I’ve recently written several blogs about different things to do around the Daytona Beach area. Ormond Beach is included as part of the Daytona Beach area. In Daytona Beach, so far we've discussed the Daytona Beach Flea Market, which is now listed as one of America's Top 5 Flea Markets, Driving on Daytona Beach, baseball games at Jackie Robinson Ball Park and the Daytona Cubs, Seaside Music Theater, and several other suggestions. As I was about to write this Ormond Beach post, I decided to include some personal memories from growing up in this area.

I lived all but 4 years of my life in the Daytona Beach area. One of the places my family frequented the most was Tomoka State Park, in Ormond Beach. My brothers and I used to love to float around on inner tubes, swim out to the sand bar, hike and fish. We even got stung by a large school of jelly fish one year!

TIP: When stung by a jellyfish, rinse the area with salt water only! Fresh water will further activate the toxins. After rinsing with salt water and if necessary, removing any tentacles (wear gloves), you may then apply vinegar to further deactivate the toxins.

Tomoka State Park is located on the Tomoka River near the convergence of the Tomoka and Halifax rivers. It was originally inhabited by the Timucuan Indians. When hiking the nature trails, you can see the actual site of the Timucuan village of Nocoroco. The Timucuans initially named the Tomoka River, “Rio de Timucas” which meant River of the Timucuans. Early settlers messed up the pronunciation which left us with the present name “Tomoka”.

The park has changed drastically from my childhood memories. But my favorite memory remains. At the end of a long trail is an old statue that tells the tale of Tomokie and Oleeta. What a fascinating story! The basin in front of the statue used to be filled with water and as children we loved to splash around in it.

In 2004, Governor Jeb Bush allocated an additional 400 acres to Tomoka State Park, giving it a total of over 1,600 acres, with 100 campsites with picnic tables, grills and water. Once there, you owe it to yourself to visit the museum and visitor center. Also set aside time for boating, canoeing,  fishing, and bird watching. Time it right and you might see a few West Indian Manatee.

All-in-all, Tomoka State Park is a great place to spend an afternoon, a day, or a week. Just don't forget your insect repellant! There’s plenty to do while you unwind. It’s also close enough to town that you can go shopping or enjoy dining at the local area restaurants.  You might like it so much you want to move to Ormond Beach or Daytona Beach so you can visit whenever you like.