A Child's Life
The public schools of Winter Haven, Lakeland and Davenport are administered by the Polk County School Board. The Mission of Polk County Public Schools is to "ensure rigorous, relevant learning experiences that result in high achievement for students". It's a big job. Polk County is the 8th largest school district in Florida and among the 40 largest nationally. All told, Polk administers 66 elementary, 19 middle, and 17 high schools. Florida's Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) measures student achievement and school accountability. Polk consistently receives an overall grade of "B", with over half its schools receiving either an "A"or "B". Polk County far exceeds the state average in this regard.
But for any number of reasons, parents may wish to look outside the public school system when selecting an education for their child. We are lucky to have many private school alternatives. Let's look at just a handful to get a general sense of what is available. In Lakeland, Lakeland Montessori Schoolhouse is a charter school which aims to deliver the same reading, writing, and computation skills required of them in any public school curriculum, while encouraging active, self-directed learning, building a solid foundation in self-direction, interdependence, humanitarianism, and outreach to families and the community. St. Paul Lutheran School has, since 1964, delivered an academically rigorous education integrated with Christian values. It accepts children from 15 months to grade 8, and is one of over 1,000 Lutheran elementary schools associated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the second largest Lutheran denomination in the United States. St. Joseph's Academy, located in downtown Lakeland, has been a part of our landscape for over 70 years, and offers rigorous academic standards in a Catholic environment. The Catholic tradition continues on through high school at Sante Fe Catholic High School. For over 46 years, SFC has been producing future leaders, in an educational tradition based upon respect and achievement.
All Saints Academy in Winter Haven will take your child from PreK-3 right through to grade 12, in a stimulating and nurturing environment that fosters intellectual, physical, social, emotional and spiritual growth. From humble beginnings in 1966, All Saints has come to be recognized as one of Central Florida's better prep schools. For 44 years, Winter Haven Christian School has been educating children in accord with the highest ideals of the Christian spirit, instilling the values of Christ as revealed by the Holy Bible. One of the more unique institutions in the Lakeland-Winter Haven area is Lois Cowles Harrison School for the Visual and Performing Arts. Embracing creativity in all artistic disciplines, the Harrison School is a nationally recognized center of excellence.
As any kid will tell you, though, there is far more to life than just school, even if you love your school. Lakeland and Winter Haven offer kids of all ages tons of opportunity to play just about sport you can name - volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, inline hockey, swimming, soccer - the list goes on and on. And the kids don't have to be playing to be recreating; ExplorationsV is a terrific children's museum offering hands-on fun that will enrich and stretch young minds. It's the place for birthdays, field trips, family outings - it's an adventure in learning every time. And what kid doesn't love airplanes? They can come check out the coolness factor of the Florida Air Museum - whether it's a summer camp, a chance to see Howard Hughes' collection or to begin planning a career as an aviator, the Museum is a must-see!
Dining in Winter Haven and Lakeland
We like what John Walters said, to wit, "Too many people eat just to consume calories. Try dining for a change."
What's the difference? We think it has little to do with spending boatloads of money at a dauntingly exclusive restaurant, and everything to do with eating simple food, well-prepared with personal attention to detail, in agreeable company. When we have dined well, we feel like we have enjoyed the hospitality of good friends, even though we might be 5,000 miles from home. In Winter Haven and Lakeland, we are pleased to say that we offer some exceptional dining opportunities.
Everyone has heard of the virtues of a local diet - at Gary's Oyster Bar the oysters are from Florida's own Apalachicola Bay. By the dozen or by the bucket, they're a winner. Cuba has given us baseball players and the Buena Vista Social Club, but we also appreciate what MJ's Cuban Café has done for the sandwich. What they do with shredded pork, sliced ham, salami, cheese, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread is so good it just has to be sinful. One of Winter Haven's mainstays, born of a Polk County tradition of end of day gatherings, is the Sundown. Specializing in southern cuisine and southern hospitality, the Sundown is committed to new ways of presenting classic southern dishes such as low country stew, Savannah shrimp and grits, braised beef short ribs, corn crab chowder and Sundown favorites like prime rib and the best steaks. What true blue American meat lover doesn't love a steak house? At Louie Mack's the steaks are always tender, and always grilled the way you like it. That includes the option of having your steak grilled on their custom 11 foot wood burning grill or the more traditional radiant broiler. Either way, Louie Mack's has you covered.
From down home to around the world, our local cuisine has it all. An argument could be made that if you're not eating bar-b-que, you're not in the South, and at Brock's Smoke Hut they would be sure to agree. They'd also be happy to tell you that Brock's has been recognized as "One Of The Best" bar-b-que restaurants in America, but even happier to serve you some of what they do best - the choicest meat, slow smoked over hardwood and mouth-watering tender. At the other end of the spectrum, Antonio's Ristorante sets the bar high with its unique take on fusion. Marrying ingredients and techniques from around the world, Antonio's is a gourmand's delight.
