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Coastal seafood in Florida is great, but every once in awhile, you want to sink your teeth into quality barbeque. Luckily Palm Coast, Florida, has many delicious destinations where you can fill just that sort of desire. more Captain's BBQ For some of the best barbeque ribs in the city, head down to 5862 Oceanshore Boulevard. The mouthwatering offerings at Captain's BBQ are so good that you'll come back for the sides as well as the slow-cooked meats. Their pulled pork is a favorite among patrons, and their St. Louis style ribs are the talk of the town. They offer both wet and dry BBQ, so they've got the rub or sauce that fits your preference. The taste of their greens is unique since they are flavored with their own in-house ham. Finish off your meal with a slice of pie. You'll be stuffed when you leave and ready to come back the next time you're hungry. Sonny's BBQ For an array of barbecued chicken, pork, and beef, make your way to 25 Cypress Edge Drive. At Sonny's, you can load up your plate with as much in the way of barbecued meats and tasty sides as you and their plates can handle. Their portions are enormous, and their service is exemplary. The pulled pork sandwich is picked by many a customer, and their coleslaw is excellent. If fighting breast cancer is your cause, then Sonny's is glad to help, as they regularly donate to aid in the search for a cure. Their barbeque has a strong smoky flavor, and their house sauce is sweet. Enjoy a plate, and you'll be back for more before long. Palm Harbor BBQ Grill If you want to try barbeque that differs from the average American variety head to 9 Harbor Center Drive for a taste of Portuguese-style barbecue. Palm Harbor BBQ has mastered the art of making the inside tender and the outside crispy in a way that is rare in US BBQ joints. The barbecue isn't the only thing from the Iberian Peninsula here, as every sauce and side is a product of that far-away land. The service is friendly after the European fashion, and the chicken and shrimp with garlic sauce is a favorite among customers. Ask about their specials, as they change frequently. Woody's Bar-B-Q For a full-blown American BBQ experience with all of the trimmings drive down to 99 Flagler Plaza Drive. Woody's BBQ chili cheese fries will get you started, but save room for one of their many types of barbeque. Turkey, beef, pork, and chicken are all available and slathered in Woody's own collection of BBQ sauces. Make sure you have your lap covered for Woody's sloppy pulled pork sandwich. It more than earns its name. If super spicy BBQ is your thing, Woody's has you covered. Sweet, savory, spicy, you name the flavor you're looking for, and odds are they'll have it there for you. Palm Coast, Florida, is home to many barbeque destinations. Give these a try, and you'll want to return the next time you crave truly great barbeque. Image via Flickr by Shreveport-Bossier: Louisiana's Other Side used under CC BY 2.0

When you have a little one, nothing is more important than ensuring their safety. Here is a list of helpful hints for all who wish to keep their children as safe as possible when driving. more Secure Your Baby and Their Stuff Make sure you know the proper method for installing and using your baby's car seat. Go with a seat that allows you to tie your kid's pacifier and other items to the seat itself so that you don't have to hunt for these things if they are cast aside. They'll be much calmer if they can quickly grab items when they want to. You will be too because you won't have to do it over and over again. Stay Focused on the Road Your child is cute and will do sweet things that could be distracting. Your child can also be loud and startling when upset. Your natural impulse will be to take a look in the rearview mirror to see what is going on. Avoid this impulse at all costs. Looking away at the wrong moment can lead to the worst of disasters. It just isn't worth it. Keep your eyes on the road; it's the best way to keep your little one safe. Plan Your Trips Around Your Baby's Needs If you plan to travel a long distance, make sure that you figure in times for feedings, changings, and playtimes. Failing to do this will cause your child to become increasingly irritated. Pack everything that you regularly use for all three tasks and don't leave out the last. Play is an excellent way to change the mood of a baby from angry or upset to happy or sleepy. The best kind of drive is the sort where your baby is either calm and friendly or sleeping through your journey. Brake Very Carefully Before you put your new child in the car for a drive practice breaking as softly as possible. Hard or broken braking will irritate your kid at best and injure them at worst, regardless of how well strapped-in they are. Braking too hard also tends to send unsecured items flying, which can do a different kind of harm. Make sure your braking system is well-tended. Brakes that jam and lock are dangerous for everyone in the vehicle. Never Leave Your Child Alone in the Vehicle Never, ever leave your child in a vehicle alone. It doesn't matter if you think it will only be for a moment. It doesn't matter if it is in your own driveway or in another place you feel is secure. Don't do it. Your baby could be harmed by the increased temperatures commonly found in vehicles sitting in the sun, and far worse is possible. It is often illegal to leave a baby or older child in a vehicle alone. Avoid harming them and earning yourself years of jail time by taking them with you wherever you go. Follow these tips and research others. Make sure your little one is as safe as can be when you hit the road. Image via Flickr by Ryan Polei | www.ryanpolei.com used under CC BY-ND 2. 0

