Saturday, August 2, 2014

Bok Tower Gardens


Bok Tower Gardens, located in Lake Wales, Florida, covers 157 acres, and sits on top of Iron Mountain, one of Florida's highest points (298 feet above sea level.  For Florida, this is high!).   This National Historic Landmark was begun in 1921, when Edward Bok, editor of the magazine, Ladies Home Journal, decided to create a bird sanctuary.  Mr. Bok died in 1930, and is buried at the base of the bell tower, which is located on the property.

Not only are there thousands of beautiful flowering plants, there are other interesting sites and events to see while visiting this place.  There is the bell tower, which contains 60 bells, and chimes at 1:00 and 3:00 daily.  Tours are available to see the inside of the bell tower.  The Pinewood Estate Mansion, located on the grounds, is also available to see.  There's a short 3/4 mile trail to wander down, too.  And as an added bonus, throughout the summer months, there are live orchestra and jazz concerts at 7:30 PM.

   The gardens are open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  Admission is $12.00 for adults and $3.00 for children.
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20 comments:

  1. Alex J. CavanaughAugust 2, 2014 at 5:32 PM

    The tower is really cool! Bet you can see it for a great distance.

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    1. Sherry EllisAugust 19, 2014 at 8:36 AM

      It is a cool tower. I think the trees block the view, though.

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  2. bazzaAugust 2, 2014 at 11:17 PM

    Florida seems to be quite flat! Is there still a bird sanctuary in Bok Tower Gardens?
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

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    1. Sherry EllisAugust 19, 2014 at 8:37 AM

      There are still a lot of birds that make their home there. There aren't any caged birds.

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  3. AnonymousAugust 3, 2014 at 3:07 AM

    The pictures is very telling, an awe-inspiring and striking Garden. Would love to visit, someday:)

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  4. JoanneAugust 3, 2014 at 10:09 AM

    very striking and I bet the chimes sound great tolling throughout the grounds.

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    1. Sherry EllisAugust 19, 2014 at 8:38 AM

      There was a bell tower in a Cincinnati garden, too. It was pretty cool to hear it.

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  5. L. Diane WolfeAugust 3, 2014 at 11:07 AM

    300 feet above sea level is still twice as high as where we live - LOL.

    Beautiful place. It would be wonderful to hear the bells chime while roaming the gardens.

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  6. UnknownAugust 4, 2014 at 7:16 AM

    That tower looks amazing-- and the garden sounds like a dreamland!

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  7. Elle SeesAugust 4, 2014 at 7:13 PM

    splendid!

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  8. AnonymousAugust 5, 2014 at 7:05 AM

    That tower is quite impressive. I'll definitely visit this garden if I ever get the chance to go back to Florida.

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    1. Sherry EllisAugust 19, 2014 at 8:39 AM

      There are a lot of lovely places to see in Florida.

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  9. Hilary Melton-ButcherAugust 6, 2014 at 3:31 AM

    Hi Sherry - sounds like a really interesting place to visit ... to look around and to hear the sounds - fascinating ... cheers Hilary

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  10. Blue GrumpsterAugust 6, 2014 at 10:45 AM

    I had no idea that tower existed. It looks great, as does the garden.

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