the nest

Visited our friends in Deland this past weekend and they took us to The Nest. What a unique place! Had a glass of wine and made several purchases! The stuff they have there is so cool and different and like no other place I have ever been in before! Defiantly would make that a regular stop on our visits to Deland in the future. Just loved the atmosphere, the merchandise, and the woman who tended the bar was so nice and friendly! Not sure is she was the owner as I didn't catch her name.

Set back in an alley just off Woodland, the Nest is hard to find. You will have to get directions from a local. But once there, you are sure to walk out with a purchase. The antiques stand out, but there is so much more merchandise that is difficult to pass up. A small bar opens out into the alley in the evening, tended by a welcoming group of bartenders who serve with a smile but also an invitation to stay for conversation. As the owner, Cindy is either behind the desk or the bar so don't miss talking with her about the place.

The Nest is 80% an antique/décor shop and 20% a bar, but don't let that deter you. I usually don't care for these things, but I immediately found two items - a lamp and a pair of socks - that I could not leave without! Definitely worth a visit!

When you venture down the cold concrete of DeLand's Artesian Alley and step into The Nest, you immediately feel welcome and warm. When the proprietor, Cindy, greets you, you feel more like company than customer. Surrounded by twinkling white lights and pastel furniture pieces scouted out by her children and that Cindy has skillfully refinished, you will find the exact item you never realized you were seeking. If you are from out of town, Cindy will assist in having your pieces shipped to you.Surrounding the furniture, the space is bursting with a jumble of treasures that somehow all seem to belong together. There is a varied collection of colorful glassware, sweetly scented soaps and satchels, birdcages, butterflies, and so much more, that it definitely requires more than one visit to take it all in. There are even whimsical items for the jokesters on your gift list; and with so many choices, there is something unique to fit into any budget.Halfway through the journey is the perfect time to relax with a glass of wine or beer at the cozy bar. The beverage selection is as unique as the surroundings, with the crisp, homemade sangria a particular crowd pleaser. Cindy even encourages patrons to enjoy their drink on the furniture she has for sale, indicating her customers' comfort is her top priority.I stumbled upon this place while wandering the DeLand music festival, and it is now a favorite destination. The dictionary definition of eclectic reads "selection of the best from various sources". That's the perfect description of The Nest.