New Smyrna Beach occupies a notable place in history as the site of the largest single attempt at colonial settlement in what is now the United States. Dr. Andrew Turnbull, a Scottish physician and entrepreneur, obtained a grant of land from the British Crown. In 1768 he established a colony of 1225 immigrants on the coastal plantations at New Smyrna, with a view toward the commercial production of such crops as corn, indigo, rice, hemp, and cotton.For more details, click here. 11/04/2007

I know I'm a REALTOR® and not a food critic, but I can't help myself on this one. (BTW, there's some real estate info at the bottom of this post, if that's all you're looking for.) Last weekend I wrote a post about the New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival. In that post, I mentioned Chase's on the Beach, which is one of the local restaurants that was hosting one of the bands. Shortly after posting that information, I got a "thank you" e-mail from Anna, at Chase's. Apparently Anna uses Google Alerts and found my post immediately. Anna's on the ball! This restaurant is a favorite of mine and my husband's. And here are some fantastic reasons why. Great food!Indoor dining for me.Casual outdoor um, well, EVERYTHING for him. Just look at all these photos! (from the Chase's web site, used with Anna's... 09/28/2007

If you like Jazz and live in Central Florida, today (Sunday, September 23, 2007) is the last day of the New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival that's being held this weekend. Of course, there will probably another one in the recent future, but if you want to catch this one and spend a day at the beach, then pack your sunscreen and head for A1A.Here's today's schedule...2:00-5:00 Julie Lyon Quartet, South Atlantic Grille, 3406 S. Atlantic Ave. New Smyrna Beach, FL2:30-5:30 Robert Harris Band, Chases on the Beach, 3401 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL (BTW, Chases serves excellent food!)3:30-6:30 Duplicity Duo with saxophonist Pat D'Aguanno, PJ's Sea Shack, 491 E. 3rd Ave., New Smyrna4:00-7:00 Jeff Rupert & Dirty Martini featuring Michelle Amato, The Garlic, 556 E. 3rd Ave., New Smyrna4:30-... 09/22/2007

             Buy or Sell New Smyrna Beach Real Estate. Work with Lisa Hill, "THE SMART CHOICE!"           For anyone who's been considering buying real estate in New Smyrna Beach Florida, you should know about the beautifully upscale Venetian Bay Town & Country Club. This elegant development has a distinctive Italian feel and several different subdivisions.   The Venetian Bay master community is like a self-contained city unto itself, featuring a downtown shopping center and restaurants, a fitness center, community pool, nature trails, a golf course, country club and more. Featured builders are Paytas Homes, Johnson Group Homes, Engle Homes, KB Homes, & Tiffany Homes. Prices range from the $200,000s to over $1,000,000.   This weekend I found some very interesting and unexpected surpris... 09/22/2007

THE New Smyrna Beach Real Estate & Community Events blog. By Lisa C. Hill, "THE SMART CHOICE!" This past weekend, our local newspaper, the Daytona Beach News Journal had an article about how invading plants are destroying the native plants in New Smyrna Beach, FL. As a REALTOR®, it's always a concern when anything in my work area is having a problem. New Smyrna Beach is only 10-15 minutes south of my office, and I sell houses there quite frequently. I thought I'd share some of the information I gleaned from the Daytona Beach News Journal, as well as add some of my own findings. In 2004, when hurricanes destroyed much of the Florida coastline, New Smyrna lost the most shoreline in this area. There were areas where you couldn't even walk on the beach, because so much erosion had occurred... 06/21/2007

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Paytas Homes has opened the first section of Promenade Parke at Venetian Bay. The Village Collection has architecture inspired by Italian villages and carries out the theme of Venetian Bay. Promenade is not part of Venetian Bay, but is adjacent to it on the Pioneer Trail side and has direct access to it. Promenade has lots up to 85 feet wide and house/lot packages priced from the $240,000s. It is located along several pools with fountains. ~News-Journal  06/14/2007

Welcome To the Intracoastal Waterway's Best Value. Situated in the heart of New Smyrna Beach's resort area, award winning Bouchelle Island is famous as a waterfront condominium community. Located on the Intracaostal Waterway in the heart of New Smyrna Beach's resort area. Direct water access via Ponce Inlet to the Atlantic Ocean. Lush, tropical, landscaped entrances. Two swimming pools: one is heated year round. Two lighted tennis courts. Two lighted shuffle board courts. Observation/fishing deck. 3,040 Ft. wood riverfront promenade (boardwalk). Clubhouse - Fitness center. Boat launch. Canoe racks. 18 hole chip and putt golf course. Picnic area with charcoal grills & picnic tables. Boat slip rentals. Sidewalks and street lighting throughout the community Bouchelle Island's location is ... 03/09/2007

Welcome to the Bouchelle Island Way of Life...Just imagine yourself immersed in the luxury of living on the Intracoastal...Surrounded by breathtaking views and incredible sunsets. Where you can sit back and watch the bird and marine life on the Callalisa Creek or the dolphins frolic in the river...Perfect for people with an active lifestyle!This quaint riverfront community is located directly on the intracoastal waterway just four blocks from the beach. The community has it's own private marina, a 3,200 foot river walk, a centrally located clubhouse, two sparkling pools, heated outdoor spa,lighted tennis courts, shuffle board courts and a 18 hole chip and putt golf course.Island HistoryThe DiMucci Development Company purchased the balance of the Island and in June of 1998. Today, DiMucc... 03/09/2007