Bok Tower Gardens

For a quiet day out away from the hustle and bustle of the Parks you can do no better than visit Bok Tower Gardens – situated at the highest point in Florida, just under 92 metres. It is situated at Lake Wales, on highway 27. From the 192 you travel south for about 30 miles, then at the second set of traffic lights after Eagle Ridge Mall you turn left onto Mountain Lake Cut Off Road, and follow the signs.

Created in the 1920s by Edward Bok. He had earned his money and reputation by becoming the Editor of the Women’s Journal and writing many books He had spent many winters in the area and eventually decided to create the gardens, together with a bird sanctuary so that he favorite place was preserved for all time. The highlight of the Gardens is the 205 ft high Tower – a beauty of pink marble with an eye catching door of guilded bronze. This was the spot that he used to walk to in the evening to enjoy the sunset.

The last time we visited, the first thing we watched was the informative video, which gives you a very good idea of what you are about to see. We then joined a conducted tour of the gardens. Our guide was a very knowledgeable volunteer who not only told us about the history of the gardens but also about how many of the plants came to be planted in the gardens. It was an extremely enlightening hour. The tour finished at the pond where you see the reflection of the splendid Tower, known as “The Singing Tower”, which houses a carillon of bells. On the hour there is always a short peel of bells but at 12noon and 3pm there is a live recital, which you can watch on the video link. You can then meet the performer afterwards.

After a quick lunch at the very welcoming café we decided to visit Pinewood House. Although built by an Ernest Buck, it has now become part of the Bok Tower Estate. Again, you are taken round by another very enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteer. The tour lasts about one hour and where the volunteer found her energy from I do not know. It was her third tour on the trot that day.

Beside these two tours there are walks to be enjoyed around the estate, there is a hide, known as “Window by the Pond” where you can observe the birds around a lake.

All in all a very relaxing day.