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There's no better way to get up close and personal with a place than exploring the stranger attractions it offers. Florida has plenty — visiting all of them would take quite a long time. But we recommend these five great places to visit if you're looking for something unusual and unforgettable. more 1. Bok Tower Gardens This attraction is more beautiful than it is unusual. In Lake Wales, you'll find the Bok Tower Gardens, with is home to a 60-foot carillon tower that sits on one of the highest mountains in Florida. A carillon consists of bells in a tower that are often played using mechanism, or in this case, a kind of keyboard by a musician. Think of church bell towers that play intricate songs — those are carillons. Around the impressive tower, you'll find beautifully maintained gardens that offer great photo opportunities. 2. Salvador Dali Museum If you find yourself in St. Petersburg, you need to make a stop at the Salvador Dali Museum. If you're a fan of art, you'll love the fantastic exhibits that feature this world-renowned artist's work. In their permanent collection, you'll find 96 oil painting, as well as other works by Dali. Their collection is made up of over 2,000 works by the artist and provides visitors with an inside look to the eccentric man's life. 3. Monkey Island of Homosassa In the west-coast town of Homosassa, you'll find Monkey Island, a small island that sounds like what it is. It's full of monkeys. It's in the middle of the Homosassa River and is home to a family of monkeys that have been living there for decades. They're best viewed with a pair of binoculars, as you can't visit the island, but you can easily spend an hour or two watching their antics. 4. Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp You don't have to be spiritualist to enjoy they Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp. The camp was established in the 1800s and is one of the continuously operated religious communities in the country. It was created as a safe haven for Spiritualists and is now a community made up mostly of mediums and healers. Attend one of their seminars and classes to learn more about the spirit world, sign up for a spiritual healing session, or attend a church service at Cassadaga. 5. Neptune Memorial Reef In Key Biscayne, you'll find an underwater memorial that's eerily beautiful. The Neptune Memorial Reef is an artificial reef off of Florida's coast that was made to look like Atlantis, the sunken lost city of lore. It's a popular choice for people who want their cremated remains to be scattered undersea. Those remains become part of the artificial reef to boost the sea's ecology. If you want to visit, you can take a boat out to the coordinates, but you'll need to be able to scuba dive to get close to it. Take time to explore the stranger side of Florida. There are many unusual places to go here. This short list is just a few of our favorite. Find yours, and let us know what they are. Image via Flickr by charlie_charm used under CC BY 2.0

Ford is leading the charge when it comes to the future of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or PHEV. The 2020 models that will start rolling into dealerships soon will change the way we think about hybrid and all-electric vehicles. Many of the 2020 electric Fords will come out of their Flat Rock factory in Michigan. The company is investing $700 million in the factory and adding 700 new jobs in order to produce their electrified and autonomous vehicles. This is part of their $4.5-billion investment into the world of electrified vehicles. Ford's focus on the future ensures that it will remain one of the top manufacturers of reliable, modern vehicles.Here are some of the newest PHEV models you can expect to see in the 2020 lineup. more 2020 Ford Escape The Ford Escape has been one of the most popular, non-truck vehicles the company has ever made. For the 2020 incarnation, there will be a new reason the crossover SUV is so popular — plug-in electric power. The 2020 Escape will be redesigned both outside and inside. The front portion of the crossover will get new stylings, such as a new headlamp and bumper, and the interior may have more features than ever. It will be able to seat five people and pack a lot of cargo into its compact crossover cabin. Its safety technologies will be better than ever, keeping you and your family safe and sound. The 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid will be available in the fall of 2019. The 2020 plug-in hybrid version will be available in the spring of 2020. 2020 F-150 Ford also announced that it will be offering a hybridized version of one of its most popular trucks: the Ford F-150. The hybrid F-150 will be built at Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant in Michigan. It will still have a powerful towing and payload capacity. But perhaps the most interesting part of the announcement is that the truck will be able to act as a mobile generator. 2020 Mustang One of the more surprising hybrid vehicles we'll see in 2020 is the Ford Mustang. The 2020 hybrid Mustang will use a V-8 engine in concert with its electric motor to create more low-end torque, the announcement said. It will be manufactured at the Flat Rock Plant and will only be available in North America at first. 2020 Transit This work vehicle has been a favorite for businesses for years, and now they'll get the chance to drive a plug-in hybrid version. As of the time of the press release, the Transit will only be available in Europe for some time, but Americans will eventually have access to it. Make sure you keep an eye out for more announcement from Ford about the world of electric vehicles. Ford's endeavors in the electric-vehicle world keep bringing more and more surprises. As they're released, you'll be able to explore these vehicles in person at Palm Coast Ford. We're just as excited as you are to see what the future of automobiles looks like. Image via Flickr by Milosz1 used under CC BY 2.0