Chalet Suzanne is a central Florida landmark. Born in the dark years of the 1930s, Chalet Suzanne has not only survived but flourished. A bastion of good manners, it is worth a visit if only to taste the soup that has accompanied astronauts to the moon, but we guarantee you'll find much more to your liking. Another central Florida landmark, The Terrace Hotel in Lakeland, has been refurbished and renovated to an impressively high standard. The sumptuous Terrace Grille offers a relaxed dining experience in a grand environment.
Nothing travels quite like Italian food, and Arabellas is Italian at its best. Relax in the Ave. Bar with your favorite tipple, or join the happy crowd in the dining room for classic Italian cuisine crafted from the freshest ingredients. The French may have invented the bistro, but Fresco's may just have perfected it! Combining delicious mainstays like 4 cheese macaroni or delicious paninis and wraps with fresh baked goods like scones and turnovers, Fresco's is sure to become a favorite of yours!
Coffee culture is alive and well in Lakeland and Winter Haven. Black and Brew Coffee House and Bistro is the result of Chris and Mark McArthur's vision to create a community gathering place in the heart of downtown Lakeland- a place of fellowship, art, culture, music and of course, fantastic gourmet foods and specialty coffees. It's safe to say they have more than succeeded. In Winter Haven, coffee-lovers are lucky enough to have Richard's Fine Coffee in two locations - one in the new library, the other at the airport. Hey, you won't be the first to go a long way for great coffee!
As proud as we are of our uniquely local establishments, we are also appreciative of the many fine chain restaurants that have found a place in our community. Whether it's a tried and true Big Mac, seafood from Red Lobster, a delicious sandwich from Subway, mouth-watering Italian from Carrabas or a host of alternatives, there is never a good reason to hungry!
Recreation in Lakeland and Winter Haven
Gosh, where to begin?
Lakeland, Winter Haven and Davenport lie approximately halfway between the metropolitan delights of Tampa to the west and the incomparable Disney World to the northeast. Are you a beach lover? Gulf Coast or Atlantic - either flavor is but an hour away. Perhaps you have a fondness for the noble and challenging pastime of golf -well, this is central Florida and we have an absolute cornucopia of courses from private to municipal to choose from. If you're a fisherman, you probably already know all about the lunker bass lurking in central Florida's lakes. This is the Chain of Lakes country - if it can be done with or on water, we do it. Whether it's in a kayak, canoe, sail or ski boat, we have you covered. Perhaps you feel that you've worked hard enough to relax and enjoy a beautiful climate in restful surroundings - we are littered with parks that can't help but encourage a tranquil state of mind. Come recreate yourself - we do it all the time!
Winter Haven and the whole of central Florida is very excited about the upcoming opening of Legoland Florida. Built on the site of the former Cypress Gardens, Legoland is Winter Haven and Lakeland's newest attraction, and is scheduled to open October 2011. Joining existing Legolands in Germany, Denmark, Britain and California, Legoland is designed to be especially attractive to young families. We expect to find rides of all types, but most especially rides suitable for younger children. Existing Legolands are typically built around a model village and include famous landmarks, fun-based learning centers, driving (cars, boats and balloons) areas, and such kid favorites as Land of the Vikings, Pirate Shores, Kingdom of the Pharoahs, Miniland USA , My Town, Knight's Kingdom and Land of Adventure. In keeping with the Lego theme, everything will be made or appear to be made of Lego bricks. Legoland will be a grand addition to an already rich lineup of attractions!
Disney World - just those two words are enough to make children of all ages shiver with delightful anticipation. As near to us as most people's work commute, the sights, attractions, and unique experiences of Disney never grow stale. A wonderful place for the young and the young-at-heart, we feel blessed to have such a wonderful neighbor.
The Tampa/St. Petersburg beaches are legendary for their dazzling white sand and azure blue waters. The many small holiday beach communities that comprise much of this area welcome visitors to their beaches, and are often destinations in their own right. You will never eat better, and it seems there is always a festival somewhere, celebrating music, arts and crafts, theater and film, or even pirates. As wonderful as the sea and sand might be in their own right, there is always so much more to enjoy - and it's all on our doorstep.
