As a resident of Palm Coast for over thirty years I have seen it grow from a small community of just over three thousand to a thriving city of over seventy thousand. With this growth has come attention from the retailers.  In the past couple of weeks we have had the grand openings of the Belk department store and Lowe’s home improvement store.  Both have reported that they broke national sales records for their stores’ openings. 

The days of having to drive for 30-60 minutes to go shopping, see a movie, or go out to eat are going to be a thing of the past.  Years ago we had to drive to Daytona to go food shopping. Today we have three major supper market chains and a plethora of small specialty shops. From ethnic to organic new stores are opening regularly.  For years we have had to make do with a small cramped movie theater, but in the new Town Center there are plans for a new super multiplex theater. Joining the new Belk store, Kohl’s is slated to anchor a 158,000 sf. retail center. For the more everyday purchases we have a super Wal-Mart on the north side and Target is scheduled to open a supercenter on the south side early in 2008. 

Going out to eat has always meant driving 30 miles north or south to go to St. Augustine or Daytona Beach. Today we have a place for just about every taste and budget. From fine dining to fast food, Palm Coast has what you are looking for.  For the health conscious, a raw food restaurant has just opened.  The Almond Blossom Café serves unique, delicious cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere. If your taste runs toward ethnic food we have restaurants specializing in Jamaican, Russian and Japanese to name just a few.