Page 36 - DreamScapes Magazine | Spring/Summer 2022

CELEBRATE CENTRAL FLORIDA Find Your Smile in the Sun!
BY SUSAN B. BARNES
There is always something hap- pening in Central Florida, and this spring and summer are no exception. From centennial and bicenten- nial celebrations of water skiing and landscape architecture to a new theme park
and fun-filled rides, here’s a look at a handful of ways to celebrate Central Florida.
BIG CELEBRATIONS
This year marks the 100th anniversary of water skiing, and Central Florida is the place to be! Polk County, known as the Water Ski Capital of the World, is also home to the new USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foun- dation’s Hall of Fame. As year-round anniversary events and activities are hap- pening, the big show stopper will culminate in October at the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) World Water Ski Show Tournament. In the meantime, watch the Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team at free shows the third Saturday of every month on Lake Silver in Winter Haven.
Over in Lake Wales, the National Historic Landmark, Bok Tower Gardens, is joining Olmsted 200, celebrating the legacy of Fred- erick Law Olmsted, Sr., his son Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., and their firm. Considered the founder of American landscape archi- tecture, Olmsted, Sr., designed New York’s Central Park among myriad others. His son, Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps, transformed Bok Tower Gardens from a sand hill into a garden sanctuary.
PARROTS, PIGS AND PIRATES
Parrot Heads, rejoice! Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale opened earlier this year, and the Jimmy Buf- fett-inspired lifestyle has taken hold. Pull-through RV sites feature full hook-ups, a grill and fire pit, and free Wi-Fi. For an RV alternative, Cabana Cabins sleep up to six and have full kitchens, living rooms and covered porches. Check out the tiki bar and zero-entry heated pool with a water slide. The resort is dog-friendly too!
Filled with oinktastic fun, the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park has opened in Winter Haven. Designed for preschoolers, the park features six interactive rides, including Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster, Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure and Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, with themed play- grounds, and much more. Also developed with wheelchair accessibility in mind, chil- dren who use wheelchairs can wheel right into Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride. What’s more,
PHOTO: PEPPA PIG THEME PARK
the Peppa Pig Theme Park is a Certified Autism Center.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort is preparing for a pirate invasion as the new ride, Pirate River Quest, will debut this year. Set sail with LEGO pirates and help them find lost treasure that was stolen by a troop of cheeky monkeys. To hold you over until Pirate River Quest opens, channel your inner ninja with a stay in one of the 12 new LEGO NINJAGO-themed guest rooms at LEGOLAND Hotel. Starting in April, families can recharge their elemental powers, use their ninja skills and enjoy ninja sleepovers in a ninja-tastic space. DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For the latest travel information about Central Florida, please visit visitcentralflorida.org
36 DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2022