If you’ve been to Florida before, you may think the state is one giant beach dotted with cabanas and thunderous nightlife. The answer: now that you’ve seen the rest of Florida, how about seeing the best of Florida. More than sand, surf and suntan oil, the county that serves as the vibrant heart of the state includes a vibrant urban park oasis, a more than 100-year-old “Singing Tower,” a vibrant, world-class food scene and a resort where you change your attitude as you change your latitude. Welcome to Central Florida’s Polk County, where you can enjoy the best of the Sunshine State while leaving the rest behind.
A Gem added to the Swan City
Transformed from an abandoned rail yard to Lakeland’s newest attraction, Bonnet Springs Park opened in 2022. This privately-owned public park is situated on 168 acres that underwent extensive remediation site work. Envisioned as Lakeland’s own Central Park, Bonnet Springs Park is world-class in both ambition and scale, a beautiful, flourishing property just a short distance from downtown. Admission and parking are free. The park is supported by an endowment, as well as memberships, community partners, sponsors and patrons.
With a mission to enrich the community through nature, culture and recreation, Bonnet Springs Park is designed as an oval, with tram service around the property, and features multiple stops including a playground, a butterfly house, a nature center, a greenhouse, a botanical garden, a treehouse and the scenic treetop canopy walk. Start your visit at the welcome center, which includes the history gallery, a gift shop and a coffee shop. Visit the Depot Café for lunch or a snack, then spend some time enjoying the view across the park from the rooftop bar.
Another gem located within Bonnet Springs Park is the Florida Children’s Museum. Visitors will find something for the whole family in this two-story state-of-the-art facility, that offers 47,800 square feet of hands-on exploration. The museum has several galleries full of interactive permanent exhibits including the Watermelon Seeds gallery for the youngest of children. The St. Christopher’s Project City Play gallery is a child-sized version of a real city which allows children to explore a wide range of careers. They can transform into a firefighter, create their own TV newscast or take a shift as a cashier at the local supermarket. Out front is the Harrell Family Charities Front Yard, an enclosed outdoor space featuring a 100-foot climbable alligator named Blinky, after a famous one-eyed resident alligator who called Lakeland home in the 1970s. For out of state residents, admission to the museum is $20 per person for those ages 2 and up. It is $16 per person for Florida residents. Parking is free.
The Grand Dame of Central Florida
Blessed with luscious gardens and sweeping vistas – not to mention one of the highest elevations in peninsular Florida – this is a must-see location. Never mind the 205-foot-tall art deco instrument in the middle of it. At Lake Wales’ world-famous Bok Tower, guests can stroll the breathtaking gardens and vistas in the shadow of the tower that houses a carillon – an instrument comprised of a series of bells rung via fist-driven keyboard.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bok Tower Gardens is the lasting work of Edward Bok, a Dutch immigrant. Bok, a journalist by trade, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1920 for his autobiography. Before that, Bok rose to fame and influence as the editor of “The Ladies’ Home Journal,” which, under his leadership, became the first magazine in the world with one million subscribers.
The Boks commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. – the son of the man who designed Central Park in New York City – to design the gardens while architect Milton B. Medary designed the tower. Opening more than five years later, Bok Tower Gardens were dedicated by then President Calvin Coolidge in 1929. Built on Iron Mountain, what was once a desolate sand hill was transformed into a 250-acre lush tropical landscape that is both a contemplative garden as well as a bird sanctuary.
A recent addition to the grounds is Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, 2.7 acres of childhood delight featuring water areas, bridges, tunnels and an indigo snake sculptured sand box. Not far away are areas for kids to climb logs, an out-door stage area, art and music zones, and even a working hand-pumped well.
Also on the grounds is the recently re-opened enchanting 20-room Mediterranean-style mansion, “El Retiro.” A visit transports you back in time to the 1930s, when the home was built for Charles Austin Buck, a Bethlehem Steel executive. To preserve this architectural, cultural, and historic landmark, El Retiro was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
A Taste of the World
Food, unlike anything else, expresses cultural identity. In Central Florida’s Polk County, that identity might be a little confusing. When it comes to food, we defy labels. Sure, you’ll find barbecue and Southern cooking as well as Mexican and Italian cuisine. If you are looking for mash-ups and cultural callbacks – as well as one of the top-10 best restaurants in the state – we have the place for you.
