Travel

Savor the World

Where culinary traditions and exceptional flavors come alive Article and Photography by Marnie Van der Burgt People bring cities to life, and nowhere is that more evident than at the table. Culinary travel lets you taste the soul of a city through the hands and hearts of those who create its food and drink. Each bite, sip, and aroma tells a story — of land, culture, and passion — waiting to be uncovered by curious wanderers. Four cities, each with its own flavor, stand out as unforgettable...

Food + Beverage

Chefs in the Making

Volusia schools cook up the next culinary generation Article by Erica Rains | Photography by Christophe Hanckowiak In Volusia County, the kitchen is more than a classroom—it is a launchpad for careers. Culinary Arts has become one of the district’s most sought-after Career and Technical Education programs, now offered in nine high schools with a continuing pathway at Daytona State College. Students learn professional systems from their first class: mastering commercial equipment, food safety...

Life + Culture

Neighbors Rock for Texas

From rising stars to seasoned pros, local music community rallies to lift Texas families Article by Erica Rains | Photography by Charlie Brown and Shawn Raphael When floodwaters rose across Texas this summer, devastation was swift. Families lost homes, communities were submerged, and lives were upended overnight. For many in Florida, where hurricanes and flooding are familiar threats, the news struck a personal chord. Out of that resonance came Tunes for Texas, a grassroots fundraiser held...

Food + Beverage

Dining in Daytona

What is the Food & Drink City List? Article by TJ Filley When I first moved to the area, I found myself searching for businesses that truly stood out—those offering not just good service, but exceptional quality at fair prices. I didn’t just want names; I wanted to know who was the best, why they were the best, and how to support them. That’s why I launched Daytona City Lifestyle and created the City List . Each month, we highlight local businesses that consistently exceed...

Food + Beverage

Healthy Fall Entertaining

Roasted Butternut Squash with Burrata and Pistachio Pesto from Chef Chris Rains Article by Erica Rains | Photography by Christophe Hanckowiak Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Burrata and Basil Pistachio Pesto This vibrant salad from Chef Chris Rains balances sweet roasted butternut squash with creamy burrata, nutty pesto, and a tangy pomegranate reduction. Ingredients 1 Burrata ball (2 oz) 3 oz cut vine-ripened tomatoes 3 roasted butternut squash medallions 1 oz...

Education

Coastal Culinary Indulgence

Cast & Crew introduces oceanfront creativity and sophistication to Daytona Beach Article by Erica Rains | Photography by Christophe Hanckowiak Daytona Beach’s dining scene has a new focal point in Cast & Crew , a refined oceanfront restaurant that welcomes both locals and travelers seeking more than just a meal. Nestled within a newly reimagined resort property, the restaurant is open to the public, offering a destination where food and atmosphere become the evening’s entertainment. ...

Life + Culture

Style lives here.

Celebrating the Businesses That Define Local Style Article and Photography by TJ Filley At Daytona City Lifestyle , we believe true style is about more than trends—it’s a reflection of taste, craftsmanship, and confidence. That belief inspired our latest feature called The City List. Think of this as a thoughtfully curated guide to local businesses that exemplify excellence in their category. Each month, The City List aligns with our editorial theme, and this month the focus is “Style.” We...

Shopping

Sunlit Style with a Story to Tell

A timeless trio of shops rooted in care, comfort, and coastal ease Article by Erica Rains | Photography by Christophe Hanckowiak In the coastal heart of Ormond Beach’s Fountain Square, three beloved boutiques—Bikini Company, Joyologie, and Beach People—offer more than stylish resort wear. They offer community, comfort, and a multigenerational love of the industry. Owner Joy Rabeaux took over the family business in 1998, after her parents, who founded the original shop in the 1980s, moved to...

Entertainment

Science-Driven Skin Repair

A Science-Driven, Clinically Proven Skin Treatment Reshaping What’s Possible in Volusia Article by Erica Rains | Photography by Christophe Hanckowiak At Daytona MedSpa, skin care is both science and story. Behind its streamlined treatments and advanced technology is a mother-daughter team committed to transforming how people think about aging, healing, and beauty—especially those who have been too afraid to try. The spa’s signature technology, NeoGenPSR, offers a non-surgical path to clearer...

Arts + Culture

Step Into the Symphony

A cultural heartbeat in the center of Daytona Article by Erica Rains | Photography by Christophe Hanckowiak When the lights dim and the first notes rise into the stillness, the Daytona Beach Symphony Society offers an experience unlike anything else on the local stage. This is the visceral magic of orchestral performance. It offers a kind of spellbinding immersion that cannot be replicated by screens, algorithms, or even other forms of live entertainment. For more than seventy years, the...