how about something 'cultural'?
Located approximately 55 miles southwest of Orlando near Lake Wales, the nearly 250-acre Historic Bok Sanctuary was originally one man's gift to the world, and today is the perfect gift for everyone to give to themselves. When Edward Bok first came to America from Den Helder, Holland, at the tender age of six, he did not understand the language, customs or culture. Through determination and hard work, he became a highly successful publisher, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, respected humanitarian and an advocate of world peace. His grandmother told him to "make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it," and he did just that throughout his lifetime.
The Carillon and Belltower
Remembering the resounding music of the carillons from his childhood in Holland, Bok decided to create a "Singing Tower" and world-class carillon to serve as the focal point of the Gardens. Construction on the 60-bell Singing Tower began in 1927, and it was dedicated in 1929 as a gift for the enjoyment of the American people by Edward W. Bok, a Dutch immigrant, humanitarian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Using Georgia pink and gray marble and coquina from St. Augustine as the exterior covering for its steel framework structure, the 205-foot carillon Tower stands on peninsular Florida's highest point. The carillon at Historic Bok Sanctuary is today one of only four in Florida and has 60 bells ranging in weight from 16 pounds to nearly 12 tons. Brief recorded carillon music fills the Sanctuary every 30 minutes and live recitals usually are performed each day at 3 p.m.
Today, Historic Bok Sanctuary is a sanctuary for birds, animals and the human spirit. It blends the beauty of nature and the intrigue of history with an outstanding collection of musical, artistic and architectural masterpieces that enrich the hearts, minds and souls of all who visit.
The Sanctuary features beautifully landscaped gardens, a majestic 60-bell carillon encased in a coquina and marble belltower and a charming seven and a half -acre manor called Pinewood Estate, which is regarded as one of finest examples of Mediterranean Revival architecture in the state of Florida.
Historic Bok Sanctuary is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with last admission at 5 p.m. The Education and Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets are good for one day only and do not include specially ticketed events.
Rates
Adults: $8
Children 5-12: $3
Under age 5: Free
Members: Free
Pets
If you plan to visit Historic Bok Sanctuary, please be aware that pets are not allowed in the gardens. A shaded, open-air pet facility with water is available for a nominal fee, and indoor arrangements can be made for small pets. Please visit the gift shop for more information when you arrive.
Children's Activities
Families visiting the Sanctuary can check out a Reading Basket free of charge at the Information Desk in the Education and Visitor Center. By leaving a driver's license to hold the basket, children can choose one of the three available themed baskets. Each storytime basket contains books, puppets and a blanket for sitting. While we recommend that all small children use a stroller, there are a limited numbers of strollers available on a first-come, first-served basis in the gift shop.
Location
Historic Bok Sanctuary
1151 Tower Boulevard
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Office: (863) 676-1408
Fax: (863)-676-6770
Email:
info@boksanctuary.org
Directions:
Take Exit 55 from I-4 and proceed south on U.S. Highway 27 for approximately 23 miles. Proceed past Eagle Ridge Mall two traffic lights. Turn left on Mountain Lake Cut Off Road and follow signs. From Tampa and Vero Beach, take S.R. 60 to Lake Wales and follow signs to Historic Bok Sanctuary.
Approximate Distances:
Jacksonville 200 miles
Miami 200 miles
Orlando 55 miles
Tampa 60 miles
Vero Beach 80 miles
http://www.boktower.org/index.html
and as long as you are near Lake Wales.. why not check out 'spook hill'?