No trip to Palm Coast, Florida, is complete without eating at a waterfront restaurant. Whether you're looking for the best seafood you can find or a fun atmosphere where you can enjoy the weather and chow down, there are plenty of options in Palm Coast. Here are four of our picks for the top waterfront restaurants in Palm Coast. more 1. The Golden Lion Cafe If you're looking for a fantastic view of the ocean to pair with great food, head to the Golden Lion Cafe. This restaurant is so much fun, it's become a destination. Show up for one of the events they hold throughout the summer, including live music, limbo contests, and full moon parties. On their menu, you'll find plenty of options to make for an unforgettable meal. Order from their seafood section for entrees like a 1.5-pound lobster dinner, ginger soy mahi-mahi, and a fresh-fish-of-the-day dinner. Their raw bar includes mussels, oysters, clams, shrimp, and lobster. If you want a quick bite to eat, their burgers and sandwiches will satisfy. 2.  Atlantic Grille For a refined and elegant waterfront dining experience, reserve a table at the Atlantic Grille. This award-winning restaurant has an emphasis on chef-inspired seafood cuisine that's perfect for a romantic night out to dinner, though they have fantastic brunch and lunch options as well. Signature plates such as the oven-baked salmon, seafood pasta, and sesame-crusted tuna are a sure way to make for the perfect dinner. Their all-you-can-eat brunch is full of delicious options, from seafood and pasta to eggs and waffles. If you're looking for light fare, try their tapas room to for a tour of the cuisine world. The view of the beach and the elegant dining atmosphere are the stuff of novels. 3. Funky Pelican Funky Pelican is the ultimate beachside restaurant. It's fun, laid-back atmosphere lets you relax as you look out over the ocean and enjoy their American-style menu. Their great sandwiches and burgers are some of the best in the area. Grab a shrimp and lobster wrap, Impossible Burger, or split pulled pork sliders with your friends. We suggest their Twisted Seafood Mac and seafood jambalaya if you want a true oceanside restaurant experience. 4. Captain's BBQ Overlooking the Matanzas River, Captain's BBQ offers some of the best meats in town. If you want to feed the whole family at a reasonable price, but want great food, this barbecue joint is a must-try. Barbecue fans will love their St. Louis-style smoked ribs, beef brisket plates, kielbasa plates, and smoked chicken. If you like burgers, Captain's has you covered with their huge creations, such as the brisket burger and the spicy-sweet Mala Compra burger. You'll also find great sandwiches, classic barbecue sides, soups, salads, desserts — there's something for everyone at Captain's BBQ. These are just a few of the fantastic restaurants you'll find overlooking the waters of Palm Beach. Take some time to explore. Whatever your cravings might be, there's a restaurant in town that will satisfy it. Image via Flickr by TheHungryDudes used under CC BY 2.0

The 2019 Ford EcoSport is one of the most versatile and reliable subcompact SUVs on the market. If you've already started shopping for one, you may have noticed it comes in four trim levels: the S, SE, SES, and Titanium. Which to choose? Below, you'll get to know each, so you can find the best Ford for you and your lifestyle. more S The EcoSport's base model, the EcoSport S, has everything you need in a reliable vehicle. It and each of its counterparts seat five people. It comes with a useful 4.2-inch dashboard-mounted touch screen, 60/40-split folding rear seats you can lay down for more cargo room, and a rear-view camera. It has Bluetooth connectivity to allow you to make hands-free phone calls. Automatic headlights switch on when you need them. In short, the entry-level S has everything you need, but not too much in terms of all the bells and whistles you'll find at the higher trim levels. SE The EcoSport SE has everything the S trim has but adds to the list of features substantially. It throws fog lights into the mix, as well as the reverse sensing system, privacy glass for the rear doors, automatic temperature control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a power moonroof, heated front seats, a better driver information cluster, and more. