The obvious natural beauty of St. Johns River Country provides a wild and wonderful backdrop for the area�s charming cultural and historical treasures. The 14 distinct river communities that make up St. Johns River Country provide endless inspiration for travel writers who want to share the unique experiences hidden along the banks of this American Heritage River. Here are just a few story ideas to explore:

Houseboating on the St. Johns River For some outdoor adventurers, living on a boat is a way of life; for visitors to the western part of Florida�s Volusia County, it is also a great way to vacation. Two local marinas rent luxurious 38 to 58-foot houseboats on the St. Johns River, providing an exciting way to explore the natural wonders of river country with all the comforts of home. Boats range from one- to four-staterooms, each equipped with full kitchen and bath, furnishings, air conditioning and heat, color TV/VCR, linens, marine radio and gas grill. Visitors can rent by the week, weekend or mid-week.

Holly Bluff Marina 2280 Hontoon Road DeLand, FL 32720 (386) 822-9992 (800) 237-5105 (386) 822-6978 fax hollybluff@worldnet.att.net www.hollybluff.com

Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina 2317 River Ridge Rd. DeLand, FL 32720 (386) 734-2474 (800) 248-2474 (386) 738-9743 fax escape@hontoon.com www.hontoon.com

13,500-foot Free Fall Visitors are welcome to drop in anytime at Skydive DeLand, where they can take their vacation to new heights through tandem parachuting. Pioneers in the sport since 1983, the team of experts at Skydive DeLand developed the tandem parachuting method that is now used worldwide. They also manufacture the most up-to-date and innovative equipment for tandem and student parachuting at their facility, the Relative Workshop. Tandem jumping is a way for first-time thrill seekers to experience the exhilaration of skydiving with the benefit of a seasoned professional along for the ride. Only 30 minutes of training is required to skydive with a professional tandem instructor. Skydive DeLand is also a world-class drop zone for champion skydivers training for competition, and offers the Accelerated Freefall (AFF) training method enjoyed by thousands, including Tom Cruise and Ron Reagan, Jr. This seven-level course teaches beginners how to parachute safely on their own.

Skydive DeLand 1600 Flightline Boulevard DeLand, FL 32724 (386) 738-3539 www.SkydiveDeLand.com

Take a Spirited Visit to Cassadaga The site of religious gatherings, or "camp meetings," since 1894, the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is the oldest active religious community in the Southeast. Designated a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, Cassadaga is home to a collection of historic buildings in various architectural styles, providing an interesting look into Florida's past. Living on some 57 acres with more than 50 homes, the residents of the camp live, work and worship together while embracing an eclectic mix of spiritual beliefs. On any given day, curious visitors could find church, healing and message services, spiritual readings, and seminars, workshops and educational programs where students can study to become a medium, healer or ordained minister. Open seven days a week, the Cassadaga Camp Bookstore offers a wide selection of books on traditional Spiritualism and metaphysics, as well as the Annual Program, which contains the names of all certified mediums in the camp and a schedule of activities throughout the year.

Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp PO Box 319 Cassadaga, FL 32706 (386) 228-2880 info@cassadaga.org www.cassadaga.org

Visitors Flip over the Old Spanish Sugar Mill & Griddle House Restaurant Just inside the 603-acre DeLeon Springs State Park, the Old Spanish Sugar Mill & Griddle House blends in perfectly with the park�s beautiful landscape. Established in 1961 by Peter and Marjorie Schwarze, this long-time favorite provides a unique setting and rare opportunity for hungry visitors to fix their own hearty breakfast right at their own table. Using inset tabletop griddles, guests can cook their own pancakes made from grain that is stone-ground on site with French buhr millstones. The friendly staff provides pitchers of homemade batter, a mixture of five different flours and an unbleached white. Guests can then order blueberries, bananas, peanut butter, pecans, chocolate chips or apples to create their own customized pancakes. The griddles make it quick and easy to toast a variety of homemade breads, as well as cook vegetarian sausage, bacon and eggs. Fresh Florida orange juice, hot coffee and other breakfast and lunch favorites are also available.

Old Spanish Sugar Mill Post Office Box 691 De Leon Springs, FL 32130 (386) 985-5644 (386) 985-3315 fax

St. Johns River � Florida�s Only American Heritage River The St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida, at 310 miles long, and one of only three in the United States that flows from south to north. A beloved natural wonder, the river feeds a lush Florida landscape and diverse wildlife population on its lazy trip from Cape Canaveral in the south to Jacksonville in the north. Along the way, the St. Johns River provides endless opportunities for outdoor activity, but also draws a meandering liquid path through the state�s rich past. Nicknamed �Florida�s First Highway,� the river was a popular waterway for vacationers from the north who traveled the St. Johns on steamboats to admire its wild and scenic beauty. Blending outdoor adventure, nature and heritage along its banks, the St. Johns River today offers a unique way to explore Florida�s natural and historic treasures. Popular stops along the river include Blue Spring State Park, DeBary Hall Historic Site, and Hontoon Island State Park. On Hontoon Island, visitors will find replicas of original totems found on the river bottom, painting a picture of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the island. In 1997, as part of a new initiative by President Clinton, the historic significance of the river earned the St. Johns the distinction of being Florida�s only American Heritage River.

-St. Johns River Country- www.StJohnsRiverCountry.com

For more media info: Gentry Baumline Hayworth Creative Public Relations (386) 677-7000/gentry@hayworthcreative.com