STREAMSONG
Covering 16,000 acres in a region of Polk County known as Bone Valley, Streamsong Resort is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination. The land, once mined for phosphate by the Mosaic Company, is now covered in native vegetation surrounding lakes teeming with big fish. Tall dunes create a landscape that feels more like the southwestern U.S. than central Florida. It’s home to a minimalistic yet luxurious lakeside lodge with a rooftop bar and museum featuring the giant jaws of a megalodon uncovered on the property. Enjoy nature trails, fishing, world-class sporting clays, archery, tennis, and three golf courses designed by the best architects in the world. It’s considered a bucket-list stop for anyone who loves the links. You don’t have to be a guest to golf or dine here, but once you arrive, you’ll want to settle in and stay awhile.
GETTING THERE*
The route is a circuitous one along multiple county and state roads that wind through orange groves and farms between Port Charlotte and Lakeland. From RSW, the drive is just shy of two hours.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Rooms are well appointed and spacious, ranging from 530 to 1,167 square feet. In addition to the main lodge, there are 12 guest rooms above the Red and Blue Clubhouse for larger parties wanting their own space. streamsongresort.com
WHERE TO EAT
Restaurant Fifty-Nine is an elegant steakhouse found in the Red & Blue Clubhouse, offering a plethora of prime aged meats. You’ll also find a humidor full of cigars, a large selection of scotch, and a Maker’s Mark Private Selection.
Bone Valley Tavern, in the Black Clubhouse, is modern yet casual with a large bar and outdoor seating. The tuna nachos are a towering favorite. Try Little Payne Creek Lager, crafted for Streamsong by Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton.
Fin & Feather is the resort’s newest restaurant serving higher-end Southern comfort food and Florida-inspired cuisine. Think crispy whole fish, pheasant pate, short ribs with black truffle grits, wagyu meatloaf, and more.
WHAT TO DO
Golf one of the three world-class courses. Streamsong Red is designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw; Blue is designed by Tom Doak; and Black by Gil Hanse. Bonus: food shacks on the courses, including one that smokes meat every day so golfers can enjoy mouthwatering brisket and a cold beer.
Bass fishing here is said to be some of the best in the state, and the fish are big. With the help of expert guides, anyone who hooks a bass that weighs eight pounds or more is inducted into the resort’s Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
The AcquaPietra Spa is designed to resemble a European grotto and feels like a natural oasis. It features multiple treatment rooms and six therapeutic pools, each heated to different temperatures.
*All drive times reference Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) as a starting point.
Gina Birch is a regular contributor, a Florida native who loves exploring the state to uncover hidden gems, beautiful beaches, good food, good drinks, and a good time.