Lakes Wales, Florida -- If you drive anywhere near Lake Wales, there's no doubt a magnificant tower that catches your eye -- the Bok Tower. HaydenRC recommended that Tammie Souza visit Bok Tower Gardens in Lakes Wales as she continues 'Traveling Tampa Bay' getting to know the people in the community and that landmarks that make this area special.
Here's more information on Bok Tower Gardens:
Bok Tower Gardens, a National Historic Landmark, is located 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa near Lake Wales, Florida, and is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., last admission at 5 p.m. The Visitor Center, Café and Gift Shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $3 for ages 5-12. Members and children under 5 are admitted free.
For more information contact Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales FL 33853; 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktowergardens.org.
The story behind Bok Tower Gardens is one of unprecedented historical significance. First, it is one immigrant's extraordinary gesture of gratitude to thank his adopted country for the opportunities he was given. Second, it is remarkable that this one man was able to assemble and inspire the most famed artisans of his generation to work collaboratively to create "a spot of beauty second to none in the country" that has continued to inspire visitors for generations.
Edward W. Bok, his cadre of master artisans and hundreds of laborers worked for more than seven years to design and create a living legacy for all time. For nearly 80 years, the Gardens has served as a source of personal, spiritual and cultural enrichment for more than 23 million visitors.
Bok Tower Gardens Singing Tower stands 205-feet tall and is surrounded by a 15-foot-wide moat. Its primary purpose is to serve as a visual centerpiece of the Gardens and provide a permanent home for the world-famous carillon. The Tower was designed by Milton Medary and includes an elegant and sophisticated mix of neo-Gothic and art deco features. It is crafted from coquina stone quarried in St. Augustine, Florida, as well as pink (Etowah) and gray (Creole) marble from Tate, Georgia. It is 51-feet square at the base and tapers to an octagonal shape at the 150-foot level as it reaches into the sky.
14th Annual Christmas at Pinewood Holiday Home Tour
November 28 - January 4
Santa's helpers are busy transforming the 20 room 1930s Pinewood Estate into a magical wonderland. This year's theme is "Once Upon a Time... A Storybook Christmas." Central Florida designers and volunteers have created elaborate decorations to bring beloved childhood stories to life. Room designs will include "The Night Before Christmas," "Cinderella," "Hansel and Gretel," "Snow White," "Alice in Wonderland," "Goldilocks and the Three Bears," "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Little Red Riding Hood," "Aladdin," and Tchaikovsky's fairytale ballet, "The Nutcracker."
Visitors will enter through "Candy Land" where sculptures of eight life-size 19th century American soldiers will be on display for the first time in a public setting. The whimsical soldiers play musical instruments and were handmade of copper by renowned architect, sculptor and artist Kenneth Treister who calls the group "The Electric Candy Stripped Red, White and Blue Marching Band."
Tammie has two more stops on her travels around Tampa Bay:
Thursday, November 13 -- Clearwater Firehouse, 1720 Overbrook Avenue, Clearwater. 10 Connects viewer Mike says, "Clearwater Fire Station number 51 is only four years old and decorated with a tribute to other fire station 51's around the country and the world. We call it 'Area 51' and have Marvin the Martian as our mascot."
Friday, November 14 -- Reg will join me on Friday for something a little more traditional in these parts -- a fun, tasty event I'm told I just can't miss -- Ribfest in Vinoy Park.
Come down and join her at any or all of these great locations. Also, keep those ideas coming. You can email me Tammie personally at tammies@10connects.com. Or if you'd like to know more about her, check out her bio.
Also, to see a photo gallery chronicling Tammie's travels this week, click here.
