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AT THE CENTRE OF IT ALL - CENTRAL FLORIDA
 
(2019 - Winter/Spring Issue)

Writer: STEVE WINSTON



Anchored by the towns of Lakeland, Winter Haven and Davenport, Central Florida’s Polk County offers location and plenty of surprises for families.

Why location? It’s 45 minutes from the Orlando-area theme parks, only 40 minutes from Tampa/St. Petersburg, about 90 minutes from the John F. Kennedy Space Center and just an hour from some of the best beaches on Earth. Everything you expect from a Florida vacation is nearby.

And the surprises? Polk County boasts a world-famous theme park of its own—LEGOLAND Florida Resort. When it opened in 2011, the big-name theme park shone a spotlight on the area and injected Polk County with a stunning burst of bright colours, interesting angles and shapes, memories of childhood fun, and visitors from around the world. LEGOLAND Florida Resort now generates half a billion dollars annually for the region and employs up to 1,600 people. 

Another popular tourist draw, Bok Tower Gardens features 101 hectares of lush greenery and a 62-metre-tall Singing Tower with 60 carillon bells each weighing between seven and nearly 12,000 kilograms. 

Acres of orange trees flourish as far as the eye can see. This is Natural Florida where pick-your-own citrus groves offer you the chance to experience Florida’s most famous export right off the tree, where folks in small towns greet you with a smile, and where you’ll spot unusual wildlife such as alligators.    

You’ll also find sophisticated resorts, world-class golf courses and a large dude ranch where real cowboys and cowgirls can still ride ’em and rope ’em. The largest ranch in the southeast, Westgate River Ranch Resort offers accommodation ranging from western-rustic to luxurious; there’s even “glamping” in luxury teepees. And things get even more authentic at a weekly rodeo on Saturday nights. Suave resorts include Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green, with luxurious amenities surrounded by tranquil natural beauty and three of the top golf courses in America.

If you prefer to watch players hit balls out of the park, the Detroit Tigers undergo spring training at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland.                       

Central Florida’s Polk County might be close to some amazing places, but you may never want to leave.

Travel Planner

Discover all there is to see and do in Polk County at VisitCentralFlorida.org.

 
 
 
 
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