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, so you can fit the cockpit to you — not the other way around. All the seats are now cloth-upholstered. Roof rails let you strap gear up top, so you can keep the inside free for passengers. SES The SES is the most athletic of the EcoSports. If you want a ride that's designed for navigating city streets with excitement, this is the trim for you. It includes the SE's list of features, as well as the blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, a heated steering wheel, and more. It comes standard with the other trims' optional intelligent four-wheel-drive system that monitors road conditions to give you the highest levels of traction. Its sport-tuned suspension keeps your ride smooth on rougher roads and tight curves. Titanium As the most luxurious EcoSport on this list, the Titanium is all about giving you the most first-class treatment. It upgrades the standard stereo with the 10-speaker B&O premium sound  system. It comes with an 8-inch color LCD touch screen that makes your drives more entertaining and informed. The perforated leather-trimmed heated front seats are designed to keep you comfortable during long drives. Engines Each EcoSport except the SES comes standard with a 123 horsepower 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that delivers 125 pound-feet of torque. The SES is equipped with the more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that packs 166 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque. The stronger engine is available as an option for all the other trims. When you're ready to meet these trims in person, visit us at Palm Coast Ford. Test drive your favorite to see why the EcoSport is perfect for you. image via Ford.com

If you're looking for a hatchback or sedan that will transform your dullest rides into exciting adventures, check out the 2019 Ford Fiesta. It's packed with everything you need to take on the streets with style, from its under-the-hood systems to its entertaining in-flight tech. Here are four reasons why the 2019 Fiesta is right for you. more 1. Peppy Performance This year's FIesta isn't all style — its dynamic driving experience makes any trip exciting. If you want a Fiesta that's specially designed to take on the turns and straightaways of the city streets, look to the ST trim level. Its 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine pack 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque to make for a capable, exhilarating ride. The ST also comes with a sport-tuned suspension, torque vectoring control, and more performance features that take your travels to the next level. Inventory 2. High Customization One of the greatest aspects of the 2019 Ford Fiesta is how many options it gives you to find the perfect model for you and your lifestyle. The biggest choice is between the sedan or hatchback-style bodies. Then, give it a personality of its own with 10 exterior paint colors. For the cabin, you have seven color combinations to choose from. With all these options, it's difficult to find two 2019 Fiestas exactly alike. 3. Superior Technology Stay more connected and entertained on the go with the Fiesta's great tech. The dashboard-mounted touch-screen display is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can connect to your phone to create a hands-free experience and use many of your favorite apps directly through your Fiesta. The touch screen also has access to Ford+Alexa, which puts the power of Amazon Alexa into your cabin. With this program, you'll have access to over 50,000 skills, such as music streaming, online shopping, and controlling your smart home devices. Upgrade to the premium navigation system with SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link to always know where you are and where you're going. The rear-view camera makes backing up in the city a breeze. If you want to up your sound system game, opt for the Sony audio system to breathe new life into your favorite songs. 4. Cabin Creature Comforts The Fiesta's cabin is ready for your adventures. If you chose the hatchback Fiesta, you'll get 14.9 cubic feet of space in the rear storage area and 25.4 when the back seats are folded. Get the ambient interior lighting to set the mood for each trip. The ST has sport cloth seats that are designed to hold you in place as you tackle turns. Grab the Cold Weather Package to throw in heated front seats and automatic temperature control to stay relaxed during the harsh winter months. The Fiesta focuses on you and on making your driving experience the best it can be. When you're ready to get behind the wheel of a 2019 Ford Fiesta, visit us at Palm Coast Ford. After one test drive, you'll see why this crowd favorite has stayed at the head of its class for so long. image via Ford.com

Palm Coast is a great place to check out if you enjoy fresh seafood right off of the Atlantic Ocean. Consider trying one of these top Palm Coast, Florida, restaurants for your next seafood meal. more 386- A Fusion of Fine Eating 386- A Fusion of Fine Eating offers much more than a delicious and fresh seafood menu. Visitors also enjoy the classic, welcoming dining room. You can expect exceptional and friendly service each time you visit. Of course, you will also look forward to the fresh seafood menu with a twist of southern inspiration. Begin your dining experience at 386 with a tasty appetizer, like the crab cake or the Ahi tuna Tataki. Then, choose a popular entree like the grilled Atlantic salmon or the fish of the day. Make sure you also leave room for dessert as the Pango Rhum cake or the cheesecake