studios and gallery space , and is the pulse from which the arts district radiates .
The area earned a reputation for world class arts and culture from the Atlantic Center for the Arts , and the arts community in the Canal Street Historic District has been the beneficiary , according to Betty Turco , director of gallery operations at The Hub .
Flagler Ave Beach Access
like friends and family ,” she said . “ On this street , everybody tries to have something different , and a lot of it is handcrafted so that every store isn ’ t the same . It is a community , people are nice to each other , they look out for each other .”
The same can be said for Solcat owners Sharon and Mark Klosky . Setting up their boutique with home décor and imports from Bali in the Shoppes of Sea Side Station 21 years ago , it ’ s a steady stream of locals and an influx of tourists in the spring and summer that have kept them in a prime location just two blocks west of the beach .
“ We like it here , it ’ s the main intersection beachside ,” said Klosky . “ It has this little shopping district that people like to come to .”
True to its local vibe , families , sometimes with a cute canine in tow , can be seen zipping around town in their street legal golf carts . They mix in with cars cruising the strip as they head to the Flagler Avenue beach access , where beach driving is permitted , for a fee .
Along the way , blink and you ’ ll miss it – the town is vibrant with big , bold hand-painted murals , colorful storefronts and commemorative brick pavers , lovingly purchased and personalized . The day ’ s surf report is chalked on the door of the Rip Curl surf shop , and there ’ s a pretty good chance the porch of the Flagler Tavern will be filled well before 5 o ’ clock . If sandy toes aren ’ t your thing , you can find a spot at The Breakers Restaurant where 13 miles of unobstructed white sandy beaches and turquoise Atlantic Ocean welcome you .
But the adventure doesn ’ t stop there when you ’ re in New Smyrna Beach .
Heading back to the mainland just across the State Road 44 / N . Causeway is the Canal Street Historic District and what the area is most famous for – is it elevated arts and culture scene .
Starting at The Hub , which is quite literally a hub of artists ’
Betty Turco
“ Canal Street is special because it ’ s got something for everybody ,” said Turco . “ It has a lot of art , great restaurants , the river , parks , it ’ s a destination .”
Visitors can stop into The Hub and pick up a free arts district
map and tour the artists ’ studios and gallery before setting out to explore . With five arts locations within a three block radius , free parking throughout the historic district offers a chance to relax and immerse yourself in the walkable community .
There ’ s no shortage of locally owned eateries to tempt your taste buds either . Dotting the downtown , you can indulge your senses at trendy places like the Corkscrew Bar & Grille , Yellow Dog Eats or Jason ’ s Corner Deli , one of the district ’ s anchor restaurants . For a quick drink , a stop at the New Smyrna Beach Brewery , will do the trick .
Chris Edwards , Director of Economic Development for the City of New Smyrna Beach says it ’ s the uniqueness of each community ’ s downtown that makes them a destination for visitors and residents .
“ In New Smyrna Beach , really the foundation of its economic development core is the small business community here ,” said Edwards , noting that visitors contribute $ 415 million to the New Smyrna Beach area each year . “ It ’ s a pivotal part for both the Historic Canal Street area as well as Flagler Avenue .”
Danielle Anderson has worked in the public relations and media industry for a decade . She started her career as a reporter for Flagler Broadcasting where she discovered her passion for telling the stories of communities in Florida .
FEBRUARY 2021 | 11 |