The 2019 Ford Escape is a stylish and sporty compact SUV with plenty of cargo space. The Escape is offered in S, SE, SEL, and Titanium trims, and you can choose from three engines and the option of four-wheel drive on all but the S trim, so you can configure the car to suit your personality. Here are some of the great features of the various trim levels. more Exterior Styling S models feature the distinctive grille in black, automatic headlights, 17-inch steel wheels, and a body-color rear spoiler. The SE adds a chrome-accented silver grille, fog lights, skid plates, alloy wheels, a keyless entry pad, body-colored door handles and side mirrors, rear privacy glass, and dual chrome exhaust tips. With the SEL, you get daytime running lights, LED signature lighting, heated power-adjustable mirrors, black roof rails, and a power liftgate. The top-of-the-range Titanium offers silver roof rails and a foot-activated, hands-free power liftgate. Power and Performance Powering the S trim is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. SE and SEL trims feature an economical turbocharged 1.5-liter engine delivering 179 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Topping the lineup is the Titanium's powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All engines feature stop-start technology for improved fuel efficiency and are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.5-liter engine will deliver up to 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg for highway driving. The 1.5-liter turbo will give you up to 23 and 30 mpg for city and highway driving. The 2.0-liter turbo returns up to 22 and 29 mpg in the city and on the highway and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a little over 7 seconds. When equipped with the class 2 trailer tow package, the Titanium can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Interior Features Inside the S trim, you'll find cloth upholstery with a six-way adjustable driver's seat and 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats. With the seats folded, you have 68 cubic feet of cargo space. Also featured are air conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel, four 12-volt power outlets, and the Sync infotainment system with a 4.2-inch display, Bluetooth, voice recognition, smartphone integration, and six-speaker audio with CD player and USB port. Stepping up to the SE gets you a 10-way power driver's seat, push-button start, dual zone climate control, an 8-inch touch screen, and satellite radio. SEL models offer leather-trimmed seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob. Titanium adds a memory driver's seat, 10-way power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, a navigation system, a 10-speaker Sony audio system, and a sensing system for reverse, parallel, and perpendicular parking. A number of packages and stand-alone options, such as appearance packages and alternative wheel choices, are also available to enhance each trim level. To compare the different trim levels and see all of the awesome features of the Ford Escape for yourself, head down to Palm Coast Ford for a closer look. Image via Palmcoastford.com

When you're in the mood for a great cup of coffee, Palm Coast, Florida, has some amazing coffee spots. Whether you want to have breakfast or lunch, catch up on some work, read a book, or just watch the world go by, there's the ideal place for you. Here are five of the best. more 1. Fair Trade Cafe Located on Cypress Point Parkway, the Fair Trade Cafe is a cool place to hang out with friends. There is a variety of seating and free Wi-Fi. The great thing is that 66 percent of the earnings from each bag of coffee goes to the Haitian farmers to create sustainable jobs. In addition to great coffee served by volunteer baristas, you can get hot chocolate, tea, iced drinks, smoothies, and a selection of pastries and croissants. Enjoy your coffee and feel good that you are helping to change lives for the better. 2. Kool Beenz Kool Beenz offers awesome coffee with a great view at their location on South Ocean Shore Boulevard. The laid-back interior features table seating, leather couches, and the local art on the walls is for sale. The owner and staff offer service with a smile. You can get your regular hot espresso, cappuccino, and Americano, as well as teas and smoothies. For the iced coffee, they use coffee ice cubes so the flavor doesn't get watered down. Specialty flavors are available such as milky way, salted caramel, peppermint, and raspberry. 3. Flagler Bike n' Coffee Shop Whether this is a bike shop that serves great coffee, or a coffee shop selling great bikes depends on your perspective. The Flagler Bike and Coffee Shop is located on Flagler Plaza Drive and offers full bicycle sales, service, and repairs. Even if you're not a cyclist, you are welcome to drop in for a coffee and to experience their friendly service. 