FLAGLER COUNTY

FLORIDA’S UNDISCOVERED NATURAL TREASURE, DRINK IT ALL IN

Written by: Dave Kelly

Between 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.

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.

To the east, the ancient coquina rock formations create the perfect spot for beachcombing, tidal pool exploring, and photography. Visitors to the park can fish from either this beach or from the seawall along the Matanzas River to the west. They can also picnic in one of the many areas shaded by decades-old live oaks. The park features a visitor center and gift shop, as well.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park hosts several annual events, including an Earth Day celebration, Holiday in the Gardens, and saltwater fishing clinics for beginners and experts alike. It’s a must-see for lovers of natural Florida.

Florida Agricultural Museum

Down the street from Washington Oaks lies the Florida Agricultural Museum. Established in 1983 by a group of concerned agriculturalists and historians at the request of then-Agricultural Commissioner Doyle Conner, its mission is to help preserve this integral part of Florida’s heritage.

Originally located in Tallahassee, it was designated the Museum of Agriculture and Rural History of the State of

Florida, and in 1997 it was moved to its new home on 460 acres in Flagler County.

The museum set about collecting significant Florida agricultural buildings, including an old post office, the historic Hewitt Sawmill from nearby Pellicer Creek, and five structures from the famous Strawn Citrus Complex in DeLeon Springs. These century-old buildings were moved from their original locations and renovated with grant funds provided by the Florida Department of State. You can see these buildings and absorb their history by stopping in the General Store on site, purchasing a map and a CD or flash drive to listen to, then leisurely making your way through the property in your vehicle, matching up the history you hear to the onsite buildings and structures.

The Florida Agricultural Museum also prides itself in being active in the conservation of heritage livestock—including rare Florida Cracker cattle—horses and sheep. They also feature displays of old Florida saddles and farm implements that have been used for hundreds of years. The best way to absorb this historic information is to participate in the

(clockwise from top left)

The Florida Agricultural Museum showcases farm equipment from years past; Florida Ag Museum's executive director Kara Hoblick; a bird's view of Florida Agricultural Museum property; school tour of eager kids.

45-minute guided tour that showcases these animals and implements and provides a fun and educational experience for all ages. They also offer horseback trail rides, lessons and summer horse camps.

Local Knowledge Fishing Charters

No trip to the Flagler County area would be complete without a fishing trip. We did some research, asked around, and ultimately chose Capt. Lehman Norman of Local Knowledge Fishing Charters.

Capt. Lehman Norman specializes in saltwater light tackle and fly fishing, and his Google Reviews page shows that every client who has ever reviewed him has given him 5 stars—an amazing feat in a business that can be so dependent on weather conditions, fickle fish, and more.

We met up with him at Devil’s Elbow Fishing Resort to head out to the backwaters early in the morning to test that 5-star reputation. And Capt. Lehman Norman didn’t disappoint. Within 15 minutes of leaving the dock, we were hauling in keepers: snapper, flounder and redfish were filling the live well. Our goal was lunch for the six of us—many of the local restaurants on Flagler Beach will cook your catch if you bring it in with you—and we were all set with that by 10 a.m.

All in all, we hooked an amazing nine different kinds of fish on our trip. Capt. Lehman Norman was proud to inform us that, unlike many fishing guides, he works full-time and is on the water most every day. His years of experience include stints in Alaska and Southwest Florida as well as his many years on the Atlantic Coast. This helps to give him the knowledge of what fish are biting and the best places to find them. He specializes in near-coastal and inshore fishing, and he offers casting lessons as well. It’s truly the best fishing that North Florida has to offer.

Equestrian Adventures Of Florida

There is no better way to take in Florida’s natural scenery than from horseback, so we booked a trip with Jennifer and her Equestrian Adventures of Florida team.