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ways to explor e Polk County

From wide-open spaces to exhilarating theme park rides, Polk County in Central Florida has it all. Here’s six ways to explore Florida’s ‘sweetest spot’

Space to breathe

Polk County is home to three State Parks and a State Forest with over 31 miles of trails to explore. Circle B Bar Reserve is one of Central Florida’s best places to enjoy birding, hiking or searching for wildlife. With 554 freshwater lakes, the area also offers great fishing, eco-airboat tours and water sports, with hundreds of open waterways to kayak or paddleboard. visitcentralflorida.org

Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens is a 250-acre tropical landscape and bird sanctuary, centered around the impressive 205-foot Bok Tower. Visitors can observe bell concerts at the tower each day at 1:00pm and 3:00pm. A recent addition is Hammock Hollow, 2.7 acres of childhood delight featuring water areas, bridges, tunnels and an indigo snake sculptured sand box. boktowergardens.org

Stay a while

A vacation rental home is a great way for visitors to have their own space whilst providing a central base to experience the best of Florida at an affordable price. Rentals in the Davenport and Disney area and Haines City are ideally located for reaching major theme parks, including Walt Disney World and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and the majority have private swimming pools and a movie room! visitcentralflorida.org/stay

U-Pick Season

At Ridge Island Groves, a family run farm in Haines City, visitors can tour the citrus groves and pick their own oranges, peaches or blueberries whilst learning about the farm-to-shop process. The fruit is sorted by size and all the ‘ugly’ ones find their way to the juicer. The onsite shop sells marmalade and gifts, and visitors can buy the freshest OJ and try the best ice cream made to their secret recipes. ridgeislandgroves.com

Westgate River Ranch

At Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo guests can stay in a Luxe Teepee, a Saddle Club Rail Car (think tiny-house), or one of the new Luxe Conestoga Wagons for the ultimate ranch experience. Glamping tents, standard suites and RV’s are also available. Every Saturday guests can relive the days of the Old West with horseback riding, rodeos and singing cowboys at the River Ranch Saloon. westgateriverranch.com

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

To celebrate LEGOLAND® Florida Resort’s 10th anniversary, new attractions include a Watersports Stunt Show with Brickbeard’s buccaneer recruits, a 4D Movie adventure, a master builder experience, Lego City Models and a giant Lego cake. The party continues when families stay onsite at the new LEGOLAND Pirate Island Hotel, with nightly pirate fun and in-room treasure hunts. legoland.com/florida