For our readers from over 16 countries who access this site monthly, this article is “international.”  Bok Gardens is a amazing place visited by people from many countries the world over each year. Historic Bok Sanctuary, located approximately 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa, near Lake Wales, Florida, is open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., last admission at 5 p.m. The award-winning Education and Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Almost always, the word “historic” is found  in association with Bok Gardens.  This  haven of peace and meditation, landscape gardens, Singing Bell Tower, hide-a-way for birds, butterflies, and other animal life, is located in central Florida.  Just 55 miles southwest of Orlando, the immense 250 acre sanctuary is Edward W. Bok’s  gift to America!  The official giving of the gift to America was 1929.  A visit to this awe-inspiring, spectacular, landmark will fill the mind and heart with tranquil, serene and placid waves of memory for years to come. 

Located on the highest elevation in Florida, this enthralling sanctuary has picture-perfect never to be forgotten views with each turn of the convenient walking trails as one moves unhurriedly among the peaceful landscape.  The ferns, palms, oaks, pines, flower and foliage showcase nature at its best.  Many of the plant species are rare, and some found only here, and no where else in the world.  There are over 126 species of birds within the acreage. 

The Belltower is a result of the memory of music from  the carillons that  Edward knew as a child in the Netherlands.  The 60 bell Taylor Carillon has bells that weigh from 16 pounds to almost 12 tons.  (A carillon is a musical instrument consisting of at least 23 cast bronze bells that are designed to be stationary, and only the clappers move.  The bells are played with a keyboard connected by wire to the clappers.  The range of sound is five octaves.)    The music one hears during the day is recording of the carillon music.  The famed and eminent architect, Milton B. Medary designed the 205 foot  tower.  The art, sculpture, and design of the prominent tower are certainly mesmerizing as the incomparable bells ring out their vintage sounds redolent of another age.

Elegance is timeless.  Here you enter a timeless realm of enchanted places that is guaranteed to give you a wondrous journey that will prove to be mystical, magical, storybook-like, and provide one of life’s most treasured moments.

The Pinewood Estate will sweep you back into the world of gilt-edged living of the “rich and famous.”  The 1930’s 20 room manor was built as a winter retreat of Bethlehem Steel executive, C. Austin Buck, and designed by the celebrated and renowned Charles Wait.  In the 70’s the historic Bok Sanctuary acquired the estate and did restoration work to the estate.

I suggest a one half day at least to visit the grounds, the museum and gift shop, and see the educational films.   For many, a never-to-be-forgotten day of meditation as one moves from sitting place (many provided along the walking trails) to sitting place to absorb the tranquil sounds, smells, and experience this “haven of rest.”

Happy Traveling