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Explore

Arts & Culture

in Central Florida

Visiting a destination usually includes exploring the Arts & Culture scene. Would you enjoy a gallery featuring local artists, historical landmarks, local tours, and museums or attending a performing arts event? If you are so inclined, we have plenty of options for you, including one of the last drive-in movie theatres in Florida – Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre in Lakeland.

Plan A Trip

Bok Tower Gardens

Reigning high above the Central Florida landscape – more than 200 feet high, in fact – Lake Wales’ world-famous art deco and neo-Gothic legend, Bok Tower Gardens, was a tourist attraction the day it opened in 1929. Built upon the highest elevation in peninsular Florida, guests can stroll in the shadow of the tower that houses a carillon – and instrument comprised of a series of bells played by a keyboard. Built on Iron Mountain, what was once a desolate sand hill was transformed into a 250-acre lush tropical landscape that is both a contemplative garden as well as a bird sanctuary.

Local Culture Tours

If architecture interests you, schedule a tour of the historic Wonder House in Bartow.

Lakeland Food Tours  and Winter Haven Food Tours offer visitors a way to enjoy tastings from a smattering of popular local restaurants with the assistance of a local guide.

Local Artists & Art Galleries

Central Florida art galleries include traditional spaces like Lake Wales Arts Council and Polk State College Lakeland Art Gallery. Nontraditional spaces include Mitchell’s Coffee House in Lakeland–with a delicious latte that tastes just like an Almond Joy.

You can show off your own artistic skills at PicassoZ Art Café in Lakeland, where you can paint along, make your own pottery or arrange an event for any occasion.LKLDarts org logo

Be sure to read about our Museums and Performing Arts scene. LKLDArts.org is also a great resource for Arts & Culture events taking place in Lakeland.

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Polk County History Center

3 women looking at citrus themed Polk County exhibits inside Polk County History Center in Bartow, FL

Housed in a 1908 courthouse, this museum showcases the history of Polk County. Galleries rotate…

Address: 100 E. Main St.
Bartow, FL 33830

Phone: (863) 534-4380

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Polk Museum of Art

Male and female looking at art hanging in gallery at Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL

Polk Museum of Art is one of the top-ten art museums in Central Florida, featuring…

Address: 800 E. Palmetto St.
Lakeland, FL 33801

Phone: (863) 688-7743 x223

LB Brown House Museum

Exterior of LB Brown House Museum and historical marker sign in Bartow, FL.

Former slave, L.B. Brown, built this house turned museum in 1892. Guided tours of the…

Address: 470 L.B. Brown Ave.
Bartow, FL 33830

Phone: (893) 944-6136

clewis1942@yahoo.com
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Florida’s Natural Grove Store

2 women shopping in citrus themed gift shop, Florida’s Natural Grove Store in Lake Wales, FL

Learn how Florida’s Natural oranges journey from crate to carton and sample the different varieties…

Address: 20205 US Highway 27 North
Lake Wales, FL 33853

Phone: (863) 676-1411

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Lake Wales Arts Council

Gallery with hanging art at Lake Wales Arts Council.

Located in a Spanish mission-style church built in 1927. Lake Wales Arts Council welcomes visitors…

Address: 1099 State Road 60 East
Lake Wales, FL 33853

Phone: (863) 676-8426

info@lw-arts.org

Mulberry Phosphate Museum

alligator skull on display at Mulberry Phosphate Museum

Home to an extensive collection of fossils, a phosphate industry gallery, old photographs and memorabilia…

Address: 101 SE 1st Street
Mulberry, FL 33860

Phone: (863) 425-2823

Winter Haven Food Tours

Central Avenue in downtown Winter Haven, FL at dusk

Visit historic locations and fun venue spaces during a 3.5-hour culinary adventure with Winter Haven…

Address:
Winter Haven, FL 33880

Phone: 863-288-0038

info@winterhavenfoodtours.com

USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Hall of Fame

USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Hall of Fame

USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame brings the history of watersports…

Address: 101 Adventure Court
Davenport, FL 33837

Phone: 863-420-2593

usa-wsf@waterskihalloffame.com

Bok Tower Gardens

Carillon Tower at Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales

Historic Bok Tower Gardens, a national historic landmark, features two hiking trails, 50 acres of…

Address: 1151 Tower Blvd.
Lake Wales, FL 33853

Phone: 863-676-1408

info@boktowergardens.org
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LEARN & DISCOVER

Bok Tower Gardens #3 in USA Today’s 10 Best Gardens List

Bok Tower Gardens #3 in USA Today’s 10 Best Gardens List

Bok Tower Gardens earned the #3 spot on the USA Today 10 Best North American Gardens list thanks to the...

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R.L. Alexander, 'Procession of the Swan Queen,' Oil on panel, 2021 Mayfaire by-the-Lake Featured Image

Mayfaire by-the-Lake Art Festival

Held on Mother's Day weekend each year, Mayfaire by-the-Lake is 2-day art festival hosted on the shores of Lake Morton.

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2 couples eating beignets at The Poor Porker in Lakeland, FL

Spend a Weekend in Lakeland

See how much fun you’ll have when plan a weekend in Lakeland, FL. Tour the world’s largest collection of Frank...

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