Story and photos by Scott Kendall (unless otherwise indicated)
Central Florida Between Orlando and Tampa
Central Florida has so much to offer. Although Disney World and Universal get a lot of deserved attention, the area of Central Florida between Orlando and Tampa is a treasure trove of great destinations for couples and families.
Magical Bok Tower Gardens, whimsical Legoland, expansive Safari Wilderness, and the fascinating Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo are just some of the amazing attractions in Central Florida. Together with fantastic restaurants, fun shops, warm weather, and friendly folks, Central Florida is the right place for any time of year.
Bok Tower Gardens
When I was stationed at Naval Hospital Orlando as a young Lieutenant for several years back in the 1980s, I had heard about Bok Tower Gardens, but never made a trip there. I made it a point to have it on my itinerary on this visit to Central Florida. I quickly found out why Bok Tower Gardens has been one of the top attractions in Central Florida for almost a century.
Since opening in 1929, over 23 million visitors have experienced this awesome place. Created by author, publisher, and visionary Edward W. Bok, this former arid and desolate piece of land was transformed into a lush sanctuary for birds, wildlife, and human visitors. Rising from the top of Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in peninsular Florida, the tower, gardens, and museum make for a wonderful tranquil getaway.
The magical Singing Tower is the centerpiece of the beautiful gardens. The 205 foot tower was built with pink and gray marble from Georgia and coquina stone from northeast Florida in St. Augustine. Upon first approaching the tower, visitors are greeted by the fabulous sight of the tower’s reflection in the pond, surrounded by tall evergreens, bushes, and flowers.
Mystical chimes ring out every half hour, adding to the spiritual and tranquil atmosphere. A special treat awaits those who are lucky enough to be at the tower during live performances by professional carillonneurs (currently daily at 1 pm and 3 pm, but check the current schedules) at the tower.
The entire ambiance of Bok Tower is enhanced by the ponds, canopy of tall trees, lush landscaping, the Peace Lantern, and sweeping views of orange groves and the surrounding countryside. Add the calming music and you have a most memorable spiritual experience.
Other great outdoor attractions at the Gardens include the 20 room Pinewood Estates (exterior grounds are currently open but no admission inside), the wonderful Children’s Gardens, the “Oval”, Window on the Pond, and a large outdoor kitchen open seasonally. Plan on at least a couple of hours or more to fully experience Bok Tower Gardens.
For a better insight into Bok Tower and the Gardens, check out the theater, museum and the gift shop. A short introductory film gives a nice orientation into the history and details of the tower and gardens. Delightful exhibits with quotes, photos, videos, and a miniature mockup of the tower are worth visiting. I learned a lot about Edward W. Bok, the man behind Bok Gardens at the museum. He was a remarkable man who left a remarkable legacy behind in the form of Bok Tower Gardens.
“Give to the world the best you have and the best will come back to you.”
Edward W. Bok
Blue Palmetto Café at Bok Tower Gardens
When you are ready to take a break from your explorations, the Blue Palmetto Café is a wonderful onsite restaurant with an extensive menu. Dining is available indoors or on the outdoor patio with great views of the grounds. You can even take your food and drink to one of the other outdoor picnic areas located throughout the grounds. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of the food and drink options – it was much better than the average touristy restaurant.
If you come early in the morning, you can pick up a quick breakfast sandwich or Avocado Toast. I was there during lunchtime, and I thoroughly enjoyed my flounder sandwich and ice cold soda. Salads include a Smoked Salmon Salad, Chicken Blueberry, Avocado Tuna Salad, and a Vegan Cobb Salad. Or choose from a great selection of sandwiches and wraps like the Avocado BLT, the Turkey Cranberry Wrap, or Chicken Salad Sandwich on a croissant. For simpler tastes, Blue Palmetto Café offers hot dogs, grilled cheese, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. In addition, the café serves a variety of beverages, including juices, sports drinks, soda, beer, and wine.
LEGOland Florida Resort in Winter Haven
Legoland Florida Resort has been a huge draw for families since opening ten years ago. Following successful Legoland parks in Denmark, Canada, California, Germany, and other parts of the world, Legoland Florida Resort is the ultimate kids’ playground. Children of all ages are sure to enjoy Legoland with its great variety of attractions, entertainment, lodging, and restaurants. And, of course, the hundreds of fanciful creations built from Lego blocks!
Spend time at the Theme Park with dozens of attractions and rides, the Water Park, and special events. You can even test your putting skills at the miniature golf course or go for a float on a pontoon boat.
In the LEGOland Theme Park you can choose from adrenaline pumping roller coasters and thrill rides like The Dragon and The Great LEGO Race. In Movie Land guests can enjoy the 3-D reality ride Masters of Flight as they whiz through a colorful kalaiedescope of scenes from the LEGO MOVIE. Or choose more tame rides for younger children and the less adventuresome like the Royal Joust and the Safari Trek. No matter how young or timid you may be, LEGOland has plenty of safe, tame adventures that will bring a smile to every member of the family.
