Bartow

Aptly nicknamed the “City of Oaks and Azaleas,” Bartow is situated 12 miles southeast of Lakeland and 40 miles east of Tampa.

As the county seat of Polk County and its second-oldest city, Bartow is steeped in Southern culture and history, which visitors can learn about at the Polk County History Center and the circa-1892 L.B. Brown House and Museum, located near downtown Bartow. Considered an architectural masterpiece, the Victorian home built by L.B. Brown, a self-taught master carpenter and former enslaved man, is located 1.5 miles from another must-see historic home called the Wonder House, which was featured on the Netflix show “Amazing Interiors.”

When it comes to shopping and dining, downtown Bartow is the place to hunt for antiques, collectibles, and locally made goods, relax at a cozy cafe, and enjoy a meal at one of the many independent restaurants. Downtown and elsewhere in Bartow, visitors can catch fun events throughout the year like the L.B. Brown Festival in February, the Bloomin’ Arts Festival in spring, and SYFY Bartow, which celebrates all things science fiction.

Bartow is where the Peace River begins and the area is home to several nature preserves and parks. At the north side of town, anglers can set out from the Lake Hancock Boat Ramp in pursuit of bass, bluegill, and crappie on Lake Hancock, a shallow lake covering nearly 5,000 acres. The boat ramp is also where visitors can reach the Panther Point Trail for hiking and biking. Known as an excellent place to see wildlife, Circle B Bar Reserve can be found just 10 miles north of town, and Mosaic Peace River Park is about seven miles south of town.

While in the area, families of all ages will want to check out nearby attractions including LEGOLAND Florida Resort, located 15 miles from Bartow in Winter Haven.

Plan your trip at Visit Central Florida.