A Central Florida Guide to Fun
On your next trip to Central Florida, veer away from the mainstay attractions that have plenty of prestige and you’ll quickly discover there’s an abundance of local authentic experiences for sun lovers of all ages.
Situated in Polk County, an easy 45minute drive from Tampa International Airport and the Orlando theme parks, the region has earned a reputation as “Florida’s Sweetest Spot for epic adventures, incredible eats and Sunshine State attractions” for good reason.
Here’s a Central Florida Guide Sampler:
BLOOMIN’ GOOD TIMES AT BOK TOWER
A profusion of foliage marks this acclaimed location where year-round blooms are Instaworthy and open-air concerts are popular. At Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales there’s a famous singing carillon tower, which is a National Historic Landmark that hovers 205-feet high. Hear sensational sounds echoing from 60 bells that are curated by the garden’s resident carillonneur in this unrivaled “Garden of Eden” surrounded by natural beauty.
Situated on a 250-acre lush tropical landscape and built atop a former desolate mountain, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Dutch immigrant Edward Bok was the garden’s visionary who commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.—the son of the famous landscape architect—for the garden’s unique design.
Be sure to check out Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, an interactive hub of boardwalks, and trails that also features a playground and a stage amid rich green space. It’ll keep you young at heart!
CLASSIC BALL GAMES
Major baseball teams love spring baseball training in Central Florida. Who wouldn’t? In Lakeland, at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, this landmark location is the home base for MLB’s Detroit Tigers and the hometown favorite, the Lakeland Flying Tigers. Built on a former airfield where World War II pilots trained, the local gem is a park for all ages and interests. Besides accessing “America’s Pastime,” kids can hang out at an onsite playground equipped with a wiffle ball field, and an inflatable tiger bounce house, and for adults, there’s the exclusive 34 Club, an upscale bar eatery and the Berm Bar under the new scoreboard.
Less than an hour’s drive from Orlando’s theme parks, visit Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium and find out why the Detroit Tigers have called this iconic pillar to baseball a spring training home for over 80 years.
SKY HIGH GOOD TIMES
Not just for pilots, there’s a local stomping ground dedicated solely to the art of the air show. The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is Florida’s largest annual flying convention of any kind, and also ranks as the secondlargest air show in the world. Held each spring at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, the one-week air show attracts scores of visitors to watch what has been dubbed, “Aviation’s Season Opener” or “Spring Break for Pilots.” SUN ‘n FUN is also home to the Florida Air Museum and the Lakeland Aero Club, the country’s largest high school flying club. Capture the magic of aviation and prepare to tilt your neck skyward to view the U.S. Navy Blue Angels who will showcase their jets in spectacular flying patterns at the 49th annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo (March 28-April 2, 2023).