are both worth trying. Palm Harbor Grill For a farm-to-table, fresh seafood experience, you will definitely want to check out Palm Harbor Grill. Palm Harbor is dedicated to creating a restaurant that combines the slower pace of living from the older days with the newer, modern entrees of today. Worthwhile appetizers on the menu include the shrimp served in garlic sauce or the fried calamari. For your dinner choice, consider the fried fish filets, the fried cod with sauteed onions, or the octopus rice. Palm Harbor also serves a full wine and beer menu. The menu changes with the season to ensure that you always get the freshest possible ingredients. JT's Seafood Shack JT's Seafood Shack offers a casual yet fresh seafood experience right in the “Hammock” area of Palm Beach. You can expect exceptional service, filling food, and an overall entertaining experience. A few of the most popular dishes on the dinner menu at JT's includes the Florida style crab cakes, the shrimp & scallops platter, and the make-your-own fish tacos. Come by JT's Seafood Shack for an island-like experience with live music each night of the week. They host bands like Chip & Tom and the Burgh Brothers. Flagler Fish Company The Flagler Fish Company has been a top-rated seafood restaurant in the Palm Beach area for over ten years. Their menu of fresh seafood and delicious wines have landed them in the news time after time. On the menu, you will find items like the A1A fishwich, the seared tuna, and the smoked salmon quesadillas. The seafood sampler is also a good choice if you can't choose just one item. It comes family-style with steamed colossal shrimp, a king crab leg, jumbo lump crab meat, and steamed or raw oysters. Make sure you also check out the Flagler Fish Company Shop which carries both Palm Beach and Flagler Fish Company items. Whether you prefer your seafood fried, grilled, or in a crispy taco shell, you will find it in the Palm Beach area. Grab a few friends this weekend and try some of the freshest seafood around at one of these delicious restaurants. Image via Flickr by Lee Edwin Coursey used under CC BY 2.0

The 2019 Ford Edge gives you the perfect combination of performance and cargo space, so you no longer have to choose one or the other. Check out a few of the most impressive features of the Ford Edge that just might make you want to upgrade today. more 1. Responsive Performance The 2019 Ford Edge can easily meet your driving needs with two available engines. Standard is a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. You can also choose an available 2.7-liter EcoBoost with 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. When paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission with an active warm-up feature, you can expect a responsive and comfortable drive. Auto start-stop technology maximizes fuel efficiency by automatically activating and deactivating the engine when at stop lights. The intelligent all-wheel drive system ensures you can manage even the most difficult road conditions. 2. Road Trip Ready Capability With the useful capabilities of the Ford Edge, you can hit the road in search of adventure. With 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row, you can bring along the entire family and all of their cargo. Easily load and unload that cargo with the hands-free, foot-activated liftgate. Your Ford Edge is also capable of safely towing your favorite recreational vehicles with a maximum towing capability of 3,500 pounds. The Class II Trailer Tow Package improves your towing capabilities and comes standard on all upgraded 2019 Edge trim levels. 3. Accommodating Interior Whether your to-do list includes dropping the kids off at school or finding a new restaurant to try, the 2019 Ford Edge is designed to accommodate you. You can comfortably fit up to five passengers in the Edge with enough room for everyone to have a comfortable drive. The available Sync 3 driver infotainment system acts as your personal assistant by managing your text messages and phone calls. You can even access Amazon's Alexa to control your smart home features. With all the available technology features equipped, you have access to over 45,000 skills. An available Qi-wireless charging pad keeps all of your devices fully charged. Roll down the windows and stream your favorite playlist over the available Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. The brand-new rotary gear shift gives you added interior space, increasing the storage and USB connection capabilities. 4. Intuitive Safety The 2019 Ford Edge comes equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 Package. This includes features like evasive steering assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, lane centering, and a rear view camera feature. The rear view camera even comes with a washer, so you can quickly remove any built-up dirt. With the FordPass app, you can access your Edge's controls remotely, find and pay for parking ahead of time, and even receive assistance from a real-time FordGuide. The advanced technology features and accommodating interior of the Ford Edge make it a popular SUV choice. Come by Palm Coast Ford today to test drive the road trip ready, well-performing, and comfortable 2019 Ford Edge. image via Ford.com