In the heart of walkable downtown Lakeland, you’ll find Nineteen61, a chef’s culinary love letter to his heritage. Is the cuisine Cuban, Latin, Spanish or Peruvian? Honestly, you won’t care about a label when it comes to your table. From ceviche to Spanish salads, Cuban standards such as ropa vieja and Peruvian style Chinese fried rice – arroz chaufa – this culinary mash-up has been considered one of the top-10 Spanish restaurants in the state since the day the doors opened.
A second generation Cuban-American, the name comes from the year the parents of owner and operator Chef Marcos Fernandez fled Cuba. Some of the dishes – Peruvian yuca fries or Lima-inspired empanadas – are based on Fernandez’s own creativity while others – the Arroz con Pollo or flat-iron steak – are comfort food recipes learned at home.
Open for both lunch and dinner, locals get here early and take advantage of the tapas menu at the bar before dinner. Calamari fritos – rings and tentacles tossed in jalapeno caramel – as well as the seared brisket Poutine Cubano and the ever popular empanadas are among the favorites. They also have an extensive wine and spirits selection, including signature cocktails and even mocktails.
Just around the corner, Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille brings Louisianna inspired food and atmosphere to Central Florida. From casual drinks at the bar to a lunch with friends or a special dinner, Harry’s fits the bill. You can grab a Hurricane and dive into their fried green tomatoes or signature crab cakes, but don’t eat too much, the catfish etouffee or red beans and rice will be worth the wait. And at the end of the night, leave room for Oreo beignets.
Not to be outdone is Mojo Federal Swine and Spirits. Once again, make sure you bring your appetite along on this outing. From barbecue favorites like brisket and spareribs to Southern delights shrimp and grits, sandwiches and more, Mojo offers refined barbecue and Deep South favorites – did we mention homemade banana pudding?
If you’d rather try a local sip, you can’t be more Lakeland than Swan Brewing. What started as a 10-by-10 tent at the Downtown Farmers Curb Market today occupies what was, once upon a time, a 1940s automobile repair shop. Offering well over 20 beers on tap, most are brewed right there. Family and dog friendly, they are also food truck friendly.
Also downtown is Revival, where Cosmopolitans aren’t just for watching reruns of “Sex and the City.” Those retro drinks of lore are making a comeback, and nowhere is that more evident than at Revival in Lakeland. Gin, whiskey, vodka and more can be served either shaken or stirred, or you can choose from their menu of beers and wines.
It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere
Time to break out your flipflops and watch out for those pop tops as you cruise around the pool Jimmy Buffett style at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort. Known around the world as the brand best representing the laid back lifestyle captured in the hit 1977 beach bum classic, this is one of their first forays into the recreational vehicle market.
Featuring easy-to-park pull through sites, free WiFi and cable, full hookups, a charcoal grill and even a fire pit, there is ample space for your slide outs and extra vehicles. For a premium experience, the RV Suites not only have views of Lake Myrtle but also a private tiki hut featuring a Kamado Joe Grill, outdoor two, hammocks and more.
No RV? No problem. Enjoy all the comforts of home in the middle of a five-star resort, these cabins sleep six and are more tiny home than mountain lodge. Featuring a full kitchen, spacious living room, a covered porch and picnic table, they are the perfect getaway destination for those seeking a less crowded environment.
But you don’t have to just hang at the motorhome if you don’t want to – this is a resort after all. Featuring a multiple cabana bars, a zero-entry heated pool with a water slide and nearby splash pad for the kids, a challenging nine-hole putting course and even a dedicated corn hole area, there are plenty of outside activities for everyone. On those occasional rainy days, there is an arcade on-site, as well as a gym.
Don’t feel like cooking? No worries – all three meals of the day are available at the seven onsite food locations. Feel like ice cream? Head on over to Dreamsicle Ice Cream Shop and treat the kids to a cone while you enjoy a boozy Pina Colada shake. After all, this is Margaritaville.
So take a few days and see why natives call Polk County Florida’s Sweetest Spot. For more Central Florida vacation ideas, visit www.VisitCentralFlorida.org.