Spend Time with Mother Nature on Your Next Central Florida Vacation by Jessica Roberts

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Why

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ll too often, planning the itinerary for a getaway revolves around indoor or man-‐made fun and attractions. Vacationers feel that they can commune with nature in their own backyards and instead opt for popular, manufactured fun while they are on their trip. However, anyone who's ever been on a Central Florida vacation knows firsthand that Polk County proves a major exception to this particular holiday mindset. Yes, there are a host of world-‐renowned theme parks and fun centers located just outside of Polk County that will provide endless hours of vacation thrills. However, this special Florida region also offers ample opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors while on your trip as well. With year round gorgeous weather, more than 550 lakes, extensive stretches of Mother Nature at her finest and a vast assortment of camping options available, there are countless reasons why you should make spending time outdoors a top priority when planning things to do in Central Florida.

ExFloring Cent-al Florida On Foot Central Florida’s Polk County boasts 37 nature parks and more than 25,000 acres of environmentally preserved lands, covering varying terrain and featuring unique and diverse flora and fauna. No matter what your interest or hiking skill level, you're sure to find the perfect trek that will suit everyone in your traveling party. Some of the area's most popular eco-‐friendly locales:

ExFloring Cent-al Florida

On Foot

St-eet Audubon Center Beyond serving as the Lake Region Audubon Society, this Winter Haven center provides shaded trails as well as the opportunity to view some of the area's indigenous birds. While walking through the preserve's several miles you just may spot creatures such as Grasshopper Sparrows, Carolina Wrens, Northern Cardinals and even the ever-‐revered and majestic Bald Eagle. The Street Audubon Center offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life lurking just outside its perimeters.

Circle B Bar ReserKe Once a functioning cattle ranch, Circle B Bar Reserve is home to one of the most impressive bird habitats in Central Florida and covers more than 1,200 acres and numerous trails through freshwater marsh, hardwood swamps and oak hammocks. The meandering trails along Lake Hancock provide great opportunities to observe osprey, eagles, waterfowl and alligators. Circle B Bar Reserve is also home to the Polk Nature Discovery Center which helps visitors of all ages understand the delicate ecosystem of Central Florida with indoor and outdoor classrooms and numerous exhibits.

Mosaic Peace River Park Located in Homeland, Mosaic Peace River Park delivers an up close and personal look at local forests, bird habitats and plenty of walking trails with educational exhibits throughout its 460 total acres.

ExFloring Cent-al Florida

On Foot

Lake Kissimmee State Park Nestled just outside of Lake Wales, this reserve houses and protects more than four dozen rare and/ or threatened species. In addition to possibly spotting deer, fowl and even bald eagles, Lake Kissimmee State Park also offers visitors a wide range of activities including hiking, boating and picnicking. Pack a lunch and plan on spending at least a day seeing and doing everything that this park offers.

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek State PreserKe Allen David Broussard Park in Haines City not only provides guests 8,000 acres to roam while viewing all the native birds and wildlife found here, it also sustains seven rare plant types and offers visitors six beautiful miles of trails to soak up all that Mother Nature has to offer.

Pedal Your W ay Through Cent-al Florida While st-olling on tPo feet through

Polk CountQ is a wonderf*l way to exFerience the g-eat outdoors, it's not

the only way. The region also offers an impressive range of multi-‐use paths and t-ails perfect for pedaling. Didn't pack your bike for the t-ip? Not a problem. Both LeRoy's Bikeworks and Road and Trail Bicycles offer riders an assor6Xent of rental options including road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrids. Renting a bicycle during your stay in Polk CountQ is a g-eat way to check out some of these spots:

For6 Fraser Trail This well-‐known multipurpose path begins in Bartow and stretches just under eight miles until it reaches its end in Lakeland. Make note, cyclists are offered two pedaling options; the scenic trails offers lovely scenic vistas that weave in and out of the general population. However, there is an unpaved connector trail, perfect for mountain bike enthusiasts who want to get off the beaten path and check out Circle B Bar Reserve on two wheels.