Any discussion of recreation in central Florida has to include golf. Over in Scotland where they did invent the game, they may try to convince you that golf is best played in a rain-swept gale or a blizzard. We think we'll take our version - our courses run the gamut from parkland to links, but luckily they all share the gentle central Florida climate. In fact, our golf is so good, we think we can re-phrase Mark Twain - golf in central Florida is a good walk, greatly enriched! There are far too many courses to list here, so let's just touch on a notable and representative handful. Willow Brook Golf Course is Winter Haven's municipally-owned course. Playing at par 72, this is a traditional track boasting mature trees, plenty of water, sand traps galore, and all the practice and hospitality amenities you need to make your experience complete. Cypresswood Golf and Country Club is a semi-private 18 hole layout designed by Ron Garl, the "Frank Lloyd Wright of golf". Spacious and elegant, golf at Cypresswood is an exercise in serenity. The private Lake Region Yacht and Country Club meanders through native oaks and pines, playing 6,562 yards from the tips for a par of 72. With more elevation than is typical for a parkland course, Lake Region golf is a delight to the senses.
In Lakeland, the semi-private The Golf Club at Bridgewater opened in 2007 and has already been celebrated by Golf Week as "One of the Top 100 Courses You Can Play". This is a golf course that rewards committed and skillful golf shots, cleverly incorporating water hazards and terrain to create a challenge golfers of all levels will enjoy. Schalamar Creek Golf boasts an 18 hole championship course and wildlife viewing without parallel. Located next door to Saddle Creek Park, you have every chance of seeing spotted herons, ibis, egrets, limpkins, moorhen, gallinules, coots, loons, anhingas, cormorants, belted kingfishers, osprey, kits, hawks and eagles, as well as a vast array of songbirds, vireos, thrushes, and flycatchers. You'll discover a whole new meaning in keeping your eye on the ball. The public Bramble Ridge Golf Course is another layout you had best be ready to share with the wildlife. Walking or driving its fairways you will share the space with bobcats, foxes, raccoons, alligators, armadillos, all without having to navigate past suburban backyards. Bramble Ridge promises to take you into unspoiled nature, but can't do anything about that slice! Cleveland Heights Golf Course is Lakeland's municipal course, and since debuting in 1925, has grown to include 27 holes, offering a classic central Florida golf experience at a cost all can afford. A golf experience so good, you'll find yourself coming back again and again!
Winter Haven is the water ski capital of the world. The history of the sport goes back a long way around here - Cypress Gardens staged its first water ski show in 1942, and the area has never looked back. The Water Ski Museum and Hall of Fame was established here in 1980, and is now a major attraction. We have more ski schools than you can shake a stick at, and more skiable water than just about anywhere. Winter Haven is notable for having been the site for the setting of some 50 water ski world records, and whether your thing is slalom, wakeboarding, or barefoot, you can do it or find someone to help you do it here.
Just about everyone likes to fish, and bass fishermen seem to have the most fun of all. And why not? Anyone who has had a decent-sized bass on the line knows the thrill of watching it walking across the water on its tail, gills flapping, water spraying -throw in Florida sunshine, our clean and accessible waters and it's a surefire recipe for big-time fun. Winter Haven's city limits alone touch or surround more than 30 lakes, and Polk County's 2,002 square miles include 554 freshwater lakes. While it can be fun to get out and explore on one's own, the surest way to get to the fish is by employing the services of an experienced, knowledgeable guide; luckily, we've got more than a few in the area.
Maybe you find yourself yearning for the open sea, and the challenges it offers. The Gulf Coast is just a short drive away, and what a spectacular resource it is. The Gulf of Mexico offers some of the best fishing for grouper, snapper, shark, barracuda, king mackerel and tuna on Earth, and you'll have no trouble choosing a captain to show you where the action is. A good place to start is here - these folks know everything about fish, Florida, and salt water!
As alluring as the salt may be, many boaters will prefer to stick to the sweetwater. Hate to harp on it, but we have 34 ? 34! ? lakes within Winter Haven city boundaries. Luckily for us, the Marine Supply the Boating Center is a wonderful local resource. Whether you're in the market for a new or used boat, require mechanical service, boat storage or rental, this family-owned business is happy to look after your needs. Within Winter Haven, Marine Supply on Lake May is centrally located, with access to excellent restaurants and other services, and of course all your boating and fishing needs.
Not all boating adventures involve engines - in fact, sometimes a kayak or canoe is just the ticket you need to get up close and personal with our spectacular wildlife. A Day Away Kayak Tours will be happy to get you started, and if you're already pretty comfortable in a kayak, you will find good outing suggestions here. Like many of the better things in life, kayaking and canoeing are best enjoyed with the like-minded. You'll find lots of clubs dedicated to furthering the kayaking experience with other enthusiasts here. But there is no need to join a club if you choose not to - with fresh water everywhere you look, and salt water so close, feel free to create your own adventure!
