The quiet inland community of Osteen is located about 23 miles southwest of New Smyrna Beach, but it feels worlds apart. Named for the 19th-century rancher Hezekiah Ellis Osteen, who settled here, the community is today known for its flora and fauna, as well as numerous trails that lead through its wilderness.
The East Central Regional Rail Trail runs through Osteen, with a trailhead just east of SR 415 on New Smyrna Boulevard. The 6-mile section from there to Green Spring Park, which is the official end of the trail, is particularly scenic and offers riders ample shade, perfect for warm days.
Another natural wonder to visit in Osteen is Hickory Bluff Preserve. Overlooking the St. Johns River, the site contains several diverse environments to explore, such as scrubby flatwoods, cypress domes, and floodplain swamps. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the wildlife that resides here, including osprey, herons, barred owls, gopher tortoises, alligators, and river otters.
In this serene community, visitors won’t find chain restaurants or fast food joints. Instead, they’ll discover down-home meals at the Osteen Diner. This comfortable, casual eatery offers breakfast all day, as well as lunch and dinner, and a full bar. Desserts feature homemade pies in several varieties as well as other delectable pastries.
For those looking to wind down at the end of the week, Feelgood Farms Winery & Vineyard holds a weekly Feelgood Friday, with live music and dancing, followed by Saturdaze, another music-centered get-together on Saturdays. Cap off the weekend with Sunday Funday, featuring bottomless mimosas and live music. The winery welcomes outside food, so bring a picnic and enjoy the afternoon sipping Florida-made wines and wandering among the vines.
For visitors looking for something a bit different from the beach, Osteen offers a small-town vibe with plenty of outdoor space to explore, as well as some unpretentious dining and toe-tapping musical events.