Polk County is an under-sung Eden that's simply alluring for in-state getaways
by Chelle Koster Walton

When Central Florida's Polk County awakes from winter, it springs forth with great drama, color and fanfare. Whereas other parts of Florida may change seasons with more demure subtlety, Polk County, in the state's heartland, goes wild. Crazy beauty and flamboyance show up in natural wonders and man-made attractions throughout the area, known for its abundance of lakes and luxuriant gardens. Centrally located for all Floridians looking to celebrate the end of winter, the county has something for history buffs, nature lovers, cultural connoisseurs and families and couples alike.

With so much to choose from, it can be a challenge to figure out how to spend a precious spring getaway here. So to help, I've showcased five of my favorite ways to cut loose once the snowbirds start heading back home, leaving Florida for us residents to savor once again.

1.Trek Ten Trails

It's not too late to get in on this dynamic promotion that has families from all over the county hitting the trails as part of a group event or on their own. The program highlights 15 trails out of the more than 125 miles of scenic hiking trails throughout the county.

Polk County is prime territory for hiking, bird watching and communing with nature. Explore it through Trek Ten Trails, and you can even win prizes in the process – some of the events include geocache prizes that you can find without a GPS.

Each trail has a hidden geocache with a self-inking stamp for participants to stamp a special "passport validation card." Participants who hike at least ten of the 15 featured trails, and have the stamp to prove it, are eligible for prizes at year-end event. Validation cards are available for free from Polk Outpost 27, Central Florida’s official visitor information center (located on Highway 27, a half-mile south of Interstate 4, Exit 55).

2.Spring Training at Tiger Town

Nothing says Springtime to baseball lovers better than the Florida sunshine, a bag of peanuts and a full spring training baseball schedule. The Detroit Tigers have trained at Lakeland's Joker Marchant Stadium since the 1930s, the longest any major league baseball team has trained in one city. And it's easy to see why the Tigers and fans have been loyal to this quaint city – filled with friendly people, historic downtown area and a short drive to Tampa and Orlando attractions.

The Tiger's Spring Training schedule begins at the end of February each year, just as the orange blossoms are in full bloom. The top ticket price is right around $10, leaving plenty of money in your pocket for a hotdog and soda.

3. Admire the blooms of Bok Tower Gardens

When the azaleas are in bloom, Bok Tower Gardens’s flare up as colorfully as a parade float. The show-stealers remain aflower through most of April, when sweet-smelling, white gardenias pop from their shiny greenery and blue flag iris display ephemeral sculptures as delicate as orchids. Spider and water lilies burst with aromatherapy and Zen beauty. By May, magnolias display their majestic white blossoms like fine, oversized porcelain creations.

Nature's spring show is hard to beat in the artistic department. Yet man gives it his best shot here, where a 205-foot carillon tower arises in Gothic and Art Deco glory, sounding 60-bell recitals throughout the hills. (Yes, Polk County has hills, too!) Visit the sanctuary's museum to learn more about this 80-year-old treasure. Each spring, Bok Tower Gardens hosts the Annual Concert Under the Stars featuring the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, as they set the stage for an enchanted evening under the gardens' majestic, moss-draped oaks.

4. Soak up art at Volvo Mayfaire-by-the-Lake

In Polk County, flowers aren't all that blossom in spring. The arts come alive at a lakeside art festival that in 37 years has flourished from a homegrown community event to one of Florida's premier outdoor art festivals.

Held Mother's Day weekend each year, Volvo Mayfaire-by-the-Lake draws more than 180 artists to Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland. Local musicians, dance companies and drama troupes perform on stage while kids get their hands into art with special activities under the children's tent. The whole thing culminates Saturday night with a 5K run, fireworks and a free party at nearby Lake Mirror.

5. Indulge in Fantasy of Flight

Come springtime, butterflies, birds, bees and all things winged spell romance and adventure. Polk County's Fantasy of Flight attraction feeds high-flying fancies with hot air balloon and bi-plane rides, flight simulators, aerial demonstrations, facility tours and more.

Have lunch in the retro Compass Rose diner and then check out the collection of over 40 rare and vintage aircraft, including the legendary WWII B-26 Marauder, the B-24 Liberator and a variety of movie star planes (including the actual plane used in the Spielberg classic Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom). It's an experience that's all-around uplifting.

For more information on planning your in-state getaway to Central Florida, call 800-828-7655 or go to www.VisitCentralFlorida.org.

Chelle Koster Walton has authored nine Florida guidebooks and countless travel and food articles for national publications.