Heritage Highlights

Want to brag that you've seen the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in the world? If so, follow U.S. 98/S.R. 37 south from I-4 into Lakeland, then turn east on Lake Hollingsworth Drive to Florida Southern College. The "Child of the Sun" Visitor Center, on Johnson Ave., on campus provides walking tour brochures as well as a display depicting Wright's relationship with the college where nearly a dozen of his buildings are located. Hours: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Tue. - Fri.; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sat.; 2 - 4 p.m., Sun. Call (863) 680-4111 for information.

Perhaps you've seen that plane by the road enroute between Tampa and Orlando on I-4. It's at The Fantasy of Flight, 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E. in Polk City (off Exit #44), where your imagination will soar with flight simulators, reenactments and many rare and vintage aircraft. See rare aircraft take off daily and go behind the scenes of this working restoration facility. Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily. Call (863) 984-3500.


Nature Trek

Florida's first theme park, Cypress Gardens on State Rd. 540 in Winter Haven, opened in 1936. Dick Pope capitalized on Florida's terrarium-like humidity and tropical climate with a paradise of exotic plants of all shapes and sizes. Today the park boasts a variety of shows, rides and exhibits among a colorful backdrop of more than 8,000 different plants and flowers and 200 acres of horticulture artistry. There are also seasonal lighting festivals, a butterfly conservatory, and a wildlife area - so plan to spend a whole afternoon or evening. Open 10 a.m., daily; Closing time varies, so call (863) 324-2111 for details.

Birdwatchers flock to the Street Audubon Nature Center, 115 Lameraux Rd., in southeastern Winter Haven to see osprey, great blue herons, eagles and many other species of birds. There are miles of winding nature trails to hike and a boardwalk along the edge of Lake Ned. Open Dawn - dusk, 365 days-per-year, closed holidays. Call (863) 324-7304 for information.


Culture Quest

At 298 feet above sea level on the highest hill of the Lake Wales Ridge off U.S. 27, the Historic Bok Sanctuary, 1151 Tower Blvd., offers a place of serene beauty that provides "a spot of beauty second to none in the country." A National Historic Landmark, the lush landscape of the Olmstead gardens, the majesty and music of the 60-bell carillon tower and the splendor of the estate creates a hilltop sanctuary that enriches and inspires. The gardens also provide a refuge for friendly squirrels and more than 100 species of birds. Open 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., daily. Call (863) 676-1408.