When things get busy, it can be easy to skip over recommended vehicle maintenance. However, there are a few vehicle maintenance tasks that you might want to reconsider rescheduling. more 1. Tire Rotations Many drivers falsely believe that you can forget about your tires until you have a flat or it comes time to replace them. The condition of your tires not only affects your fuel efficiency, but also the safety of your vehicle. Older tires, with worn-out threading, are at a greater risk of blowing out. Additionally, if you wear down your tires unevenly, you will have to replace them much sooner. During a tire rotation, the mechanic will move your front tires to the back and vice versa. Tire rotations keep even threading on each of the tires, which can improve overall performance and help to prolong the life of your tires. 2. Oil Change Most experts recommend having your oil changed somewhere between 3,000-5,000 miles. Depending on how often you drive, this could be every couple of months. It might be tempting to skip an oil change in order to save time or money, but regular oil changes might be more important than you think. Oil changes ensure that your vehicle is running properly. During an oil change, the mechanic removes the old oil and replaces it with new oil. This prevents debris and contaminants from building up in your engine. The minimal cost of regular oil changes can improve your fuel efficiency while also protecting your engine. 3. Fluid Levels Your vehicle has many different fluids including the radiator, transmission, power steering, and brake fluids. A necessary step in your vehicle's maintenance is regularly inspecting these fluid levels. If the fluid levels are low, they should be topped off immediately in order to prevent damage to your vehicle. Each of these fluids plays an important role in maintaining the condition and safety of your vehicle. The radiator fluid prevents your engine from overheating. Transmission fluid is responsible for keeping your transmission well lubricated. Power steering fluid helps you turn your steering wheel. Brake fluid keeps your brakes well lubricated and ready to use. During a routine vehicle maintenance inspection, your mechanic will check the level of your vehicles most important fluids. 4. Brake Inspection During a routine maintenance appointment, your mechanic will also check the condition of your brakes. Over time, your brake pads will wear down with normal usage. Brakes are crucial and if you are not able to come to a complete stop when necessary, it can be very dangerous. Routine brake inspections can also save you money. Waiting too long to have your brakes checked might mean that you have to fully replace them which can be more expensive than regular maintenance. Skipping over important vehicle maintenance can lead to expensive repairs, inconvenient break downs, and even a dangerous situation. Before you consider skipping over your next maintenance appointment, evaluate the risk of doing so and what it could mean for your vehicle. Come by Palm Coast Ford today for all your vehicle maintenance needs. Image via Flickr by mrsdkrebs used under CC BY 2.0

With its beautiful beaches, fun attractions, and warm weather, Palm Coast, Florida, is a popular destination for many people. If you're looking to escape for a romantic getaway around Palm Coast, consider planning your stay at one of these outstanding romantic places in the area. more Hammock Beach Resort Hammock Beach Resort is a stunning luxury vacation resort located at Palm Coast. A stay at this resort will put you 24 miles from fascinating history in Saint Augustine and 32 miles from exciting fun at Daytona Beach. If you decide you don't want to leave this premier oceanfront resort, you'll find plenty of enjoyable activities to keep you and your partner busy. You can spend some time relaxing by the pool or beach, or you can challenge each other to a few rounds on the award-winning golf course. Bayfront Westcott House Bed and Breakfast If you're interested in exploring the fascinating history of the area, plan a stay at Bayfront Westcott House Bed and Breakfast. Located in a historic home right in the heart of downtown Saint Augustine, this charming bed and breakfast offers vintage charm and contemporary conveniences. You can choose from rooms that offer some amazing amenities, such as electric fireplaces, jetted tubs, luxury soaking tubs, and private outdoor seating. Start your morning with the delicious full breakfast before heading out to enjoy everything the area has to offer. Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast Town Center If you're looking for a modern hotel for your romantic escape, consider Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast Town Center. You'll enjoy spacious rooms that offer plush beds, complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen televisions with cable channels, and an in-room hospitality center. If you and your partner simply want to unwind, spend some time at the outdoor heated pool and whirlpool. