By Layla Bellows
With most of the country blanketed by this week’s snowstorms, many sporting folks probably have their mind on the ski slopes. When cold weather blasts the rest of the country, however, my mind turns to the central and northern part of the Florida peninsula, where February always promises breezy, 70-degree weather and pure sunshine (with not a drop of humidity).
For those who golf, there’s no better time to forget the slopes and head to Flagler County, Fla., where the newly renovated
Palm Harbor Golf Course reopened this past November. It’s one of the county’s original courses, and its rolling greens and oak-filled woodlands are still true to its original 1970s design. The public course also has a clubhouse with a full-service restaurant accommodating both leisurely lunches and quick bites.
Even in cooler weather, no trip to Florida would be complete without some time at the beach — and Flagler County has plenty. The county boasts 19 miles of beaches, including
Flagler Beach and those along
Palm Coast. The area is also rife with nature preserves, including the
Graham Swamp Conservation Area, and the new
River to Sea Preserve, which begins at the Atlantic Ocean and runs inland to the intracoastal waterway, making it a great spot for kayaking and canoeing.
Before any trip to Flagler, be sure to visit its
site for
special hotel rates and golf packages. Now is the time to visit: Few things are more pleasant than a Florida beach before the summer heat kicks in.