By Lulu

Tucked away in Deland on Old New York Avenue is a “Cool Joint” The Inn Between Bar. I thought the bar’s name was because it is between two sets of railroad tracks, but reality is the bar is “between” two other locals stops, Emmy’s and what is now called Shady Oaks. It is directly across from the Amtrak station, which is also the future site of the SunRail Station due for construction in 2024. The Inn Between is what I remember local bars being like when I was a kid tagging along with my father. Regulars gather for conversation, stiff drinks, ice cold beer and friendship. The pool table is put to good use here. Outside under huge oaks is a nice sized lot with picnic tables, outside bar and large stage which the owner, Ethan, puts to use on Saturdays 3-7pm with live Blues music. Tuesdays is karaoke night at the Inn. Ethan’s bartenders are always friendly and happy to sell you a $3 longneck or mix a $4 well anytime! Tuesdays-Thursday nights Smokin’ J’s BBQ is available and they have White Castle burgers available all the time.

The owner of the Inn Between Bar, Ethan Williamson, is originally from Augusta, Maine. After graduation he went to a vocational school for machinist, then went to AMI for being a Ducati certified mechanic. Then at 23 he joined the Army. He was deployed to Afghanistan and served in combat for 5 years. His MOS was a Forward Observer 13 FOX. The conversation with Ethan then turned to motorcycling. He started riding on his Dad’s 1982 GS 1100 E sitting on the tank while his Dad controlled the beast. But even before he could reach the ground, he would sneak off on it and his Dad would have to catch him to safely bring the bike to a stop. At 13 he got a 1973 Honda CB 350 4 cylinder. And learned to work on his bikes at home. He even has built his own Bobbers and for a bit focused on Triumphs. Fifteen years ago, his first Harley was a 1981 Ironhead Sportster and then a 1986 FXR. Now his personal bikes are a 2014 Street Bob and a Sportster he is working on. Ethan’s grandmother was from Deland so he chose to settle here as an adult. Owning the bar leaves little time for recreation other than occasionally jumping on his bike for a ride with his adorable girlfriend Nicole on his backseat. But when he has some free time, he enjoys competitive Bass fishing. I really like to frequent businesses owned by our veterans and encourage all who travel the greater Daytona area to search out The Inn Between at 2486 Old New York Avenue, Deland. He has a Low Country Boil to celebrate Raymond’s 63rd birthday on Saturday, May 8th. This is a yearly event and the blues band will be heating up the stage from 3-7pm that afternoon. We plan on being there so join us for a great Saturday afternoon.