When Florida travel is mentioned, do you think immediately of the densely populated, high-traffic tourist areas such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Sarasota, and Orlando? Let me introduce you to a small historic town with a thriving arts community; natural beauty coupled with outdoor activities; and a carillon and garden sanctuary, second-to-none in this country.
Centrally located thirty miles southwest of Orlando at the intersection of Highways 27 and 60, Lake Wales is approximately an hour from Tampa, three hours from Naples, and five hours from Miami. Since other nearby towns such as Lakeland, Winter Haven and Frostproof also offer lodging; there is no shortage of motels, both chain and local, camping sites, RV parks, fishing lodges, or bed and breakfast options to use as a home base for exploring the Lake Wales area.
With 554 lakes in the immediate area, many visitors chose to stay at, fish in, or boat on these lakes. Many of these lakes are interconnected, so launch your boat (rentals are available) in one and cruise through others before returning. Consider watching the water skiing exhibition at Cypress Garden from your boat on one of these cruises. Due to the heavy growth of vegetation and brush around the edge of many of these lakes, largemouth bass are so plentiful that the area is called the “Bass Capital of the World”.
Birding and hiking opportunities abound for the naturalist. Nearby Lake Kissimmee State Park offers thirteen miles of trails and the opportunity to spot one of more than fifty species of endangered or rare animals, while hikers who don’t mind getting their boots dirty can tackle the more challenging Florida National Scenic Trail in the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. Those who wish to combine birding with shopping can check out the ponds surrounding the Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales to see sandhill cranes, spotted sandpipers and other species.
Golfers can choose from over 30 public or semi-private golf courses in this central Florida area, some of which reflect the design elements inherent in course construction in the early 1920s. Newer courses have been designed to take advantage of the unique geologic mix of land, vegetation, water, and elevation found in Polk County. This diversity, coupled with year-around sunshine, make it a golfer’s dream.
No visit to this area is complete without a visit to the Historic Bok Sanctuary.
Entrance to the Historic Bok Sanctuary
This National Historic Landmark sits atop peninsular Florida’s highest point and encompasses an exhibit hall and museum devoted to the life of Edward Bok, a Dutch immigrant and humanitarian; landscape gardens connected by the Pine Ridge Trail; and a 205 foot carillon, or bell tower. Mr. Bok built his Florida winter home, Pinewood Estate, in the early 1920s and entranced by the natural beauty of the Lake Wales Ridge, he decided to build the gardens and carillon so that others could enjoy this sanctuary of peace and beauty. His former home, Pinewood Estate is also available for touring, while a Carillon Café and Gift Shop can be visited before or after your tour of the gardens and enjoyment of a recital played by master carillonneurs.
Bok Sanctuary Carillon Tower
While the Bok Sanctuary is noted for its arts, educational and entertainment options, in addition to its landscaped gardens; this is not the only arts option available locally. The Lake Wales Arts Center, housed in a mission-style Catholic Church built in the late 1920s, is home to a variety of exhibits and music festivals throughout the year.
Don’t miss the The Depot located along the CSX Historic Corridor in the central part of Lake Wales when you visit. It has been converted to the Lake Wales Museum and Cultural Center, and permanent exhibits of railroad memorabilia and Lake Wales history are available for viewing every day except Sunday at no charge.
The downtown area retains the charm of yesteryear with unique shops and charming cafes and restaurants offering something for everyone who takes the time to explore the delightful Lake Wales area.
Real Travel Adventures 