Happy New Year! With the arrival of 2023, it’s a great time to schedule a trip to New Smyrna Beach—if you live out-of-town—or visit sites you haven’t been to before, if you’re a local. No matter if you’re from around here or call another place home, we recommend taking three trips in and around New Smyrna Beach this January: to the past, to the present, and to the future.
Trip to the Past
On January 12, 2023, you’ll have the opportunity to take a step into the past with a book discussion that historian Robert Redd is holding at the New Smyrna Museum of History at 6:30pm to discuss his new book, Hidden History of Civil War Florida.
Chances are that you probably don’t know much about the role of the Sunshine State in the American Civil War, so there’s a lot you can learn about life in Florida over 150 years ago. As a small teaser, those involved in Lincoln’s assassination even had a connection to Florida!
In addition to listening to a discussion, you’ll have an opportunity to buy Robert’s book and get it signed. So don’t miss this opportunity to time travel to Civil War-era Florida!
Trip to the Present 
For those who love the present, you don’t want to miss New Smyrna Beach’s signature event in January: the IMAGES Festival of the Arts. Held the last weekend in January, IMAGES allows you to enjoy the work of over 200 artists, and it’s all free to the public.
You’ll join over 50,000 art enthusiasts when you attend the IMAGES festival and you’ll have the opportunity to buy some art, enjoy delicacies from food trucks, and bring the kids along for some free art projects. Don’t miss the opportunity to have a great weekend with family and friends!
Trip to the Future 
If you care about the world’s future, there’s no better place to go than Canaveral National Seashore, which is the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline on the Atlantic Ocean in Florida. Take some time to wander on the beach and the trails. There are even wheelchair accessible ramps onto the beach as well as beach wheelchairs you can check out!
As you walk the beach, make sure you pay attention to the various plants and animals that call the national seashore home. Doing your part to help the environment will ensure that this beautiful beach continues to be a place to visit for years into the future.
