Central Florida: Beyond The Theme Parks

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.

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!

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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!