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant that serves freshly prepared breakfasts and dinners. Legacy Vacation Resort Palm Coast Located in Palm Coast, Legacy Vacation Resort Palm Coast makes it easy for you to plan an unforgettable romantic vacation. The two-bedroom suites at the resort offer all the conveniences of home, including a full kitchen, complimentary Wi-Fi, private master bathroom, full guest bathroom, and washer and dryer. The resort also has plenty of amenities to enjoy. Spend some time at the beautiful outdoor heated pool, and then head to the pergola area to take advantage of the outdoor grills and picnic tables. Beachers Lodge Beachers Lodge in Saint Augustine offers lovely accommodations directly on Crescent Beach. Every oceanfront suite has a patio or private balcony where you and your partner can take in stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. During your stay, you'll be steps away from the soft, sandy beach. The hotel also has an outdoor heated pool with great views of the water. Plus, you're just 10 miles from shopping, dining, and entertainment in downtown Saint Augustine. No matter what type of romantic escape you're interested in taking with your partner, you know you can find the perfect accommodations for your stay when you check out one of these top places around Palm Coast. Image via Flickr by Matthew Juzenas used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Although you might not give it much thought, your car battery is a crucial part of your vehicle. If you don't take care of it, you could find yourself stranded in a parking lot when your car won't start. To make sure that never happens to you, be sure to follow these important care tips for your car battery. more Do a Visual Inspection Every few months, pop the hood of your vehicle and do a visual inspection of your battery. This is a very simple way to check the health of your battery. Even though a visual inspection can't tell you what the battery's voltage is, it can tell you if your battery might need replaced because of wear and tear. When you perform a visual inspection, you'll want to look for signs of corrosion around the terminals, bulges or cracks in the battery case, and any fraying in the cables that connect to your battery. Clean Any Corrosion If you do notice corrosion during your visual inspection, taking the time to clean it off is a great way to help extend your car battery's life. To clean corrosion on a car battery, simply use a toothbrush dipped in a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the terminals. Then use a spray bottle filled with cold water to rinse off the mixture and thoroughly dry the terminals with a clean cloth. Limit Short Trips Short car rides prevent the car battery from fully charging, so you should try to limit your short trips as much as possible. Additionally, batteries will lose their charge when they sit idle for extended periods of time. This is why cars that stay parked for over a month typically need a jump-start before the engine will start. If you need to leave your vehicle parked for a long time, consider hooking it up to a battery tender, which helps keep the battery powered while the vehicle isn't in use. Double-Check Your Lights Accidentally leaving on an interior light or your headlights when you park your car will usually result in a dead battery when you finally come back. To make sure you never forget to turn off your lights, get in the habit of double-checking to make sure both your headlights and interior lights are off before you walk away. Know the Average Battery Life No matter how well you take care of your battery, it will eventually need to be replaced. That's why it's important to know the average lifespan of a battery. Most car batteries will last between two and seven years. However, the weather where you live plays a big role in this lifespan. A running engine already produces a lot of heat. When you throw in the scorching sun, the fluids in a car battery will evaporate much faster. This is why the average battery life in warmer climates is shorter. When you want to make sure your car battery is always ready when you need it, be sure to keep these important care tips in mind. Image via Flickr by JeepersMedia used under CC BY 2.0

Thanks to its abundant sunshine and warm weather, Palm Coast, Florida, offers plenty of excellent opportunities to go swimming. Whether you're interested in dipping your toes in the ocean or doing a few laps in a pool, you know you'll have a good time going for a swim at one of these top places around Palm Coast. more De Leon Springs State Park The beautiful De Leon Springs State Park is located about 40 miles south of Palm Coast. This state park combines recreational swimming and fascinating history into one place. The crystal clear springs are a constant 72 degrees no matter the time of year, which makes them the perfect place to cool off on those sweltering summer days. Swimming and snorkeling are permitted in the swimming area, and you can also sign up for instructional diving in the springs. Jungle Hut Road Park If you're interested in swimming in the ocean, stop by Jungle Hut Road Park in Palm Coast. This 2-acre city beach offers direct access to the water. Take the short walk from the parking lot across the dunes to find a clean and spacious beach. You can splash along the shoreline