by James Coulter
We here at Welcome, World Travelers love to discuss Walt Disney World. However, we also want to take the opportunity to promote the local attractions here in Polk County. So please enjoy this week’s column on Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.
Fall is in the air. Time to grab a pumpkin spice latte, put on a sweater, and take a stroll through the great outdoors. And what better place to experience natural Florida than at Bok Tower Gardens? Here are seven things you can fall into there for some fall weather fun.
#1: Take a Stoll with a Sip of Wine
What could be more leisurely than taking a stroll through Bok Tower Gardens on an autumn day? How about doing so with a glass of wine in your hand? You can do just that during the annual Wine Walk. With a glass in hand, sample up to 12 different wines from around the world, with wines from here in the states to as far away as South Africa or Argentina. And what goes better with wine than smooth jazz? Listen to the music play from a live band at the Terrace of The Blue Palmetto Café.
Sat., Oct. 15, 2022
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
$40 for members / $55 non-members
#2: Learn to Mix a Herbal Mocktail
Not a fan of alcohol but still want something nice and tasty to sip? No problem. Learn to mix a mocktail from natural ingredients in the Outdoor Garden. From Blackberry Thyme Oxymel and Prickly Pear Ginger Beer Mockarita, not only do these drinks have the same bold flavors of a cocktail, but they’re packed with antioxidants and other minerals and vitamins to boost your immune system and leave you feeling healthy rather than tipsy.
Sat., Oct. 8, 2022
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
$30 members / $35 non-members
#3: Assemble Your Own Air Plant Terrarium
Terrariums look great as a table centerpiece or any other decoration. They not only make your home look greener, but feel greener as well by supplying fresh air. Learn to make your own
using unique air plants at an upcoming workshop. All the materials will be provided for you. All you need to bring along—aside from the fee, of course–is your own creativity.
Sat., Oct. 22, 2022
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
$30 for members / $40 for non-members
#4: Drum Your Way to a Better you with Training
Drum circles are not just for hipsters. Drumming has been linked to better mental health by helping those connect with others through a sense of community. After all, what brings people together better than a good beat? Come and learn how you can become a better person by literally playing to the beat of your own drum.
Fri., Nov. 05, 2022 / Sat., Nov. 06, 2022
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
$350 for members/ $365 for non-members
#5: Find Peace and Tranquility with Yoga and Sound Baths
Find your center and become one with nature as you perform yoga and listen to crystal singing bowls in the gardens. Whether you’re performing chair yoga indoors or striking a sun pose outdoors, their yoga classes are the best way to find peace and tranquility in such a peaceful, tranquil environment. Or take a breath and listen to the tranquil sounds of Himalayan crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, and other such instruments.
Thurs., Oct. 20, 2022
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Thurs., Nov. 3, 2022
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
$25 members / $35 non-members
#6: Learn to Garden from a Florida Gardener
Fall may be upon us, and winter is almost around the corner–but, then again, here in Florida, it’s always spring and summer weather. There’s always time to spruce up your backyard garden. And you can learn some valuable gardening tips to gain a better green thumb even during the white of winter from an expert Florida gardener.
Wed., Oct. 5, 2022
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Wed., Nov. 2, 2022
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Free for members / $10 non-members
#7: Build a Tiny House for Tiny Fairies
Ever wanted to see fairies in your flower garden? You could always invite them there by building a home for them. The Fairyhouse Ladies, Vikki and Rhonda, can show you how through their two-day workshop. Build your own small home to attract small tenants to your backyard. Many of these fairy houses are currently on display in Hammock Hollow. Feel free to drop by and see if your little eye can spy a little person dwelling inside.
Fri., Dec. 2, 2022 / Sat., Dec. 3, 2022
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM each day.
$85 members / $95 non-members
#8: Take a Virtual Field Trip…to Space!
Ever wanted to visit space? Well, technically, you can’t. Not unless you’re a trained astronaut. However, you can take a virtual trip into space. Learn all about the daily lives of astronauts and even take a look at some of the food they eat on the space station. Learn all about it during the NASA Goddard Visitor Center presents “Living and Working in Space.”
Wed., Nov. 23, 2022
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Free with Admission