Tranquility in Bok Tower Gardens

Posted on January 25th, 2010 by karyn

Take a day and a drive to Bok Tower Gardens and get centered with nature and with yourself.

Bok Tower Gardens is located on Tower Blvd., in Lake Wales, Florida. A short drive from Orlando and definitely worth the trip. Take the full day and head down to this beautiful area; where the oranges grow and discover what the tranquil gardens has to offer.

The gardens are the greatest achievement of the famed landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmstead Jr. The meandering pathways offer extensive picturesque vistas, expansive splashes of color, and something different around every bend.

Are you traveling with children? Great! This will give them an opportunity to learn about gardening, the plantings of this area, and all the while having fun in the vine covered arbor and butterfly “hunting”.

Take a breathtaking look at the 1,000 shades of green that are created by the varied ferns, palms, oaks, and pines; what a perfect backdrop for the bursts of color from the camellias, magnolias, and azalea blooms. Visit places like “Window By The Pond” and sit in the audience for “Nature’s show”, but please note that it is nature’s show and not the garden’s, so there are no scheduled performances; sit, relax, and take in all that the garden has become.

Trek to The Tower; the 205 foot Neo-Gothic and art deco singing carillon tower. This magnificent wonder was designed by Milton b. Medary and ornately crafted by the noted sculptor, Lee Laurie. There is a 60 bell carillon concert that fills the gardens each day.

Are you ready for a bite to eat? Well, pop to The Blue Palmetto Café and grab a delicious morsel or two. There is indoor and outdoor seating available or you can get a yummy boxed lunch to go. Feast on creative sandwiches, salads, soups and more. You can enjoy a glass of wine or beer as you sit and gaze upon nature’s wonder.

The gardens are opened from 8am-6pm, while the visitor’s center is opened from 9am-5pm. There are special ticket prices for adults and children; those under 5 are admitted free. There are general admission tickets and there are tickets for the extra events.

Central Florida is filled with breathtaking views, fun filled parks, and bits of nature; take a day and enjoy The Bok Tower Gardens.

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