The City of Lakeland does a terrific job of providing its citizens with the opportunity to pursue many different sports and activities. Golf, tennis, swimming, football, basketball, triathlon, jogging paths, park facilities - the list really is too long to duplicate. Similarly, Winter Haven offers too many programs to list - perhaps you like to skateboard, play shuffleboard, lift weights or play horseshoes, make use of a multipurpose trail or simply enjoy open green space. Just do it! In Lakeland and Winter Haven, life is lived to its fullest!
Arts and Culture in Winter Haven and Lakeland
In Winter Haven and Lakeland, we enjoy beautiful weather in an unspoiled environment, close to major beaches on both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Anyone with an appreciation of natural beauty will be more than happy here. But what of the needs of the inner man or woman? As the saying goes, man does not live by bread alone. The cultural arts in all their many forms help to give our lives meaning and substance, and in Lakeland and Winter Haven we are blessed with talented individuals working in superb facilities, entertaining, informing, and amusing us. Whether your passion is music, live theater, the visual arts - you'll find it here.
The Lakeland Center combines the 10,000 seat Jenkins Arena, 2,296 seat Youkey Theatre, exhibit halls and meeting rooms under one roof. Home to the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, the Lakeland Center also plays host to touring Broadway shows such as The Wizard of Oz and The Music Man, headlining top musical acts such as Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead, and tickles funny bones with nationally renowned comedians. Subscription deals and single event ticketing guarantee you will find much to your liking.
In Winter Haven, the visual arts scene is anchored by the Ridge Art Association. Promoters and sponsors of art shows, juried exhibitions and other cultural events the RAA plays a vital role in the development of artists, young and old, in Polk County.
Theater Winter Haven is a remarkable artistic presence in our community. Over the past 40 years, TWH has become a mainstay of cultural life in central Florida. Recognized by numerous authorities as one of the best community theaters in America, every year sees TWH produce a five play Main Stage season, a two play Theater for Young People's series, a summer musical, two touring productions, and a three play reading series called StageRead. There are many commercial theaters that would kill to be so active. In Lakeland, the Lakeland Community Theatre has spent the past 25 years entertaining and engaging audiences with up to five main stage productions a year, and a Theater for Youth that annually mounts two productions. In addition, the Company presents four dramatic literary works at The Polk Museum of Art's Kent Harrison Auditorium. These pieces are much more than entertainment - in content and presentation they aim to challenge and engage their audience by redefining theater's role.
We are lucky to have in our midst the Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. Dedicated to providing an education that marries traditional academics with quality programs in artistic fields such as Dance, Music (Choral, Jazz, Piano, Symphony), Musical Theatre, Theatre, Technical Theatre, and Visual Arts, Harrison has been a bright light on the artistic horizon since 1989. Recent expansion and renovation should ensure a bright outlook for present and future generations of artists.
The Imperial Symphony Orchestra plays primarily at the Youkey Theatre in the Lakeland Center. Composed of approximately 80 community musicians, the ISO plays 5 Masterworks Concerts, 3 Outdoor Pops Concerts, 1 Family Concert and 1 fully-staged opera each season. In addition to playing at the Youkey Theatre, the ISO also performs at Florida Southern College's Branscomb Auditorium, and their hugely popular outdoor pops concerts take place in Lakeland's Lake Mirror Amphitheater, Lake Silver Amphitheater in Winter Haven and Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales. Many people would argue that the most beautiful musical instrument is the human voice, and in fulfillment of that point of view the Lakeland Choral Society has, for over 40 years, brought joyous choral music to Lakeland and Winter Haven. The Society often performs with the ISO, and has delighted audiences as far afield as Ireland and Italy.
When it comes to the visual arts, we are truly blessed. The Polk Museum of Art has dedicated itself to being a leading innovator among Florida's visual arts museums. Going from strength to strength, it now boasts eight galleries and a sculpture garden, and regularly mounts exhibitions from its own impressive permanent collection as well as hosting touring shows and mounting retrospectives. In addition, the Museum offers hands-on workshops for the entire family, often without cost. The Imperial Art Gallery and j. rowan galleries together work hard to showcase the incredible range of our diverse local talent. Arts on The Park is a community arts center and gallery located in one of the oldest buildings in Lakeland. They regularly host the Fine Arts Show and monthly Members Shows that feature local and regional artists. In addition to showing work, this is a place to come and learn - classes are offered regularly.
Finally, historically festivals and fairs have traditionally served to bring us together and celebrate our common heritage. Throughout our great country festivals dedicated to music, art, and diverse cultural and sporting activities are making a strong comeback. We are fortunate enough to have The Florida Strawberry Festival, a celebration of agriculture, commerce, industry, livestock, fine arts, horticulture, and crafts that is a piece of true Americana right in our backyard.
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