| Florida often conveys imagery of man-made | | | | in the exciting Summer Discovery Days at the |
| pleasures such as theme parks, fine dining, upscale | | | | beautiful Bok Tower Gardens. Through the hour |
| shopping malls and outlet bargain hunting. | | | | and a half long sessions, children enjoy exploring |
| However, Central Florida's Polk County also has a | | | | the scenic gardens and igniting their imaginations |
| more organic side for travelers to enjoy. The | | | | while discovering forests, castles, butterflies and |
| region's warm temperatures, beautiful scenery | | | | fairies. |
| and exotic wildlife all make a Central Florida | | | | Water Activities Abound in Polk County |
| vacation an ideal destination for tourists wishing to | | | | Known as the "Bass Capital of the World", Polk |
| experience the natural side of the Sunshine State. | | | | County has more than 550 lakes -- putting fishing |
| Land Activities To Consider On A Central Florida | | | | at the top of the list of things to do in Central |
| Vacation | | | | Florida. Lake Weohyakapka holds a national |
| Visiting some of the breathtaking and gorgeous | | | | reputation for novice and avid anglers alike looking |
| state parks is just one of the many things to do | | | | to catch a trophy-sized bass. Besides the masses |
| in Central Florida. The region boasts 37 state, | | | | of largemouth found in the vicinity, a fisherman on |
| county and community parks for tourists looking | | | | a Central Florida vacation can also reel in crappie, |
| to soak in some natural southern scenery and | | | | bluegill and catfish. Visitors should contact Florida |
| sightsee some of the area's indigenous wildlife. | | | | Fish and Wildlife offices to ensure understanding |
| Circle B-Bar Reserve, with its freshwater marshes | | | | and adherence to proper license and catch limits |
| and swamps, provides homes for waterfowl, | | | | before arriving. |
| ospreys, eagles and alligators. Polk's Nature | | | | Airboat nature cruises can also be a great way to |
| Discovery Center features indoor and outdoor | | | | enjoy the natural elements on a Central Florida |
| exhibits. Colt Creek, the state's newest park, has | | | | vacation. Scenic tours are available throughout |
| over 5,600 acres of stunning landscape for an | | | | Polk County. These expeditions can bring |
| outdoor family expedition. The Nature | | | | participants up close and personal with all the |
| Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve can | | | | wildlife (including alligators) the region has to offer. |
| satisfy the itch of naturalists who just can't resist | | | | Other Details To Consider |
| seeing a little piece of the Magic Kingdom. With | | | | Weather and time of year can both play a critical |
| 12,000 acres of wildlife and on-site staff scientists | | | | role when planning a vacation. Luckily, Polk County |
| and other resources, the preserve provides a | | | | has an average annual temperature of just over |
| perfect hybrid of spectacle and education. | | | | 72 degrees with mild winters and warm summers. |
| Tourists wishing to participate specifically in | | | | It's also important to note that the state's peak |
| bird-watching activities will certainly find plenty of | | | | season runs from December 1st through April |
| opportunity on their trip as well. Home to over | | | | 30th, although it is a beautiful destination to visit |
| 250 different species, Polk County draws | | | | year round. Armed with just a few tips and |
| bird-watching aficionados from all over the world. | | | | pointers, seeing the natural side of the Sunshine |
| The Great Florida Birding Trail provides an | | | | State can be easily achieved. With just a little |
| excellent resource for visitors looking to get up | | | | plan-ahead foresight, an entire trip itinerary can be |
| close and personal with the local feathered fowl. | | | | completely filled without including a single |
| Additionally, families with children enjoy taking part | | | | theme-park excursion. |