OK, we normally use this blog to document our travels in the motorhome, but we thought readers might enjoy hearing of our trip to an interesting central Florida attraction. That is the National Historical Landmark Bok Tower and Gardens in Lake Wales, FL.
Built by Edward Bok and opened in 1929 the gardens cover 50 acres. The Singing Tower is 250 feet tall and is constructed of Georgia marble and coquina. The garden and tower were built as a gift to the American people and was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge.
It sits atop Iron Mountain, the highest point in central Florida. A whopping 287 feet in elevation the garden has overlooks that offer wonderful views despite the industrial nature of some of the area.
There are ponds with very large Koi or carp. You know, the really big gold fish. Most of these looked to be about eighteen inches long and could probably use going on a diet. There are little vending machines in the area that dispense a handful of pelletized fish food for a quarter and they look like they get a lot of use. The squirrels know to hang around, too.
Also impressive are the large, I mean very large, lily pads in the ponds. The smallest are the size of garbage can lids. The larger ones must be at least three feet in diameter.
The tower houses a carillon, which is played on the hour and half hour. There are longer concerts at 1PM and 3PM daily. During the summer the music is recorded, but from December through April it is played live. The original playing console is displayed in the visitor area. It does not have keys that are pressed, but many handles that are pulled down to physically ring each bell high above the carillonneur’s station. It has plenty of foot pedals, so the guy gets pretty busy. The music is impressive!
The Bok Garden has a reciprocal agreement with the Henry P. Leu Gardens here in Orlando. Since we are members at Leu Gardens admission was free at Bok Garden. We had a great time and it is well worth the drive if you are ever anywhere in central Florida.
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