American World Traveler Spring 2020 Issue

Welcome to Polk County
Was Polk a former US president asked one of
our traveling companions? Indeed, he was.
Not ever knowing this, or that a Polk county
even existed, we would be treated to more
amazing adventures at the Safari Wilderness
Ranch, visit the fun LEGOLAND Florida
Resort, the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens and
exciting Westgate River Ranch Resort.
A visit to Safari Wilderness Ranch would bring
us real close to some beautiful free-roaming
animals, there from the comfort of an openair
bus we had the chance at feeding friendly
water buffalos and antelopes. Would like to
include Ostrich to the list but these guys were
pests, grabbing whatever they could find.
Besides the land tour we would come to the
best part of the visit, which wasn’t the camels
nor the funny looking hogs, it was the Lemurs.
Wonderful, playful little monkeys! With food in
hand, they grab you with their soft tiny palms
and gently eat the treat. Another wonderful
experience!
Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Garden Tower, what a strange name for
a tourist attraction I thought, but within minutes
of my arrival I was in love with this place
and there in the distance it was – the tower,
mystery explained. Away from everything, this
50-acre property is an architectural gardening
gem and what brought it all together was
the tall singing tower. Throughout the day you
would hear live music on its 60-bell carillon.
A peaceful and uplifting day as we strolled
past ponds and a maze of beautiful flowering
beds.
Westgate River Ranch
A destination on its own, the Westgate River
Ranch has something for every age and taste,
including quirky accommodations that range
from safari style tents to luxury tepees and
right up to full two-bedroom cabins. The highlight
of the week’s events is the Saturday
rodeo when the ranch swells to its maximum
capacity. With so many activities to choose
from, it would take a full week to participate
in them. Our day long visit would have us on
an air boat through the river front to spot
birds and alligators. This would prove another
first for me and I loved the speed, noise
and rush of air from the massive boat fan.
Another first for me was at the trap and skeet
range. Here, with the help of an instructor, we
would also find out that this is really a difficult
skill to shoot a clay pigeon in flight.
LEGOLAND
Last but certainly not least was a day spent in
LEGOLAND. This park was built on the old
Cypress Gardens grounds and the rest was
built one brick at a time, so to speak. I marvelled
at the imagination of the LEGO staff,
how they can create such works of modern art
with just little pieces of plastic. Although most
of the rides were ‘pink knuckle’, my favourite
was the Great LEGO Race with the virtual
reality option. Although the ride itself looks
tame from ground level, the actual experience
brings you into a colourful and comical landscape
and heightens all the senses. One more
wonderful first for me!
Balmoral Clubhouse
Our stay in Polk country was at the beautiful
and well-manicured gated properties at
Balmoral. Packed with creature comforts, it
was a perfect way of relaxing and rejuvenating
from the day’s events and still so close to
all the attractions, it is the perfect home away
from home, maybe even better than home!
www.visitflorida.com