4. Java Joint Beachside Grill As the name suggests, the Java Joint is right by the beach on North Ocean Shore Boulevard and offers amazing ocean views. The place is quite small inside and the eclectic decor gives it a cool vibe. There is seating on the dog-friendly outside terrace. Their coffee beans are fresh roasted every week. The hot specialty lattes include White Chocolate Madness, Caramel Madness, Peppermint Patti, and White Russian. They offer a breakfast and lunch menu and a selection of beers and wines. 5. La Creperie Kafe La Creperie is a cute little authentic French style cafe on Harbor Center Drive. It offers simple seating inside and at shaded outside tables where you can enjoy your coffee with French music in the background. On the menu, you'll find waffles, croissants, omelets, and savory and sweet crepes. Their specialty crepes include Nutella, strawberry, and whipped cream. You can order your crepes with baked apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar, or go full francais and try the Crepe Suzette. All of these delicious crepes are all the perfect accompaniment for a perfect cup of coffee. These are just a few of the awesome Palm Coast locations to get your coffee fix. With a little exploration, you'll find plenty more. Image via Flickr by bunnyhero used under CC BY-SA 2.0

When you're looking for a three-row SUV to carry your family in safety and comfort, Ford has the perfect solution with the 2019 Explorer and Expedition models. But which one is right for you? Both cars are luxurious, spacious, and versatile, and feature Ford's bold exterior styling. The Expedition is available in the longer wheelbase Max version for more space. So, your choice may come down to size and capability. more Interior Capacity The Ford Explorer seats up to seven people and, with fold-flat 60/40 split second row and 50/50 split third row, you have multiple ways to configure the seating to maximize passenger and cargo capacity. With all seats upright, you have 21 cubic feet of cargo space and, when the second and third rows are folded, you get 81.7 cubic feet for your gear. Stepping up to the Limited trim gets you perforated leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, power folding third row, and a foot-activated hands-free liftgate for easy access to the cargo area. You also have the option of power folding second-row heated seats. Expedition models seat up to eight people and feature a 40/20/40 split folding and reclining second-row bench and a 60/40 split power folding and reclining third row. You have 104.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row or a cavernous 121.5 cubic feet in the Expedition Max. Limited and Platinum trims offer perforated leather-trimmed ventilated and heated front seats, power folding tip and slide heated second-row seats, and a hands-free power liftgate. Platinum models also offer multi-contour massaging front seats. Power and Capability Powering the Explorer base and XLT models is a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 engine delivering 255 pound-feet of torque to the front or all four wheels. Optional on these trims and standard on the Limited is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Sport and Platinum trims are only available in all-wheel drive and feature a turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engine, giving you 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. All engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Expedition offers a turbocharged 3.5-liter engine producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque which is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission driving the rear or all wheels. With the heavy-duty trailer tow package, the maximum towing capacity is a best-in-class 9,300 pounds. Driver Assist Technology Standard and available features on the Explorer include a rearview camera with washer, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, and active perpendicular parking assistance. Expedition models add an available rearview camera with backup assist, advanced parallel and perpendicular parking assistance, 360-degree camera system, active trailer tow monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, and pro trailer backup assist. Ford's Explorer and Expedition models are equipped to the highest standards of safety, technology, and comfort. To take a closer look at both, head down to Palm Coast Ford. Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Over the years, Ford has continually upgraded the Explorer and added newer technologies to its design. Consider a few of its best features when deciding if the 2019 Ford Explorer is the right choice for you. more Exterior Style The 2019 Ford Explorer is more modern than its predecessors. It features a large grille design that stretches across the front end with upgraded LED lights. You can choose from nine available wheel designs. Customize your Explorer even more with five adventure-ready trim levels which include the Base, XLT, Limited, Sport and the Platinum. The hands-free, foot-activated power liftgate makes it easier to load items in the trunk, even when your hands are full. Interior Style The 2019 Explorer is the perfect family vehicle with comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. Even at full capacity, you still have ample room for all your belongings with 21 cubic feet of cargo space. Drop down the split folding seats for a maximum of 81.