Florida - Central East around Space Coast Attractions

The Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts in Barberville is the site of buildings from the early 1900s - part of the settlement including houses, stores and barns. Many of the historically significant original Florida buildings were relocated to the Pioneer Settlement. Various historical trades and lifestyles are highlighted: Print Shop, Wheelwright Shop/Carriage House, Woodwright Shop, Blacksmith Shop, and Timucuan-Myacca and Seminole Villages.

In 1821, Major Charles Wilhelm Bulow acquired 4,675 acres of wilderness. Using slave labor, he cleared 2,200 acres and planted sugar cane, cotton, rice and indigo. In 1836, a band of raiding Seminole Indians looted and burned the plantation. The history of the Bulow Plantation is presented through a scenic trail that leads to the ruins of the sugar mill and an interpretive center. The coquina walls and chimneys of the sugar mill remain standing as a testament to the rise and fall of the plantation.

Cassadaga is a spiritualist community that was established in 1894. Services include psychics, palm and card readers, tarot readings, and handwriting analysis.

Grant House was built in 1916 and has been completely restored. It houses a collection of antiques and furniture, some original to the home, that capture that period in time.

Lake Okeechobee is the second largest freshwater lake in the continental U.S. A lighted pier allows for day and night fishing. A hiking and biking trail wind around the lake.

McLarty Treasure Museum is located on the survivors' campsite, over 700 people lost their lives when the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet shipwrecked. The historical displays include artifacts and a diorama of the Spanish Plate Fleet. An observation deck overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.

Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area is located on both sides of the bridge crossing the Indian River. Wading birds such as great blue, little blue and tri-colored herons, and great and snowy egrets can be found on both sides of the inlet.

New Smyrna Beach was named after the hometown of the founder's wife - Smyrna, Turkey. There are numerous cultural and historical sites such as Sugar Mill Ruins State Historic Site, which is the ruins of a large plantation's sugar mill.

The Atlantic Center for Arts is an educational facility and an art gallery that features performances and exhibits by resident artists.

Narrated cruises travel through protected wetland and scenic mangrove shores on the Indian River.

Okeechobee was originally called Tantie after the local schoolteacher. The name was changed to Okeechobee in 1912. Today visitors enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and air boat rides. The town is also a commercial center for cattle, making it an ideal location for several rodeos each year.

The area now known as Ponce Inlet was explored by Ponce De Leon in 1513. The name of Mosquito Inlet changed to Ponce de Leon Inlet in 1928. The town itself was incorporated in 1963.

This 175 ft restored brick structure, Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse, was the guiding light for mariners from 1887-1970. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and view the Daytona Beach area. The lightkeepers cottages are now museums.