Bok Tower Gardens
Reigning high above the Central Florida landscape – more than 200 feet high, in fact – Lake Wales’ world-famous art deco and neo-Gothic legend, Bok Tower Gardens, was a tourist attraction the day it opened in 1929. Built upon the highest elevation in peninsular Florida, guests can stroll in the shadow of the tower that houses a carillon – and instrument comprised of a series of bells played by a keyboard. Built on Iron Mountain, what was once a desolate sand hill was transformed into a 250-acre lush tropical landscape that is both a contemplative garden as well as a bird sanctuary.
Local Culture Tours
If architecture interests you, schedule a tour of the historic Wonder House in Bartow.
Lakeland Food Tours and Winter Haven Food Tours offer visitors a way to enjoy tastings from a smattering of popular local restaurants with the assistance of a local guide.
Local Artists & Art Galleries
Central Florida art galleries include traditional spaces like Lake Wales Arts Council and Polk State College Lakeland Art Gallery. Nontraditional spaces include Mitchell’s Coffee House in Lakeland–with a delicious latte that tastes just like an Almond Joy.
You can show off your own artistic skills at PicassoZ Art Café in Lakeland, where you can paint along, make your own pottery or arrange an event for any occasion.
Be sure to read about our Museums and Performing Arts scene. LKLDArts.org is also a great resource for Arts & Culture events taking place in Lakeland.
Mulberry Phosphate Museum
Home to an extensive collection of fossils, a phosphate industry gallery, old photographs and memorabilia…
Address: 101 SE 1st Street
Mulberry, FL 33860
Phone: (863) 425-2823
Fort Meade Historical Society & Museum
Housed in Fort Meade's first school building, the museum features an extensive collection of area…
Address: 1 N. Tecumseh Ave.
Fort Meade, FL 33841
Phone: (863) 285-7474
museumfm@gmail.comFlorida Southern College Festival of Fine Arts
Annual series of outstanding presentations in art, music, theatre and dance at various locations on…
Address: 111 Lake Hollingsworth Dr.
Lakeland, FL 33801
Phone: (863) 680-4111
Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre
The Silver Moon has two screens usually showing first-run movies. Each screen has a double…
Address: 4100 New Tampa Hwy.
Lakeland, FL 33815
Phone: (863) 682-0849
Silvermoondrivein@yahoo.comPicassoZ Art Café
Paint your own pottery and grab a healthy snack at this eclectic do-it-yourself art studio…
Address: 4632 Cleveland Heights Blvd.
Lakeland, FL 33813
Phone: (863) 688-6545
picassozartcafe@gmail.comFlorida Wildflower Studios
Florida Wildflower Studios features an assortment of art classes as well as lots of art…
Address: 12 E Wall St.
Frostproof, FL 33843
Phone: 863-206-9691
Painting with a Twist – Winter Haven
Unleash your creative side with Painting with a Twist.
Address: 6264 Cypress Gardens Blvd.
Winter Haven, FL 33884
Phone: (863) 875-5190
Polk State College Lakeland Art Gallery
Polk State College Lakeland Art Gallery hosts exhibits by Polk State students and faculty, as…
Address: 3425 Winter Haven Lake Road
Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: (863) 297-1050
Ritz Theatre
Restored 1925 vintage theatre is again a center of community, cultural and social activities and…
Address: 263 West Central Ave.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: (863) 937-1414
info@RitzWinterHaven.com
