Central Florida

From orange blossoms and sparkling lakes to architecture and top cuisine, visit Central Florida for the best the state has to offer

Located between Orlando and Tampa, Central Florida’s Polk County offers more than a place to sleep between theme park visits. From unspoiled lakes and wetlands to historic landmarks, citrus groves and, yes, theme parks, there is a reason Floridians say that Polk County offers everything.

THE SUNSHINE STATE

A visit to Polk County must include outdoor activity since it is home to more than 550 freshwater lakes and 25,000 acres of recreational parks. If you’ve ever dreamt of gliding across the water on an airboat then this is your chance, or you can enjoy something a little more active, like water skiing or kayaking.

Of course, Florida also features a wide and exotic array of flora and fauna to discover. To see the best of it in the wild, visit Circle B Bar Reserve, often dubbed one of the best places to see wildlife – and alligators – in Florida, or Lake Kissimmee State Park, whose 13 miles of trails feature abundant plant, animal and bird life alongside forest, floodplain and prairie landscapes, as well as lakes Kissimmee,

Tiger and Rosalie.

LOCAL HISTORY, LOCAL FLAVOUR

If outdoor adventure isn’t your style, Central Florida still has it covered. From the largest singlesite collection of Frank Lloyd

“A visit to Polk County must include outdoor activity since it is home to more than 550

lakes and 25,000 acres of recreational parks. If you've ever dreamt of gliding across the water on an airboat, this is your chance, or try water skiing

or kayaking”

Wright’s architecture on the Florida Southern College campus, to the Ipanema-meets-grits culinary mash-up of Posto 9, Central Florida’s Polk County shines culturally. Other must-dos include stopping by the Poor Porker for freshly made beignets and live music, or strolling through the farmers markets, held daily, weekly and monthly.