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The available twin-panel moon roof lets in natural sunlight, giving you a more relaxing drive. The stylish and modern design of the cabin offers you a luxurious experience, even on the busiest of days. Performance You are sure to enjoy your commute in the 2019 Ford Explorer with the choice of three engines and available intelligent four-wheel drive with a terrain management system. Standard on the Base trim level is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. For a little more power, opt for the 3.5-liter V-6 engine for 290 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. For maximum power capabilities, upgrade to the available 3.5-liter, turbocharged, direct injection, EcoBoost V-6 engine with a best-in-class 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Tow your camper or boat safely with the standard trailer sway control feature. The maximum towing capability of the 2019 Ford Explorer is 5,000 pounds. Technology Features The technology features of the 2019 Ford Explorer will turn even the longest of commutes into an enjoyable experience. Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control allows you to choose your ideal cabin temperature without affecting your passengers. With the Sync 3 driver infotainment system, you can handle all your text messages and phone calls from the comfort of the driver's seat. You can also stream turn-by-turn navigation to your favorite points of interest. The 2019 Explorer features Amazon's Alexa, allowing you to connect to over 30,000 commands. Ford technologies also make the 2019 Explorer a safe choice. The Ford Safe & Smart package includes rain-sensing wipers, auto high-beam headlamps, a lane-keeping system, and adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and brake support. An available 180-degree camera gives you full visibility of the area directly surrounding your vehicle. FordPass connects you and up to 10 other devices with a Wi-fi hotspot so you can stay connected when on the road. The Ford Explorer is a versatile SUV that is perfect for your next adventure. Come by Palm Coast Ford today to test drive the 2019 Ford Explorer. Image via Flickr by truckhardware used under CC BY 2.0

The Palm Coast, Florida, area offers an endless choice of outdoor entertainment. From deep-sea fishing to outdoor dining, Palm Coast offers it all. Check out a few of the best outdoor activities in the area. more Beachcombing One of the greatest perks of living in the Palm Coast, Florida, area is the easy access to nearby beaches. You can easily spend an entire afternoon combing the local beaches for unique items. Cinnamon Beach, right in Palm Coast, is best known for its sea glass. Some visitors have even reported finding shark teeth on this beach. You will also find hundreds of colorful seashells at Flagler Beach, Crescent Beach, and St. Augustine Beach. Swimming with a Dolphin Chances are, you have seen plenty of dolphins playing in the nearby waterways, but watching dolphins does not compare to the activity of swimming with them. Marine Dolphin Adventure allows you to go swimming with the resident bottlenose dolphins. You can interact with the dolphins from shore, get in the water to play with them, or even craft an art project with a dolphin. In addition to interactive dolphin experiences, you will also learn about the history of Marine Land and their important research on marine life. Hiking The Palm Coast area is full of outdoor beauty with over 125-miles of trails that are perfect for an afternoon of hiking. If you are looking for a low-impact hike, check out the paved trails of St. Joe Walkway. The Graham Swamp Preserve, on the other hand, is a good choice for more adventurous hikers. This 6.8-mile trail is more challenging and has rock gardens, steep hills, and large drops. Many of the local hiking trails also welcome bikes. Grab a Bite to Eat Because Florida is warm year-round, there are many outdoor restaurants to check out. La Piazza Cafe is a family-owned-and-operated Italian restaurant with a beautifully lit outdoor patio. A few of the most popular items on the menu include the carbonara and the bolognese. The Metro Diner is a more casual dining option which also offers outdoor seating and some of the best and most affordable family-friendly dining in the area. Finish off your meal with ice cream from Bruster's Real Ice Cream, which also has patio seating available. Fishing Palm Coast is an excellent choice for fishing. You can fish off of the dock at Waterfront Park or nearby Flagler Beach. You can also sign up for a fishing charter with Palm Coast Fishing. Take a trip on one of their inland fishing charters, and you'll have the opportunity to catch cobia, sea trout, and even tarpon. The charter provides you with everything you need. Just bring a pair of sunglasses and appropriate clothing for a day spent on the water. Laying out on the beach is not the only fun outdoor activity in the Palm Coast, Florida, area. Change things up and spend the weekend beachcombing, swimming with dolphins, hiking, trying out a new restaurant, or charter fishing. Image via Flickr by tristanloper used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Palm Coast, Florida, has plenty of Chinese restaurants that are definitely worth trying. If you enjoy authentic Chinese food, then you are sure to enjoy these local restaurants. Oriental Garden Oriental Garden has earned its place with the locals of Palm Coast for its affordable prices, large dishes, and delectable food ingredients. Try one of the lunch specials which comes with your choice of soup, an egg roll, and an entree for just $6.50. For dinner, try the stir-fried seafood and chicken or the subgum