Think of Florida and what pops into your mind? I’ll bet Disney World tops the list. I love doing the Mickey Mouse thing from time to time too, but on a recent week-long trip to Florida I was introduced to a delightfully different side of Florida…a gentler, quieter and by far less frantic side. Known as the Lakes District for its over 550 freshwater lakes, Central Florida’s Polk County is one of the state’s most naturally beautiful destinations and it’s smack dab in the heart of Florida. It’s only 20 minutes away from Disney World (if you really have to go), but worlds away from the frenzied razzle-dazzle that Florida is so famous for.
When I visit a new destination I usually just wing it I often stumble on hidden jewels more by chance than by design. But with only a week to spend, I wanted to make the most of my trip, so the first thing I did was visit Polk Outpost 27, a brand new state-of-the-art interpretive visitors’ centre. Here the friendly staff is eager to help customize an itinerary that focuses on individual interests. It was worth spending that initial half hour getting some planning advice.
Wherever I travel I look for sights and experiences that include with a good dose of peace and tranquility. I found it in little known Hollis Garden, my first stop in Lakeland. This 1.2 acre formal garden sits like a jewel sparkling beside Lake Mirror. As you enter this garden, made up of 16 themed “rooms”, you are at once calmed by the soothing strains of one of Mozart’s concertos. According to Stacey Smith, the garden’s proud groundskeeper, more than 10,000 plants tell the tale of Florida’s agrarian period up to the present day. The garden rooms are organized by color and by plant types and separated by neatly pruned hedges. The most interesting “room” for me was the Trees of Americana. It featured cuttings from trees that can be traced back to the properties Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King and Elvis Presley and other famous Americans.
Hollis isn’t the only garden that creates a tranquil ambiance by combining the sound of music with nature’s beauty. Located near Lake Wales on Florida’s highest point, the sixty bronze bells of Historic Bok Sanctuary’s bell tower ring out with soothing classical music as recorded and live carillon selections are played at throughout the day. The majestic coquina and marble bell tower is the focal point for 250 acres of peaceful landscaped gardens designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.
Enough of peace and quiet. After a few days I was ready for something more lively. “What about a dude ranch?” asked Katy Martin, of the Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau? Who would have thought that there was a dude ranch in Florida? Surrounded by 100,000 acres of protected wildlife preserve, Westgate River Ranch is a 1,700-acre ponderosa of winding trails as well as a network of waterways. If you are into horseback riding, this is the place for you. But if not, there are many other activities, including fishing, boating, trap and skeet shooting, swimming. For the kids, there’s a superb petting zoo. There’s also a sanctioned rodeo every Saturday night in Westgate’s 1,200-seat rodeo stadium where you can watch bull riding, barrel racing, and a greasy pig chase. What grabbed my attention though was the chance to take an airboat ride, the only way you can get into the shallow wetlands. Armed with ear protection muffs (these machines are really loud) we were off, gliding effortlessly through the murky water, just skimming the long grass as we headed towards a patch of open water. As we passed by the turtles sunning themselves on floating logs slipped lazily into the water and away from the noise of the boat. Groups of moor hens and coots ducked into the reeds as we roared ahead. Though there was a lot of bird life to observe, I was hoping to catch a glimpse of an alligator. Nearing the end of the one-hour tour, our eagle-eyed driver spied a baby alligator and stopped the boat so we could gawk.
Citrus production is the primary crop in Central Florida and groves of oranges dominated the landscape. In Lake Wales, at Florida Natural Grower’s Grove House and Citrus Museum not only were we samples of Florida’s sunshine in a glass plentiful, but we also learned about growing, processing and packaging the fruit. “Honeybell” oranges were in season while I was there and having not heard of this variety, I was anxious to try one. I was surprised to learn that Honeybells are a variety familiar to us here in Canada. In fact, they are sold in our grocery stores as Mineola Tangelos, a cross between a tangerine and a grapefruit. Apparently in the US they don’t sell very well when named as Mineolas, so the marketers simply changed their name to Honeybells, and lo and behold consumers now snap them up! Go figure.
I didn’t expect any of the meals in Florida to be a great adventure in dining, but there were a few surprises. One day we stopped for lunch at Lang Sun Country Groves. Their restaurant menu is very heavy on citrus as you’d expect. One of the most interesting desserts on the menu, grapefruit pie was unusual. The concoction starts with a graham cracker crust that is filled with fresh grapefruit sections suspended in a layer of glistening Jello of the same flavour. Then it’s crowned with a whipped topping (real whipped cream would have been better), but yummy just the same!
