a monthly street festival with live music, vendors, activities, and more.
visitnsbfl.com/canal-street
Join The Local Surf Culture
Surfing is a big part of life for locals in New Smyrna. Join in on the hang 10 culture by taking a surf lesson with a local outfitter like the Jimmy Lane Surfing Academy or Surfin' NSB. The waves in New Smyrna are ideal for beginners as well as pros; the American Professional Surfing Association even hosts one of its premier competitions here each year. If you're curious to learn more about the town's surf culture, head to the New Smyrna Museum of History to check out the East Coast Surf Exhibit, alongside other exhibits that focus on everything from the town's railroad era to its pioneer years to its Native American history.
Visit the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum
Another place to learn important New Smyrna history is the Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum, a free museum housed in an 1899 church building that uses photos, oral histories, and artifacts to tell the story of African Americans in small town Florida over the course of the 20th century.
blackheritage.org; 314 N. Duss Street New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168; 386-478-1934
Discover the Art Scene
If the creativity on Canal Street has you feeling inspired, delve a little deeper into New Smyrna's excellent arts scene by visiting two more iconic spots. The Bob Ross Art Workshop & Gallery was opened by the artist himself in 1993. Inside, you'll find a staggering collection of the TV-famous artist's original oil paintings. You can also sign up to take a painting class from certified teacher trainer Nicholas Hankins, who teaches Ross's special Wet-On-Wet style of oil painting for subjects including landscape, seascape, floral, and wildlife. You can discover an entirely different side of New Smyrna's expansive art scene at The Little Theatre of New Smyrna, a community theater that puts on multiple plays, musicals, and special performances each year.
Where To Eat In New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Dine At A James Beard-Recognized Restaurant
One of New Smyrna's most popular restaurants, Third Wave Café & Wine Bar is known for many things—its whimsical outdoor garden dining room, ever-changing global-inspired menu, and leading the way in sustainable seafood sourcing (as part of the James Beard Smart Catch program). Come for the crepes, Neopolitan pizzas, and brunch specials served during the day. Or make a dinner reservation to dine on well-composed plates like local swordfish with housemade chimichurri, Yukon mashed potatoes, and green beans or roasted ocotpus with grilled heirloom peppers and onions, toasted chickpeas, peas, and a sweet chili drizzle over Spanish Bomba rice.
thirdwavensb.com; 204 Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna, FL 32169; 386-402-7864
Eat Dinner In A Treehouse
Delight your inner child by spending an evening at Norwood's Eatery & Bar, a two-story restaurant where you can dine inside a treehouse. The restaurant has been open in some capacity 1964, but its latest iteration is the most fun—and memory worthy. The expansive menu features everything from hand-cut filets to giant seafood platters. The cocktail menu is just as bountiful with concoctions like the Still Hot In Here (tequila, mint, passionfruit, pineapple, and lime) and Purpe Rain (gin, beets, honey, lime). Happy hour, which is held from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 p.m. to close in the Treehouse Bar features $4 house wine, domestic beers, and select well drinks.
norwoods.com; 400 E 2nd Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169; 386-428-4621
Share Tapas at Spanish River Grill
Two-time James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef South, Henry Salgado takes diners on a journey to Spain at Spanish River Grill. Start with a glass of the house special red sangria, then take your pick from an extensive menu of tapas or small plates that range from Spanish classics like Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes). Gambas a la Plancha (shrimp with grilled bread), and Croquetas (ham stuffed fritters) to smoked pork belly and lamb chops with porcini crust and arugula chimichurri. Don't leave without ordering the Burnt Basque Cheesecake for dessert.
spanishrivergrill.com; 1518 S Dixie Fwy, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168; 386-957-4788
Have A Burger at The Breakers
There's no better place to get lunch in all of New Smyrna than The Breakers, an iconic pink-brick eatery plopped directly on the sand at the end of Flagler Avenue. You can get classic seafood shack meals here like fried shrimp and clam strips or a mahi sandwich, but the thing The Breakers is most famous for is its burgers. Have it topped any way you want with a side of fries, macaroni salad, potato salad, or coleslaw. Order a daiquiri or pina colada to wash it down with and enjoy the unencumbered views of the crashing waves.
breakersnsb.com; 518 Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169; 386-428-2019
Pick Up Pastries at Mon Delice French Bakery
The pastry case is always overflowing with perfectly flaky croissants and glistening fruit-filled tarts at Mon Delice. Owned by Serge Sorese, who grew up in Southern France, the shop specializes in French pastries, breads, baked goods, cakes, and pies, alongside a few savory lunch options like sandwiches, quiches, and soup. Go early to get the best selection and make sure to order a couple extra treats, whether a cinnamon roll or an apple Danish, to snack on when those late-afternoon munchies hit.
