Page 16 - DreamScapes Magazine | Winter/Spring 2022

Enjoy
CENTRAL FLORIDA’S GREAT OUTDOORS
BY SUSAN B. BARNES
Come this winter and spring, rather
than crowds and traffic jams, you
will find wide open spaces and
plenty of great outdoor activities across
Central Florida. Here is a look at a handful
of ways to enjoy Central Florida’s seasonal offerings.
IN BLOOM
A National Historic Landmark in Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens is blooming 24/7 as over 100 varieties of camellias and hun- dreds of azaleas put on their best in show alongside nun’s orchids, irises, coral bean, Mexican flame vine, and much more. Wanderthegardens,strollalongthewet- land boardwalk, or hike one of the trails for a glimpse into what has drawn visitors there since 1929.
TRIP NOTE: You’ll quickly see why Bok Tower Gardens has been voted “Florida’s Best Garden.”
GET WILD
Aside from the 120+ migrating bird species that call Bok Tower Gardens home, antici- pate plenty of other wildlife sightings in Central Florida. Safari Wilderness brings 105 hectares of the Serengeti to Lakeland, com- plete with wetlands and grasslands. Tours can be taken in a safari vehicle, on camels, ATVs or by kayak.
For more bird action, make plans to visit Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland. The reserve’s freshwater marshes, hardwood swamps, oak hammocks, creeks and lakes provide terrific habitats for myriad species of birds, and even alligators.
PHOTO: VISIT CENTRAL FLORIDA
TRIP NOTE: Visit Circle B Bar Reserve and
COMING SOON
findoutwhyUSATodayhasnameditoneof
Besides everything that Central Florida the “Top 50 Places to See Wildlife.”
already has to offer, let’s look at what’s coming soon.
100 YEARS OF WATERSKIING
In Davenport, walk through the new USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation’s Hall of Fame. It’s a terrific introduction to the sport that celebrates 100 years this year. Afterwards, watch the pros do their thing at the gravity-defying Brickbeard’s Watersports Stunt Show at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven.
If you’re ready to try your hand—or foot—at waterskiing, check out Elite Cable Park in Auburndale. The park’s electric cable track pulls waterskiers, wakeboarders and kneeboarders around Lake Myrtle, and no experience is needed! From absolute beginners to seasoned pros, everyone is invited to catch a wave at the park.
TRIP NOTE: At Elite Cable Park lessons come with a “get up guarantee,” so there’s nothing to lose!
The world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park is scheduled to open on February 24. Located steps away from LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Peppa’s theme park is designed especially for pre-schoolers.
Finally, it is always five o’clock some- where—at least that’s what Jimmy Buffett fans say. Fortunately for them, the Cabana Club RV Resort in Polk County is being rebranded to a Camp Margaritaville RV Resort slated to open soon. DS
TRAVEL PLANNER
For more travel information on Central Florida, please visit visitcentralflorida.org.
16 DREAMSCAPES WINTER/SPRING 2022