The next culinary adventure was at Chalet Suzanne, a gracious inn set in a 100 acre estate owned by the Hinshaw family. The place has personality plus and is loaded with antiques, ceramic tiles and doo-dads of all kinds…kind of like Grandma’s attic come to life. But, the essence of the Chalet’s reputation is its cuisine. Meals are served in a unique setting of five quirky rooms on several levels. The first course was a tangy brown sugar-topped broiled grapefruit garnished with a deep fried chicken liver…a very strange combination, but apparently a popular item that guests have been requesting for years. Served next is their famous Soup Romaine composed of a spinach and mushroom base with 18 secret herbs and spices. The menu describes the soup as being “out of this world!”. And this isn’t far off the mark because the soup was served to astronauts on the early Apollo Flights into space. Probably the most unique thing about this menu is that it hasn’t changed in 50 years…literally, and that’s the way they like it.
One of the best kept secrets in Central Florida has to be that you can stay in a luxury rental home for less than the price of a hotel. Over 8,000 furnished rentals (owned by mostly foreign investors) are available for rent. Dion McFelia of Imagine Vacation Homes (www.imaginevacationhomes.com) explained, “Vacation rental homes make perfect sense. You can avoid the cramped environment of a hotel and relax with all the comforts of home around you. Your vacation dollars can stretch much further in a vacation rental. And the homes are no more than 20 minutes from Disney World”. The home I viewed was a 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom beauty with a swimming pool…more house than I needed, but about the same price as a quality hotel room. Homes range from 2 to 6 bedrooms and can accommodate 6 to 12 guests. The next time I visit Florida I know where I’m staying.
The week ended far too quickly. I realized that there are many “best kept secrets” in Florida and the best way to find them is to avoid the theme parks.
Think of Florida and what pops into your mind? I’ll bet Disney World tops the list. I love doing the Mickey Mouse thing from time to time too, but on a recent week-long trip to Florida I was introduced to a delightfully different side of Florida…a gentler, quieter and by far less frantic side. Known as the Lakes District for its over 550 freshwater lakes, Central Florida’s Polk County is one of the state’s most naturally beautiful destinations and it’s smack dab in the heart of Florida. It’s only 20 minutes away from Disney World (if you really have to go), but worlds away from the frenzied razzle-dazzle that Florida is so famous for.
When I visit a new destination I usually just wing it I often stumble on hidden jewels more by chance than by design. But with only a week to spend, I wanted to make the most of my trip, so the first thing I did was visit Polk Outpost 27, a brand new state-of-the-art interpretive visitors’ centre. Here the friendly staff is eager to help customize an itinerary that focuses on individual interests. It was worth spending that initial half hour getting some planning advice.
Wherever I travel I look for sights and experiences that include with a good dose of peace and tranquility. I found it in little known Hollis Garden, my first stop in Lakeland. This 1.2 acre formal garden sits like a jewel sparkling beside Lake Mirror. As you enter this garden, made up of 16 themed “rooms”, you are at once calmed by the soothing strains of one of Mozart’s concertos. According to Stacey Smith, the garden’s proud groundskeeper, more than 10,000 plants tell the tale of Florida’s agrarian period up to the present day. The garden rooms are organized by color and by plant types and separated by neatly pruned hedges. The most interesting “room” for me was theTrees of Americana. It featured cuttings from trees that can be traced back to the properties Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King and Elvis Presley and other famous Americans.
Hollis isn’t the only garden that creates a tranquil ambiance by combining the sound of music with nature’s beauty. Located near Lake Wales on Florida’s highest point, the sixty bronze bells of Historic Bok Sanctuary’s bell tower ring out with soothing classical music as recorded and live carillon selections are played at throughout the day. The majestic coquina and marble bell tower is the focal point for 250 acres of peaceful landscaped gardens designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.
What was the most popular visitor attraction in central Florida during the 1950s and 1960s? The answer has to be Cypress Gardens, Florida’s original theme park, most famous for its water skiing performances and the Southern belles who strolled the grounds. After years of declining attendance in April 2003, Cypress Gardens welcomed guests for what was thought o be the last time. But Kent Buescher (owner of the successful Wild Adventures theme park in Valdosta, Georgia) came to the rescue. He breathed new life into the historic property by spending $50 million on amusement park rides and other improvements. In December 2004, Cypress Gardens reopened its doors as Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. Now four new roller coasters and dozens of other rides now attract a whole new generation of visitors. And yes, the water show is still a huge draw as is the botanical gardens and the Southern belles who still stroll through the grounds happily posing for any camera pointed in their direction.
