ST. JOHNS RIVER COUNTRY, Fla. � A great place to play needs a great place to stay, and St. Johns River Country delivers with an eclectic mix of lodging options for visitors. Like the diverse landscape itself, throughout the area, nationally known hotels, rustic fish camps and family-owned bed and breakfasts and campgrounds create a wide variety of choices for weekend or week-long stays. But whether overlooking the historic St. Johns River, DeLand�s renowned MainStreet or one the many lakes in the region, visitors can count on plenty of the southern hospitality and down-home charm for which the area is known.

Relax Inn Comfort Guests in search of individualized attention may prefer one of the area Inns and bed and breakfasts that specialize in the personal touch. Most of these properties are located in a historic district or building which gives visitors a head start on discovering the area�s many local treasures. Innkeepers generally know the ins and outs of the area and are quick to make recommendations on dining, art galleries, antiquing and recreational activities. Some even offer special packages with area restaurants and spa services, adding a touch of romance and relaxation to any stay. In Cassadaga, visitors can take a step back in time on the road to self-discovery, spirituality, and romance at the Cassadaga Hotel & Spiritual Center. The Cassadaga Hotel provides a commanding view of the town of Cassadaga, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests (no children allowed) enjoy their stay in the simple elegance of rooms equipped with life�s necessities, but no phone or television. Continental breakfast is served daily at Lost in Time Caf� and phones and television are available to guests in the main lobby.

The city of DeLand is home to the DeLand Artisan Inn, a 1924 Mediterranean revival listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Inn offers eight individually-appointed third floor suites, each with three rooms and a private bath. Visitors can enjoy the restaurant and lounge open daily as well as local art displayed on the walls and available for sale. Continuing 15 years of outstanding guest service and under new British ownership, DeLand Country Inn offers a full English-style breakfast and pool access. Both children- and pet-friendly, most of the Inn�s rooms are in the main house, but they do offer a private guest cottage. Built in 1924 as the Eastwood Terrace Hotel, the Eastwood Terrace Inn welcomes visitors today as a bed and breakfast with 10 uniquely appointed guest rooms including two suites. Within walking distance to MainStreet DeLand and Stetson University, the Inn is perfect for business or vacationing guests. Further north in DeLeon Springs, the Victorian Lace Bed & Breakfast features five guest rooms adorned with antiques and each with a private bath. Amenities include claw foot tubs, fireplaces and handicap accessibility.

Located in nearby Lake Helen, The Ann Stevens House/Clauser�s B&B is a Victorian-style B&B offering guests eight distinct rooms in the main house and carriage house, each with private bath and plush robes. Guests enjoy a full country breakfast each morning, use of the outdoor Jacuzzi, afternoon social at �Sherlock�s,� an English-style pub room, and dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings for a nominal fee. Many visitors enjoy the southern comfort and �kick back and relax� atmosphere of the Cabin on the Lake B&B. Three individually appointed guest rooms each have a private bath and commanding views of the lake and sprawling green landscape. A full country breakfast is enjoyed each morning at the plank farm table. History buffs will enjoy a stay at the Alling House B&B in Orange City. Built in 1908, the inn is a contributing property to the Orange City Historic District and was the home to one of the city�s most well known mayors, Edward B. Alling, for more than 40 years. Three rooms and a separate cottage, all with private baths, offer guests comfort and distinct style. The pet-friendly cottage provides a full kitchen and washer/dryer.

Something A Little Fishy The St. Johns River served as the first highway for tourist travel back in the late 1800s, so it is fitting that resorts and fish camps still dot the riverbanks, offering exemplary accommodations and marina services. Guests can find comfortable lodging on houseboats, camping, in a riverside cabin or in their own RV. Below is just a sampling of the many marinas and fish camps found in the area, each with their own distinct charm and personality. The Highland Park Fish Camp in DeLand is a great choice for avid anglers and their families. The camp offers boat rentals and storage, a tackle shop and guided trips, while the accommodations provide comfort in a range of options, including campsites, RV hookups and fully furnished cedar cabin rentals. The AAA-rated Three-Diamond Hontoon Landing Resort & Marina is located right on the St. Johns River. Guests can choose two unique accommodation options, including piloting their own luxury houseboat or enjoying a room, suite or cottage on the property.

The Name Sounds Familiar Although St. Johns River Country offers visitors mostly family-owned accommodations, a few familiar flagship brands thrive along the interstates and main highways in DeBary, DeLand, Deltona and Orange City. Accommodations here may include such amenities as continental breakfast, suites, pools and fitness centers. Conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, and Main Street Deland, these properties service the leisure and business traveler. However, one provides extensive meeting space that is popular with planners looking for a more natural setting, and another provides nearby outdoor recreation. Unusual for a hotel brand, the Best Western Deltona Inn sits on 23 acres featuring a 7 � -acre lake. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of wildlife while staying in one of the 130 professionally decorated rooms and suites. Swans, sandhill cranes, ducks, waterfowl, and colorful native birds, delight guests as they enjoy the many amenities including a restaurant, pool, meeting space and banquet service.

The Hampton Inn in DeBary is an AAA-rated Three Diamond property situated on landscaped grounds, with 76 guest rooms, each with free in-room movie channels and Cherry wood furnishings. An outdoor pool and picnic area, fitness facilities, hot tub and continental breakfast are available to all guests. The Holiday Inn DeLand is a perfect option for leisure or business travelers. High-speed Internet access is available in all 148 guest rooms, as well as 5,000 square feet of meeting space. Amenities include outdoor pool, restaurant, whirlpool and fitness center. The hotel is pet-friendly and kids eat free. For information on the area and a list of local lodging options in all 14 communities, including Barberville, Cassadaga, DeBary, DeLand, DeLeon Springs, Deltona, Glenwood, Enterprise, Lake Helen, Orange City, Osteen, Pierson, Seville and Volusia, call (386) 775-2006, toll-free (800) 749-4350 or visit them online at www.StJohnsRiverCountry.com.

-St. Johns River Country, Fla.-

For further information, please contact:-

Gentry Baumline gentry@hayworthcreative.com +1 386-677-7000