Beautiful Bok Tower

With all the rain lately, we decided to get out of the house and enjoy something a bit different.  Bok Tower really hit the spot.  Located in a rather remote area of Lake Wales in Central Polk County, it was a picturesque place to relax and unwind.  The cost is $14 per person, although children a a bit cheaper.  We were able to use our AAA discount to knock off about $2 per person.

The welcome center is located right next to the park lot, and has a gift shop and cafe.  We did not eat at the cafe, but we brought our own picnic lunch instead.  They have plenty of tables set up outside around the cafe, and there is no eating in the actual gardens.  The welcome center has a neat little movie to watch and has several exhibits about the natural wildlife that lives in the area and the tower.

We went on a Sunday, so there was no concert, but they do play recordings of the concerts from the tower everyday and we were able to witness that.  It was extremely neat.  The kids thought the tower was pretty cool, but I think they were rather bored, because you can not enter the tower, all you can really do is walk around and admire the gardens.  They do have a really cool "Window" that allows visitors to sit inside an enclosed shed and look out at the wildlife that inhabits a pond, and the boys did enjoy that.

All in all, my husband and I really liked it, but it is definitely not for the older kids.  Babies might find it relaxing to walk around and nap, but the lack of action might be a bit too dull for most children.  This would make a great "date spot" though, if you can get away from the kids!
http://boktowergardens.reachlocal.net/

Mayfaire Art Festival

Mayfaire Art Festival is one of my favorite events.  Set for Mother's Day weekend each year, this festival includes different events for everyone.  There is the Art Festival on Saturday and Sunday, a run on Saturday, block party on Saturday night (with fireworks), and food truck event.  Set around beautiful Lake Morton, the fair is a staple for the community.  Put on by the Polk Museum of Art and various local businesses, and the majority of the events are free to enjoy, so it is worth the crowds.

I personally enjoy the art.  There is something for everyone here. Artists from all over the country are displaying their pieces.  From paintings and drawings, to ceramics, and even metal work, can be found while enjoying a leisurely stroll around the lake.  Lake Morton is also known as the "Swan Lake" as there are many different breeds of swans and ducks in the Lake enjoying the spring weather.


My husband enjoys the food.  There are tons of food trucks located through out art festival and the Saturday night block party.  The food is rather expensive if you buy it at the truck, but there are plenty of wonderful restaurants within walking distance.  Or, to save some cash, there are plenty of places to drop a blanket and enjoy a picnic.

The kids get extremely excited about the kids tent located in the Lakeland Library's parking lot.  The tent offers kids the opportunity to make their own art for free.  There are plenty of volunteers to help parents and kids turn household objects in to something fun.  This year they made paper plate swans and coffee filter sun hats.  There is a bounce house area set up directly behind the kids tent, but it is rather pricey, so we skipped it.

They also enjoy the free block party.  There is live music, dancing on the lawn at nearby Lake Mirror, and fireworks.  Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and set up a spot for your family.  There is a park here, so the little ones can expel some energy before the main event.  If you would like a cold drink, either bring your own, or headed over to the Garden Bistro (you will save yourself $3 per drink).  *There is alcohol sold and consumed at the Block Party.

The 5K takes place before the Block Party kicks off, and awards are handed out before the fireworks to runners.  There is a fee for participating in the 5K, and if you are interested, please visit their website at; http://lakelandrunnersclub.org/races/mayfaire/ 

This year's Mayfaire was amazing and we already can not wait for next year!  For more information on Mayfaire check out this website; http://polkmuseumofart.org/events/mayfaire-by-the-lake/  It is regularly updated, and includes information on past and future Mayfaires.  We hope to see you there in 2014!