Enough of peace and quiet. After a few days I was ready for something more lively. “What about a dude ranch?” asked Katy Martin, of the Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau asked. Who would have thought that there was a dude ranch in Florida? Surrounded by 100,000 acres of protected wildlife preserve, Westgate River Ranch is a 1,700-acre ponderosa of winding trails as well as a network of waterways. If you are into horse back riding, this is the place for you. But if not, there are many other activities, including fishing, boating, trap and skeet shooting, swimming. For the kids, there’s a superb petting zoo. There’s also a sanctioned rodeo every Saturday night in Westgate’s 1,200-seat rodeo stadium where you can watch bull riding, barrel racing, and a greasy pig chase. What grabbed my attention though was the chance to take an airboat ride, the only way you can get into the shallow wetlands. Armed with ear protection muffs (these machines are really loud) we were off, gliding effortlessly through the murky water, just skimming the long grass as we headed towards a patch of open water. As we passed by the turtles sunning themselves on floating logs slipped lazily into the water and away from the noise of the boat. Groups of moor hens and coots ducked into the reeds as we roared ahead. Though there was a lot of bird life to observe, I was hoping to catch a glimpse of an alligator. Nearing the end of the one-hour tour, our eagle-eyed driver spied a baby alligator and stopped the boat so we could gawk.
Citrus production is the primary crop in Central Florida and groves of oranges dominated the landscape. In Lake Wales, at Florida Natural Grower’s Grove House and Citrus Museum not only were we samples of Florida’s sunshine in a glass plentiful, but we also learned about growing, processing and packaging the fruit. “Honeybell” oranges were in season while I was there and having not heard of this variety, I was anxious to try one. I was surprised to learn that Honeybells are a variety familiar to us here in Canada. In fact, they are sold in our grocery stores as Mineola Tangelos, a cross between a tangerine and a grapefruit. Apparently in the US they don’t sell very well when named as Mineolas, so the marketers simply changed their name to Honeybells, and lo and behold consumers now snap them up! Go figure.
I didn’t expect any of the meals in Florida to be a great adventure in dining, but there were a few surprises. One day we stopped for lunch at Lang Sun Country Groves. Their restaurant menu is very heavy on citrus as you’d expect. One of the most interesting desserts on the menu, grapefruit pie was unusual. The concoction starts with a graham cracker crust that is filled with fresh grapefruit sections suspended in a layer of glistening Jello of the same flavour. Then it’s crowned with a whipped topping (real whipped cream would have been better), but yummy just the same!
The next culinary adventure was at Chalet Suzanne, a gracious inn set in a 100 acre estate owned by the Hinshaw family. The place has personality plus and is loaded with antiques, ceramic tiles and doo-dads of all kinds…kind of like Grandma’s attic come to life. But, the essence of the Chalet’s reputation is its cuisine. Meals are served in a unique setting of five quirky rooms on several levels. The first course was a tangy brown sugar-topped broiled grapefruit garnished with a deep fried chicken liver…a very strange combination, but apparently a popular item that guests have been requesting for years. Served next is their famous Soup Romaine composed of a spinach and mushroom base with 18 secret herbs and spices. The menu describes the soup as being “out of this world!”. And this isn’t far off the mark because the soup was served to astronauts on the early Apollo Flights into space. Probably the most unique thing about this menu is that it hasn’t changed in 50 years…literally, and that’s the way they like it.
One of the best kept secrets in Central Florida has to be that you can stay in a luxury rental home for less than the price of a hotel. Over 8,000 furnished rentals (owned by mostly foreign investors) are available for rent. Dion McFelia of Imagine Vacation Homes (www.imaginevacationhomes.com) explained, “Vacation rental homes make perfect sense. You can avoid the cramped environment of a hotel and relax with all the comforts of home around you. Your vacation dollars can stretch much further in a vacation rental. And the homes are no more than 20 minutes from Disney World”. The home I viewed was a 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom beauty with a swimming pool…more house than I needed, but about the same price as a quality hotel room. Homes range from 2 to 6 bedrooms and can accommodate 6 to 12 guests. The next time I visit Florida I know where I’m staying.
The week ended far too quickly. I realized that there are many “best kept secrets” in Florida and the best way to find them is to avoid the theme parks.