Family entertainment in “excellence.”  That is Cypress Gardens.  Located midway between Orlando and Tampa the park is less than 60 minutes from both metro areas in Winter Haven. Cypress Gardens is off U.S. Highway 27 south of Interstate 4.   If you need a map.

              The address is: 6000 Cypress Gardens Blvd. Winter Haven, Fla. 33884

This is the place to spend an entire day.  The adjoining Best Western Admiral’s Inn and Convention Center    is an excellent choice to spend the night after a long stay in the Gardens.  (I recommend you ask for a room away from bar and disco area.)  The hotel is unique in that they have a five star dining area for those who are into “fine food.”  Antonio’s brings you authentic recipes straight from the heart of France, Spain and Italy. They use high quality ingredients--herbs, superb olive oils, specialty sauces, the finest fish and seafood, meats and poultry, cheeses, vegetables and fruits.  Because they begin with everything fresh, it may take a little longer in preparation This is definitely not a “fast food service.”  Their typical menu-click here.    Phone: (863) 324-5950  Toll-Free: (800) 247-2799  Fax: (863) 324-2376

The park has breath-taking gardens, fabulous shows, first class concerts with some of America’s top singers and entertainers, animals, a superb  butterfly house, an exceptionally custom designed water show that is history within itself, and rides for all ages!  The history of the gardens goes way back into the 20th century, but the complete facilities has been brought up to meet the demands of 21st century  expectations.  One will not be disappointed here!

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park is listed among 2005’s Top 50 Parks in North America.  This is the first year Cypress Gardens Adventure Park has appeared on these charts, quite a feat for the first year of operation after changing ownership and being closed for more than 18 months. Attendance surged past the initial first-year projections of 750,000 to just shy of 1.4 million guests in 2005. With activities surrounding the 70th anniversary of the park in 2006, the park expects to welcome more than 1.5 million visitors during the year.

     Butterflies from their "Butterfly House" where one can see hundreds of                                                            butterflies.

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2006 and enjoys the distinction of being Florida’s original theme park. The park features a blend of exciting new rides, five coasters, historic botanical gardens, Nature’s Way animal area, daily shows, Jubilee Junction, Splash Island water park and a quaint shopping and food village, as well as a line-up of more than 50 concerts and special events throughout the year. The park is located in Winter Haven, Florida two miles west of SR 27 on Cypress Gardens Boulevard.  For more information:  or call (863) 324-2111.    Happy Traveling.