or go a little deeper for a swim. When you're relaxing on the beach, keep an eye out for dolphins, shorebirds, pelicans, and seagulls. Best of all, if you want to take your four-legged family member for a swim, Jungle Hut Road Park is a pet-friendly beach. Palm Coast Aquatics Center When you're looking to swim more for exercise than recreation, head to Palm Coast Aquatics Center. The center has a 25-yard heated and lighted outdoor swimming pool that's perfect for getting in those laps. You'll also find a variety of other aquatic activities available at the center. Sign the children up for swimming lessons or enroll in aquatic exercise classes for yourself. The center offers water aerobics, Aqua Zumba, and Palm Coast masters swim, which is a class led by a certified U.S. Masters Coach and designed for triathletes and competitive swimmers. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park Although Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Palm Coast is known for its stunning formal gardens, the park also has a great beach area that you can enjoy. The beach has 0.75 miles of shoreline that's nestled between the Matanzas River and the Atlantic Ocean. When you're done spending time at the beach, the park has plenty of other amenities to enjoy, including hiking and biking trails, opportunities for fishing, and picnic areas. Salt Springs Recreation Area If you travel west of Palm Coast to Ocala National Forest, you'll find Salt Springs Recreation Area. The recreation area has a natural spring that bubbles up from cracks deep within the earth and offers a variety of recreational water activities, including swimming within marked boundaries and fishing and boating downstream of the swimming area. When you're ready to cool off with a refreshing dip in the water, make plans to check out one of these outstanding swimming places around the Palm Coast area. Image via Flickr by ravas51 used under CC BY-SA 2.0

With its beautiful beaches, fun attractions, and warm weather, Palm Coast, Florida, is a popular destination for many people. If you're looking to escape for a romantic getaway around Palm Coast, consider planning your stay at one of these outstanding romantic places in the area. more Hammock Beach Resort Hammock Beach Resort is a stunning luxury vacation resort located at Palm Coast. A stay at this resort will put you 24 miles from fascinating history in Saint Augustine and 32 miles from exciting fun at Daytona Beach. If you decide you don't want to leave this premier oceanfront resort, you'll find plenty of enjoyable activities to keep you and your partner busy. You can spend some time relaxing by the pool or beach, or you can challenge each other to a few rounds on the award-winning golf course. Bayfront Westcott House Bed and Breakfast If you're interested in exploring the fascinating history of the area, plan a stay at Bayfront Westcott House Bed and Breakfast. Located in a historic home right in the heart of downtown Saint Augustine, this charming bed and breakfast offers vintage charm and contemporary conveniences. You can choose from rooms that offer some amazing amenities, such as electric fireplaces, jetted tubs, luxury soaking tubs, and private outdoor seating. Start your morning with the delicious full breakfast before heading out to enjoy everything the area has to offer. Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast Town Center If you're looking for a modern hotel for your romantic escape, consider Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast Town Center. You'll enjoy spacious rooms that offer plush beds, complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen televisions with cable channels, and an in-room hospitality center. If you and your partner simply want to unwind, spend some time at the outdoor heated pool and whirlpool. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant that serves freshly prepared breakfasts and dinners. Legacy Vacation Resort Palm Coast Located in Palm Coast, Legacy Vacation Resort Palm Coast makes it easy for you to plan an unforgettable romantic vacation. The two-bedroom suites at the resort offer all the conveniences of home, including a full kitchen, complimentary Wi-Fi, private master bathroom, full guest bathroom, and washer and dryer. The resort also has plenty of amenities to enjoy. Spend some time at the beautiful outdoor heated pool, and then head to the pergola area to take advantage of the outdoor grills and picnic tables. Beachers Lodge Beachers Lodge in Saint Augustine offers lovely accommodations directly on Crescent Beach. Every oceanfront suite has a patio or private balcony where you and your partner can take in stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. During your stay, you'll be steps away from the soft, sandy beach. The hotel also has an outdoor heated pool with great views of the water. Plus, you're just 10 miles from shopping, dining, and entertainment in downtown Saint Augustine. No matter what type of romantic escape you're interested in talking with your partner, you know you can find the perfect accommodations for your stay when you check out one of these top places around Palm Coast. Image via Flickr by Matthew Juzenas used under CC BY-SA 2.0