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.
Summer may be halfway over, but there’s still plenty of summer fun to be had. If you’re looking for an affordable local day trip for the family, then Bok Tower Gardens is an ideal place to visit. Currently, they have many fun activities in store in the coming weeks. If you and the family are looking for something fun to do in the great outdoors, consider taking a trip there. Here are eight great things you can do in the remaining summer months:
#1: Visit for Free on Wawa Summer Fun Days
Did you know you can visit Bok Tower Gardens for free courtesy of Wawa? It’s true! On the first Thursday and Friday of each month from May until September, guests can enjoy free admission to Wawa Summer Fun Days. Participants must pre-register online for eligibility. Currently, most upcoming days are sold out. However, regular admission remains relatively affordable, with $15 for adults, $5 for children 5 and over, and free for children 5 and under.
Thurs., Aug. 4, 2022
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fri., Aug. 5, 2022
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thurs., Sept. 1, 2022
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 2, 2022
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
#2: Spice Up Your Summer
Nothing spices up a good meal than fresh-grown peppers. Guests can put a pep to their step through the gardens as they peruse several hundred peppers currently on display during its “Spice Up Your Summer” series. They can even learn to make spicy dishes with these peppers through cooking demonstrations in the Outdoor Garden. This Saturday, Maggie O’Halloran, Executive Director and Herbalist Educator at Florida School of Holistic Living, will be showcasing the ingredients used to make fire cider.
Sat., July 9, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$20 members/ $30 non-members
Registration required
#3: Build A Fairy House
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., Aug. 26, 2022 & Sat., Aug. 27, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
$85 members/ $95 non-members
Registration required. Must attend both days.
#4: Create A Mandala and Connect One with Nature
What can be more mesmerizing than staring into a mandala. Both creating and observing this piece of art can help one find their calm and center. Use all-natural materials in an all-natural setting as you become one with nature and create your own mandala art piece. Guests of all ages are invited to participate in this free art activity in Hammock Hollow.
Thurs., July 21, 2022
Drop In Between 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
#5: Take a Closer Look at Insects
If you look close enough, you can find many creatures big and small throughout the gardens. Bok Tower is home to countless creepy crawly creatures, and guests can have a chance to take a look at them up close and personal. Come visit Hammock Hollow and peer into the many insect bins on display for a “macro view” into the “micro world” of bugs and other insects. The display is free to view with park admission.
Thur., July 14, 2022
Drop In Between 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Sat., July 16, 2022
Drop In Between 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
#6: Make and Taste Plant-Based Ice Cream
What better way to cool off on a hot summer day than taking a lick of ice cream? And what healthy way to enjoy such a treat than making and eating a plant-based alternative? Plant-based
specialist Brittney Kieffer can show you how to make your own batch of ice cream prepared from fresh fruit and other plant-based ingredients, and all while enjoying the great outdoors in the Outdoor Kitchen.
Sat., July 30, 2022
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$10 members/$20 for Non-members
Registration required
#7: 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.
Sound Baths:
Tues., July 26, 2022
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sat., August 13, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
$25 members/ $35 non-members
Registration required
Chair Yoga:
Wed., July 20, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Wed., August 10, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Wed., August 24, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Wed., September 7, 2022
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
$10 members/ $15 non-members
Registration required
Yoga:
Sat., August 6, 2022
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Sat., August 20, 2022
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
$10 members/ $15 non-members
Registration required
#8: Take a Visit to Bok Tower
What visit to Bok Tower Gardens would be complete without visiting the eponymous tower itself? At 295 feet above sea level atop Iron Mountain, Bok Tower stands at the highest point in Polk County. While visitors cannot enter the tower itself, they are free to take an up-close and personal look at it from outside and listen to the occasional clarion concert. Not to mention they can enjoy a splendid view of the natural surroundings from high atop the precipice.
Bok Tower Gardens is located at: 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853. For more information about the Gardens and upcoming events, visit their website at: https://boktowergardens.org/