mondelicebakery.com; 557 E. 3rd Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169; 386-427-6555
Enjoy Brunch at The Baker's Table
Husband-wife duo Jaime and Jeanette Quintana went from vacationing in New Smyrna Beach to making the cross-country move from New Jersey to their favorite little beach town. They share their talents and passion for food at their restaurant The Baker's Table, which is open for brunch Fridays through Sundays and dinner Wednesdays through Sundays. We recommend going for brunch to try the conch fritters with black pepper honey, stuffed challah French toast, smoked salmon latkes.
thebakerstablensb.com; 4154 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169; 386-423-6656
Where To Stay In New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Rent A House or Condo
If you're planning a longer stay in New Smyrna (and wouldn't want to?), consider a home or condo rental so you have plenty of room to spread out and can cook some meals at home. Local businesses like NSB Realty, MoonTide Condos and CasaGo Coastal Volusia can help you find the perfect rental for your trip, whether you're traveling with a multifamily or multigenerational group or if it's just you and a special someone. The oceanfront views and walk-off-your-porch access to the beach will have you considering a permanent move.
Stay At A Boutique Inn
Elegant inns and cozy bed and breakfasts are also great options for accommodations in New Smyrna. Most are locally owned, and several are housed in historic homes, making your stay all the more special. The Black Dolphin Inn, Riverview Hotel, and Victoria 1883 all offer riverfront views with unique amenities including a hidden speakeasy at Victoria 1883, a spa at Riverview Hotel, and private balconies at the Black Dolphin Inn.
Read the original article on Southern Living
Solve the daily Crossword
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Boston Globe
Tracee Ellis Ross on the joy and loneliness of solo travel
'Solo Traveling With Tracee Ellis Ross,' now available for free on The Roku Channel, premieres at a time when solo travel is growing ever more popular, despite criticisms that it can be scary, boring or unsatisfying. Black women in particular, who are actively prioritizing their well-being, are encouraging one another in Reddit threads and in the comments section of travel enthusiasts' social media accounts. Within these spaces, women are swapping notes on issues like safety, racism, sexism and loneliness -- all of which Ross discusses during her travels to Spain, Mexico and Morocco. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The following interview with Ross has been edited and condensed for clarity. Advertisement Q: Is there any advice you want to impart to solo travelers? A: I don't believe in advice. I offer experience and hope. And this is my version. My transparency is about how I can give you a jumping-off point. I say this in the Mexico episode: There's got to be something between cat ladies and Joan of Arc. You know what I mean? Like, I really wish I had some other pictures on the wall culturally and historically that would show me what it means to push up against the cultural norm and choose yourself -- of the revolutionary act of joy, particularly for a Black woman, and of having the agency and the freedom to make choices that work for you, whether you have a partner or not . Q: Loneliness isn't often acknowledged on travel shows. Did you plan to address the topic, or did it just come up naturally? A: Well, I didn't tackle it on purpose. I just tackled what was honest. Sometimes things that didn't make you lonely at home might make you feel lonely while you're away. And sometimes things that you don't enjoy at home will become things you enjoy when you're away. I really wanted to make space for the show to feel as intimate and as truthful as the experience I was actually having. Sometimes I have to remind myself that feeling lonely doesn't necessarily mean that something's wrong. It just means I have to make space for the feeling. Q: Can we talk about that moment where you're dining alone and another table sends you a drink? A: I'm glad that you brought up that moment. Advertisement So, they sent over something -- I don't know, a drink. And I went over to thank them. In that moment, one of the women was pretty much saying, 'I felt bad for you.' And I was like, 'No, no, don't feel bad for me. This is a choice. And it's a joyful choice. And it's an exciting choice. And it's a life-affirming choice. And here's why.' Q: Were you ever concerned about how to make alone time interesting? A: I think there's a myth that I had to be doing things on the show. And I was like, well, I wouldn't do that. People were worried that it wasn't going to be entertaining. I was, like, have you met me? I'm nuts. I've got stuff to say. I had to figure out how to share this experience, this very intimate experience of solo travel. You can't just be in silence the whole time. And so a lot of the show was filmed on my phone, as opposed to being filmed by the camera guy. I would talk to my phone as if it were my inner dialogue. Q: What went into the choosing destinations for the show? A: One of the things I talk about when people ask about solo travel is: First and foremost, what kind of experience do you want as a solo traveler? I think you have to ask yourself that question -- particularly as a woman, particularly as a Black woman, or if you're LGBTQIA or nonbinary. What are the places and the ways you might be vulnerable in spaces that are not your home? And if the goal is to be yourself, by yourself, out in the world, how can you do that safely? Advertisement And so I asked those questions as we were planning the show. Q: Fashion is such a big part of the show. Each episode begins in your home while you're packing -- and it seems like a meticulous process. A: I joke, but I'm serious about this: I pack for beauty and I pack for disaster. When I say I'm an overpacker, it is at a level that is completely off the radar. I understand this. I am not in denial about it. Q: Do you approve of packing cubes? A: No. The only things I like packing cubes for are my lingerie, like my undies and socks, because otherwise they go everywhere. But I also like to put my socks inside my shoes so I'm not wasting space. Q: Where and when did you take your first solo trip? A: I went to Pink Sands in the Bahamas when I was shooting 'The Dish.' I'm not sure what made me decide to go or why I decided to go by myself, but I know what I got out of it. One of the things that I love about traveling solo is the sense of heightened experience -- heightened relaxation, heightened joy, heightened discomfort. You start to get a muscle strength, an emotional muscle strength around self-soothing and holding space for yourself and what your tools are in those moments that you bring back into your life. This article originally appeared in .
