When Central Florida's Polk County awakes from winter, it springs forth with great drama, color and fanfare. Whereas other parts of Florida may change seasons with more demure subtlety, Polk County, in the state's heartland, goes wild. Crazy beauty and flamboyance show up in natural wonders and man-made attractions throughout the area, known for its abundance of lakes and luxuriant gardens. Centrally located for all visitors looking to celebrate the end of winter, the county has something for history buffs, nature lovers, cultural connoisseurs and families and couples alike.

With so much to choose from, it can be a challenge to figure out how to spend a precious spring getaway here. So to help, I've showcased five of my favorite ways to cut loose.


1) Trek Ten Trails

It's not too late to get in on this dynamic promotion that has families from all over the county hitting the trails as part of a group event or on their own. The program highlights 10 trails out of the more than 125 miles of scenic hiking trails throughout the county.

Polk County is prime territory for hiking, bird watching and communing with nature. Explore it through Trek Ten Trails, and you can even win prizes in the process – some of the events include geocache prizes that you can find without a GPS.

Four events remain in the series, so plan your visit to Central Florida around these days of outdoor spirit. On April 5, Trek Ten Trails Trail Walkers will hike Saddle Creek Nature Trail; on May 3, Lake Wales Trailway; and on June 7, Lake Hollingsworth. The grand finale on September 13 takes place at the Auburndale TECO Trail. To hike the 10 trails on your own, pick up a Celebrate Nature Passport Journal at Polk Outpost 27, Central Florida's new Interactive Visitor Information Center (located on Highway 27, a half-mile south of Interstate 4, Exit 55).

Sweet-smelling, white gardenias pop from their shiny greenery and blue flag iris display ephemeral sculptures as delicate as orchids. Spider and water lilies burst with aromatherapy and Zen beauty.

2) Catch a Concert at Cypress Gardens

You probably already know that Cypress Gardens Adventure Park puts on a year-round show with its water-ski stunt-devils, Southern belles in hoop skirts like vivid blossoms, and show-off gardens. But, did you know that the park has added cool new thrill rides and a splashy water park (called, appropriately, Splash Island Water Park)?

Catch country singer Charlie Daniels at Cypress Gardens on April 19. The park regularly hosts special events, so check back frequently to see what's coming next.


3) Admire the Blooms of Historic Bok Sanctuary

When the azaleas are in bloom, Historic Bok Sanctuary's gardens flare up as colorfully as a parade float. The show-stealers remain aflower through most of April, when sweet-smelling, white gardenias pop from their shiny greenery and blue flag iris display ephemeral sculptures as delicate as orchids. Spider and water lilies burst with aromatherapy and Zen beauty. By May, magnolias display their majestic white blossoms like fine, oversized porcelain creations.

Nature's spring show is hard to beat in the artistic department. Yet man gives it his best shot here, where a 205-foot carillon tower arises in Gothic and Art Deco glory, sounding 60-bell recitals throughout the hills. (Yes, Polk County has hills, too!) Visit the sanctuary's museum to learn more about this 80-year-old treasure. On May 3, the 18th Annual Concert Under the Stars featuring the Imperial Symphony Orchestra sets the stage for an enchanted evening under the gardens' majestic, moss-draped oaks.


4) Soak up Art at Volvo Mayfaire-by-the-Lake

In Polk County, flowers aren't all that blossom in spring. The arts come alive at a lakeside art festival that in 37 years has flourished from a homegrown community event to one of Florida's premier outdoor art festivals.

Held Mother's Day weekend – May 10 and 11 this year – Volvo Mayfaire-by-the-Lake draws more than 180 artists to Lake Morton in downtown Lakeland. Local musicians, dance companies and drama troupes perform on stage while kids get their hands into art with special activities under the children's tent. The whole thing culminates Saturday night with a 5K run, fireworks and a free party at nearby Lake Mirror.


5) Indulge in Fantasy of Flight

Come springtime, butterflies, birds, bees and all things winged spell romance and adventure. Polk County's Fantasy of Flight attraction feeds high-flying fancies with hot air balloon and bi-plane rides, flight simulators, aerial demonstrations, facility tours and more.

Have lunch in the retro diner and then check out the collection of over 40 rare and vintage aircraft, including the legendary WWII B-26 Marauder, the B-24 Liberator and a variety of movie star planes (including the actual plane used in the Spielberg classic Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom). It's an experience that's all-around uplifting.

For more information on planning your in-state getaway to Central Florida, call 800-828-7655 or go to www.VisitCentralFlorida.org.