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Central Florida: Beyond The Theme Parks

By Karon Warren

Most people head to Central Florida with one thought in mind: visiting the area’s many theme parks. But in Central Florida’s Polk County, you will find more than just the kids’ favorite characters or thrill ride. Just 15 to 20 minutes from Orlando, this convenient locale offers quality entertainment of its own within close proximity to the area’s most popular theme parks but without the pricier attractions.

BokTower

Photo courtesy of Bok Tower Gardens

For instance, make time to check out Bok Tower Gardens, a wonderful haven of serenity worlds away from the robust bells and whistles of the more well-known sites found in the area. Situated on one of peninsular Florida’s highest points (298 feet above sea level!), Bok Tower Gardens offers scenic views of the surrounding citrus groves as well as the picturesque sunset.

The highlight of Bok Tower Gardens is the singing tower itself. Standing 205 feet tall, the tower is constructed of coquina from St. Augustine, Fla., and pink and gray marble from our own Tate. At the top, a 60-bell Taylor Carillon delivers beautiful music from its massive bells, which range in weight from 16 pounds to almost 12 tons. Visitors can hear brief recordings of carillon music every 30 minutes around the grounds, and concerts are held daily at 1 and 3 p.m.

When visiting Bok Tower Gardens, make sure you schedule adequate time to explore the gardens. Throughout the property, guests will discover a wealth of flora and fauna as well as a healthy wildlife population. To make the most of your visit, take part in one of the daily guided garden walking tours available through April 15. Of special note, be sure and check the time on the human sundial in the Endangered Plant Garden!

Frank_Lloyd_Wright_1

Photo courtesy of Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, www.lakelandchamber.com, (863) 688-8551

Fans of Frank Lloyd Wright must stop by Florida Southern College, where they can view and visit the largest single-site collection of the famous architect’s structures. Described by Wright as a “child of the sun,” the campus buildings were built over a period of 20 years from 1938 to 1958 and include two chapels, a library and the Water Dome, a 160-foot wide circle surrounded by high-pressure water nozzles that propel water 45 feet into the air to create a “dome.”

Frank Lloyd Wright

Photo courtesy of Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, www.lakelandchamber.com, (863) 688-8551

Available for visitors to Florida Southern College, there are a number of walking tours that take guests around campus to the various Wright buildings while providing background on each structure. At the Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center and GEICO Gift Shop, you will find a permanent display of photographs, furniture and drawings documenting Wright’s work at the college. When planning your visit, allow adequate time to really study the documents and stories left behind. If not, you will miss out on the many interesting tidbits relating to Wright’s thought process involved in designing and constructing the buildings.

Westgate River Ranch

Photo courtesy of Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau

Also, head over to Westgate River Ranch, where you can catch a live rodeo every Saturday night. Featuring such events as bull riding, barrel racing and trick riding, this is unrivaled entertainment you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Central Florida. Other activities include horseback rides, trap and skeet shooting, and a lively petting farm.

gator

Photo by Karon Warren

However, I highly recommend an airboat ride so you can explore the area’s swampy banks along the Kissimmee River. During my ride, I saw a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, bald eagles and two of the largest alligators I’ve ever seen. If you find you want to do more than just a few hours will afford, Westgate River Ranch offers a large selection of accommodations ranging from spacious inn rooms to two-bedroom cottages.

oranges

Photo courtesy of Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau

Of course, these are just a few of the area’s wealth of interesting draws. There is so much more to see and do — citrus groves, candy factory tours and more — so much so that you just may have to make more than one trip to this happening hot spot!

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Filed Under: USA Tagged With: Bok Tower Gardens, Central Florida, Central Florida Beyond The Theme Parks, Florida, Florida Southern College, Frank Lloyd Wright, Karon Warren, Kissimmee River, Paula Schmitt, Theme Parks, This Girl Travels, Travel, Westgate River Ranch

About Karon Warren

A freelance writer for more than 15 years, Karon Warren has covered a variety of topics, most notably travel, weddings and lifestyle. She loves discovering new people, places and experiences that epitomize the amazing wonders found in this world and sharing their stories with her readers. When she is not out exploring, Karon resides in the North Georgia Mountains with her husband and two children. You can learn more about Karon at www.karonwarren.com. Also, catch up with her on Twitter as well as Instagram.

Comments

  1. samantha says

    May 13, 2015 at 9:51 am

    I live in Florida myself and am trying to put a bucket list together for summer. Thanks for the ideas, I’ve never heard of Westgate River Ranch and am going to look into it. My kids are tired of the theme parks so I want to find other places to see around here.

    • Paula says

      May 13, 2015 at 4:37 pm

      Samantha, glad we could help with some ideas. There is so much to do in Florida! Thanks for sharing with us.

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