Eater
3 days ago
- Eater
Restaurants to Try This Weekend in Las Vegas — July 25
It's the most pressing question of the weekend: 'Where should I eat?' Here, Eater editors issue tried and true recommendations for places to check out this weekend. For a cult-favorite without the line: Howlin' Ray's For a cult-favorite without the line: Howlin' Ray's. Janna Karel Las Vegas has fully embraced the modern food hall — a new take on the food court model that has replaced buffets with trendy stalls from big-name chefs. The newest, and arguably most exciting, is Via Via inside the Venetian Resort. Among its standout offerings is Howlin' Ray's, the cult-favorite Los Angeles spot known for round-the-block lines and Nashville-style hot chicken fried until golden and craggly. Here, the signature chicken sandwich lives up to the hype — juicy fried chicken with heat levels ranging from a mild zing to mouth-scorchingly hot, layered with slaw, cool pickles, and creamy sauce on a roasted bun. Sides like crunchy fries and indulgent thick banana pudding round out the meal. Best of all: Unlike the LA location, the Vegas outpost is still enough of a sleeper hit that there's no line at all. 3355 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109. — Janna Karel, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest For a celebratory brunch: Delilah For a celebratory brunch: Delilah. Janna Karel Delilah is a standout in Vegas nightlife. Dinners here are all glitz and glamour — think beef Wellington, lobster rolls, a live band, and dancers weaving through bronze palm trees. Now, that energy spills into daylight with a newly debuted Saturday brunch that's just as elaborate. The meal starts with pastries and a platter of fresh fruit for the table, followed by shared plates of chicken tenders and waffles with spicy maple syrup, salad, and artfully arranged smoked salmon with edible flowers, capers, and cream cheese for spreading on bagels. Brunch brings dishes like thick-cut brioche French toast with berries and mascarpone, an omelet topped with caviar and served with a fancy hash brown, or heartier options like a burger or steak and eggs. Live music continues through the 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. seatings, and it all wraps up with a tiered selection of miniature desserts. At $150 per person, it's a splurge — but one that makes Saturday feel special. 3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, NV 89109. — Janna Karel, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest For comforting dumplings: Xiao Long Dumplings Janna Karel A perfect soup dumpling is the stuff of dreams — soft, pleated dough wrapped around spiced pork and suspended in savory broth. It's exactly what the aptly named Xiao Long Dumplings does best. Baskets arrive under a shroud of steam, ready for the ritual: poke a hole to let the steam escape, slurp the hot broth, and add a few drops of black vinegar before the final bite. This popular Chinatown spot earns its following, with paper menus so tempting you'll want to check nearly every box — from crunchy cucumber salad to umami-rich noodle soups and crisp beef-stuffed pancakes. Just be sure to save room for dessert: the sweet, steamy chocolate bao is comfort in its own right. 4275 Spring Mountain Rd #D101, Las Vegas, NV 89102. — Janna Karel, editor, Eater Southern California/Southwest Eater Vegas All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
A Relaxing Day In Harrogate, Yorkshire's Historic Spa Town
Bettys Cafe and Tea Rooms is a landmark of Harrogate, North Yorkshire. getty Harrogate might not be as well-known internationally as nearby York, but for generations of British travelers, it has represented elegance, wellness and quiet luxury. Once famed for its sulfurous spa waters, Harrogate today draws visitors for its manicured gardens and Victorian architecture. Just 45 minutes by train from Leeds or York, it's an easy day trip for travelers craving a slower pace without sacrificing style. Whether you're sipping Darjeeling at Bettys, strolling through flower-filled parks or soaking up the mystery of Agatha Christie's 1926 disappearance, Harrogate delivers a day of gentle pleasures and old-world atmosphere. And best of all? It's incredibly easy to reach. One of Harrogate's biggest assets is its convenience. Regular trains from Leeds and York take around 30 to 40 minutes, making it an ideal side trip from either city. The train station sits right in the heart of town, so it's easy to start exploring on foot the moment you arrive. Buses are another option, particularly the comfortable and scenic route 36 double-decker that runs between Leeds and Ripon, passing through Harrogate en route. The Gardens Of Harrogate If the weather's kind, start your day with a wander through Valley Gardens, just a short ten-minute stroll from the station. Valley