Pirate Island Hotel at Legoland
The newest addition at Legoland Florida Resort is the Pirate Island Hotel.
Kids enjoy in-room treasure hunts with daily LEGO treasures, nightly kid’s pirate entertainment, free LEGO Master Model Builder Workshops. Add in all you can eat family style dining and a heated resort style pool, and you have everything you need right at your fingertips. With free breakfast and free parking, and only 130 steps to the front gate, Pirate Island Hotel at Legoland is a great choice for families.
Other great stay options at LEGOland include the original LEGOland Hotel, adjacent to the new Pirate Island Hotel, the Beach Retreat, and partner hotels nearby in town.
Springhill Suites in Lakeland
The brand new Springhill Suites in Lakeland is the perfect place to stay for your Central Florida visit. Conveniently located next to the RP Funding Center (previously known as the Lakeland Civic Center and Lakeland Center), the hotel is also just minutes from top shopping, restaurants, bars, colleges, and nearby attractions.
Springhill Suites in Lakeland has very comfortable rooms, and in our suite we had a separate area complete with a couch, workstation, microwave, and refrigerator. Since we were working part of the time during our trip, the separate area was perfect for having a space to work away from the bedroom.
The friendly staff welcomed us upon our arrival, and our room was clean, fresh, nicely decorated. There was a nice patio out front and in the back by the pool where we could relax and enjoy a beverage from the full service bar. At the end of each day, we were happy we could retire to this fantastic new hotel in the heart of Lakeland.
Safari Wilderness in Lakeland
I visited Safari Wilderness on a day when COVID restrictions were still in effect for certain activities. Fortunately, the flexible staff at Safari Wilderness in Lakeland put together several hours of a fantastic tour. Our expert guide led our small caravan of vehicles through the large reserve of 260 acres, where we got up close and personal with llamas, water buffaloes, antelope, deer, lemurs, wart hogs, ostriches, and other cool critters. Our guide’s knowledgeable commentary, piped into our car radio speakers, added immensely to our understanding and enjoyment of the experience.
Highlights for me included feeding carrots to a llama, a water buffalo, and a camel. These large, friendly creatures were not intimidating, and I felt very safe under the tutelage of our wonderful guide. Normally, guests can choose from Camel Expeditions, Kayak Safari, All Terrain Vehicle Safari, Customized Vehicle Safari, Sunset Safari and special Field Trips (check latest offerings, since COVID restrictions may apply).
Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo
Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo lies on 1,700 acres just an hour south of Orlando. An authentic Florida Dude Ranch, this is one of the last frontiers of rural Florida. Families will love the Saturday Night Rodeo, horseback riding, airboat rides, fishing, and other awesome experience. For the ultimate luxury glamping in cozy cabins, teepees, Conestoga wagons, or tent camping, Westgate River Ranch & Rodeo has the right option for you
Where to Eat in Central Florida
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill in Lakeland
One of the most popular restaurants in Central Florida is Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill in Lakeland. Located downtown at 101 N. Kentucky Avenue, Harry’s is famous for their delicious seafood dishes, including Jambalaya, Creoles, Etouffee, Blackened Redfish, Crab Cakes, Bourbon Street Salmon, and Stuffed Shrimp. They also have an excellent selection of Salads, Pasta, Burgers, Chicken, and Steaks.
Enjoy Happy Hour daily from 2 pm – 7 pm (or come Tuesday for an all-day Happy Hour) and enjoy their extensive line of beer, cocktails, and wines. With other locations in Tallahassee, Gainesville, Ocala, and St. Augustine, Harry’s has proven that fantastic food served by friendly professionals in a classy atmosphere is a winning combination.
Harry’s Old Place – Casual Lakeside Dining in Winter Haven
Harry’s Old Place (not related to Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill in Lakeland) in Winter Haven offers one of the best lakeside dining experiences in Central Florida. Harry’s is casual and laid back, with many choices from their Daily Catch Board that includes monkfish, flounder, cod, haddock, salmon, Chilean sea bass, and grouper. Although widely known for its seafood, Harry’s also has a good choice of steaks, chicken, and pasta.
I loved the Broiled Grouper topped with a mix of Shrimp, Scallops and Crab meat tossed in Garlic Butter, served with a side of hushpuppies. Yum!
Harry’s – where the fish is always de – lish!
Central Florida is Waiting for You
Put Central Florida on your calendar. Florida is opening up for travel all over the state, and especially with all of the outdoor attractions and activities here, you can plan for a safe and fun getaway to Central Florida now.