go ba. Pair any of the entrees with a side of Sri fried string beans or the vegetable delight. The broccoli with yu hsiang sauce or oyster sauce is also a great choice. Every menu item is cooked to order, so you're sure to have a delicious experience with every visit. Bamboo Creek China Bistro Bamboo Creek China Bistro is another local favorite because of its attention to quality and friendly staff. Each item on the menu is a mix of authentic Chinese with a modern twist. Start your meal off with one of the hot soups like crispy noodle or lo mein. Then, pick from a large menu of dinner options like hot and spicy beef or honey chicken. Bamboo Creek China Bistro also offers low-fat options like steamed shrimp with broccoli and steamed tofu with mixed vegetables. You can conveniently place your order with Bamboo Creek online and then pick it up in store. more Great Wall Great Wall is the perfect choice if you need to have your favorite Chinese dishes delivered. They use only the freshest ingredients and offer generous portions. Try one of the lunch specials at the Great Wall, which are served Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include dishes like the sweet and sour chicken and beef and shrimp lo mein. If you're feeding a crowd, order the family meal deal, which allows you to order large, sharable portions of the most popular menu items at a discounted price. China One Restaurant China One Restaurant is family owned and operated and promises you a friendly and accommodating experience every time you visit. Locals rave about the Cantonese noodles and steamed dumplings, but you really can't go wrong with any of the items on the menu. If you're having a hard time deciding, just ask one of the friendly staff for a recommendation. China One offers fresh seafood in many of their dishes, including kung pao shrimp and curry shrimp with onion. Add a side of wonton soup or hot and sour soup for just a few dollars. For your convenience, you can place your order with China One Restaurant online. Whether you prefer your Chinese cuisine with seafood and curry or you prefer traditional dishes like hot and sour soup, you will find it in Palm Coast, Florida. Each of these Chinese restaurants offer a unique experience, and each one is definitely worth trying. Pick up your chopsticks tonight! Image via Flickr by hellokathie used under CC BY 2.0

Ford has found a way to improve the already exceptional F-150 Raptor. This model year, this sporty truck saw significant improvements in performance and off-roading capabilities. Check out a few of the 2019 model's top features. Performance The Ford F-150 Raptor has already earned a reputation of capability and comfort. With redesigned, high-tech, Fox Racing adaptive dampers, you can expect an even stiffer suspension with a smooth, sporty drive. Some drivers wonder if they will even be able to notice that the suspension system has been upgraded, but with Ford's Live Valve technology, the new suspension system has improved resistance and intelligent stiffening. With these improvements, drivers will definitely be able to tell the difference. The F-150 Raptor's pairs nicely with the new model's refined steering wheel and improved throttle. The new model's increased suspension can also improve safety by preventing rollovers on more difficult terrain. Off-Road Capabilities An improved suspension also means the new F-150 Raptor has more off-roading capability. As a result, this model comes with a new Trail Control feature. This feature mimics cruise control but in an off-roading setting. You simply activate the Trail Control feature with a touch of the button and then enjoy your off-roading adventure with ease. The 2019 Raptor will feature the same engine set up as previous models: a 3.5-liter EcoBoost intercooled V-6 engine that can produce 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Although there are no engine improvements for the 2019 model, the current setup is already capable of handling all of your adventures. more Exterior Design The exterior of the 2019 F-150 Raptor features a larger and heavier exterior body. It also comes in a new color, Velocity Blue. The running board, which runs the length of the truck, adds to the overall design while helping you more easily access your truck bed. Finally, the high-strength, military-grade, aluminum exterior materials make this sturdy truck weigh almost 500 pounds more than previous models. Pair the increased weight with the Trail Control and Terrain Management System and you have a powerful off-roading truck that is also nice to look at. Ford Raptor drivers can also choose to upgrade to the available BFGoodrich Beadlock Capable all-terrain tires, which improve the truck's traction and durability. Interior Design The Ford Raptor will include many of the same standard interior features as previous models. However, drivers will now have the option to upgrade to a sportier, Recaro interior with the Blue Accent Package. Recaro seats are upholstered with premium leather and offer enough support for your most adventurous drives. The blue accents and carbon fiber designs give the interior of the 2019 Raptor a modern feel. The most exciting thing about the interior, however, is its incomparably smooth commute. These improvements make the new Ford F-150 Raptor the ultimate off-roading vehicle. Come by Palm Coast Ford today to experience the upgraded performance of the 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor for yourself. Image via Flickr by denniselzinga used under CC BY 2.0