Gardens in Harrogate is popular with locals and visitors alike. David Nikel This lush, 17-acre park weaves together formal flowerbeds, winding woodland trails, and a handful of unexpected delights. Keep an eye out for the vintage paddling pool, a quirky mini-golf course and the curved art deco Sun Pavilion with its sweeping views over the lawns. It's easy to lose track of time here, especially with a takeaway coffee in hand from one of the nearby cafes along Valley Drive. The gardens also sit atop a network of natural springs, a reminder of Harrogate's long-standing spa heritage. For something more ambitious, RHS Garden Harlow Carr lies on the town's western edge. A 20-minute walk or quick taxi ride brings you to this much-loved showcase of British horticulture from wildflower meadows to woodland walks. One striking feature is the set of classical Doric columns, salvaged from Harrogate's old Cheltenham Pump Room and now standing as a romantic ruin within the grounds. There's also a branch of Bettys Tea Room, ideal for a mid-morning pause surrounded by flowers and birdsong. Discover Harrogate's Spa Heritage To understand what first put Harrogate on the map, look no further than its sulfur-rich springs. A good place to begin is the Royal Pump Room Museum, an elegant domed building constructed in 1842 around one of the town's most potent wells, once said to be among the strongest in Europe. Inside, exhibits trace the history of Harrogate's rise as a fashionable spa resort, from eyebrow-raising Victorian treatments to the habits and oddities of 19th-century visitors. Even today, the faint tang of sulfur near the wellhead lends the space an unexpected authenticity. The Royal Pump Rooms Museum gives a thorough overview of Harrogate's history as an important spa town. David Nikel Just across the road, the Turkish Baths offer a more immersive link to the past. These late-Victorian bathhouses, built in ornate Moorish style, still operate much as they did over a century ago. Step into the tiled lobby to admire the craftsmanship and atmosphere that helped define Harrogate's golden age of wellness. If you have time, book a session to experience the sequence of steam rooms and cold plunge pools. Pause For Afternoon Tea When it's time for lunch or something sweeter, Harrogate delivers in the most civilized fashion. The town is home to the original Bettys Café Tea Rooms, a Yorkshire institution since 1919. Expect smartly dressed servers, polished silver teapots and a menu that doesn't stray far from tradition. If you manage to beat the queue or don't mind the wait, you'll be rewarded with the full afternoon tea experience: dainty finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam. And of course, a parade of miniature cakes arranged neatly on a tiered stand. It's every bit as refined as you'd hope. For a more relaxed or spontaneous option, Harrogate also has a second, less crowded Bettys branch at Harlow Carr Gardens, or you could try Mama Doreen's Emporium, a colorful and creative twist on the classic tea experience with themed treats and a more playful atmosphere. A Harrogate Mystery Worth Revisiting Harrogate's most famous visitor may not have come for the spa, or even the tea. In December 1926, Agatha Christie made headlines across Britain when she disappeared from her home in Surrey, sparking a nationwide search. Harrogate's Old Swan Hotel is something of a tourist attraction thanks to the Agatha Christie disappearance. David Nikel Eleven days later, she was found safe and well at the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate, living under a false name and seemingly unaware of her own identity. The circumstances remain a mystery to this day. Christie later refused to discuss the incident, but visitors to the Old Swan can still enjoy a drink in the same bar where she once dined during her self-imposed exile. The hotel embraces the connection and even hosts murder mystery nights. Harrogate's Montpellier Quarter Round off your Harrogate day with a stroll through the elegant Montpellier Quarter, just steps from Bettys. This charming district is home to over 50 independent boutiques, galleries, antique emporiums and cafes, offering everything from designer fashion and curated homeware to quirky gifts. Visit the Imagined Things Bookshop, a proudly independent store filled with an eclectic mix of literature and bookish gifts. Nearby, luxe boutiques like Morgan Clare and Farrah's of Harrogate (famous for its traditional blue-and-silver toffee tins since 1840) offer memorable souvenirs and timeless Yorkshire style. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes In Leeds, Shopping Comes With A View By David Nikel Forbes Why Joining Britain's National Trust Is A Travel Bargain By David Nikel Forbes Beyond Windsor, These 5 English Castles Are Must-Visit Treasures By David Nikel
