VISITING FLAGLER COUNTY
FLORIDA CHARM
FLORIDA’S UNDISCOVERED NATURAL TREASURE, DRINK IT ALL IN
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Written by: Dave Kelly
etween the hectic seaport city of Jacksonville and the touristy beaches of Daytona, lies an area that features something that you might not expect on Florida’s bustling East Coast—unspoiled natural beauty.
Named after the industrialist and “father” of Miami and Palm Beach, Flagler County is the home of pristine beaches, lush parks, scenic walking and hiking trails, and naturally vibrant waterways. It is an area that features over 30 city, county and state parks, all focused on showcasing the inherent splendor of the region.
PHOTOS BY DAVE KELLY
Visitors from all over are drawn to its uncrowded beaches, laid-back vibe, and out-of-the-way nooks so they can relax, unwind and enjoy the incredible views. We headed there to drink it all in.
WASHINGTON OAKS GARDENS STATE PARK
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park was a great place to start our eco-adventure. Stretching out for 425 acres on both
sides of A1A in Palm Coast, the park is famous for its formal gardens, which are its centerpiece, and its unique shoreline of coquina rock formations that line the Atlantic beach. Its miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking and bicycling in addition to walking, and many are wheelchair accessible right to the very end. All of this comes with a simple honor-system of a $5 per vehicle donation at the gate. As alluded to by its name, the property itself was once owned by a relative of President George Washington. The gardens themselves were established by Louise and Owen Young, who purchased the land in 1936 and built a winter retirement home there. In 1965, they donated most of the property to Florida, with the requirement that it remain a pristine location representative of the area’s organic splendor. The gardens feature native and exotic species, from azaleas and camellias to the vibrant bird of paradise, all sheltered within a picturesque oak hammock. Hickory and magnolia trees line the verdant pathways that border the reflection ponds. The park’s showpiece is a breathtaking rose garden, complete with over a dozen varieties of this native flower.
Washington Oaks Gardens features 425 acres of preserved north Florida coastal habitat. It is perfect for weddings, celebrations and more.
F LO R I D A C O U NTRYM A G A Z I N E . C O M
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