Pedal Y our W ay Through Cent-al Florida TECO Trail With a consistently flat trail grade perfect for all skill and ability levels, TECO trail, located in Auburndale, offers 5.5 miles of route beginning on Denton Avenue to Daniels Road. Looking for an even longer ride? Connect with General James A. Van Fleet State Trail's and access more than 29 miles of winding trails that traverse through pine forests and cypress swamps. While you'll have ample wildlife viewing opportunities, this route can prove remote so plan your food and, in particular, water needs accordingly.

Chain of Lakes Trail As the name implies, this route offers cyclists ample chance to peruse many of Polk County's pristine lakes. This 3.2 mile paved route proves a perfect option for rookie and veteran cyclists alike and is sure to deliver pleasant views and plenty of fresh air throughout the ride.

Loyce HarFe Park Looking for a cycling challenge? Definitely check out Loyce Harp Park. Built on old mining property, this seven mile stretch offers varying terrain and cycling encounters. If you're not afraid of getting a little dirty on an unpaved ride and are looking for a strength and endurance course to complement the scenic vistas, Loyce Harpe Park is the route for you and your travel companions.

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Via the Water

With 554 lakes within its boundaries, land activities are not the only things to do in

Cent-al Florida. One of the best ways to get water bound? Par6ake in some world renowned Florida fishing oppor6*nities that only this area can deliver. There's a reason why Central Florida is known as the "Bass Capital of the World;" the water here is (literally) swimming with them. Not only are the lakes in this region popular for sport fishing, but the Polk County phosphate pits have recently garnered attention as a bass hotspot favored by seasoned anglers as well. While the mighty bass thrive in abundance here, they aren't the only fish that has piqued the interest of rookie and avid anglers alike in Central Florida. The water here is teeming with a wide variety of species including crappie, catfish and bluegill. No matter what you're looking to reel in, chances are you'll find it during your Polk County trip.

Prefer to be on the water rather than in it? Locals and t-avelers alike will love the many facilities that offer boat rentals that provide an entirely new perspective on the many water creat*res and plant species that g-ow in abundance here. Camp Mack's River Resort offers a diverse boat selection and even offers guided tours to ensure you and your crew do not miss a thing. Other places such as Jennings Resort, Grape Hammock Fish Camp, Chain of Lakes Kayak Rentals, and Westgate River Ranch Resort run the rental gamut from kayaks to motorboats and everything in between. No matter what your speed, preference or group size (Memory Makin' Guides in Frostproof actually offers pontoon cruises) you'll find the perfect vessel to set sail in during your vacation. Best of all, the area touts enough public boat ramps to ensure maximum convenience getting in or out of the water. Copyright © 2013 Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau • 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale FL 33823 • 1-800-828-7655

Camping The Ultimate Polk CountQ Advent*re Not quite ready to let the outdoor excitement end? Fortunately, visiting Central Florida means you don't have to. Polk County offers a wide range of camping options for nonstop outdoor fun and excitement. Whether you're looking to pitch a simple tent and rough it, or would prefer a little more protection from the elements (and more access to modern conveniences) you'll find the perfect campsite situation that suits your entire traveling party. With so much to see, do and enjoy, it’s no wonder that getting outdoors tops many travelers' lists of things to do in Central Florida.

Outdoor Advent*re Resource Guide Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek State Preserve: With ample stretches of hiking trails and gorgeous scenery that provides shelter for rare creatures and plant life, Allen David Broussard delivers a distinctive natural experience. Camp Mack's River Resort: Looking for outdoor adventure? Offering activities such as nature tours, fishing and even boat and cabin rentals, Camp Mack is sure to deliver. Camp'n Aire RV Resort: A safe and friendly RV park that caters to seniors, Camp'n Aire offers a wide range of features and amenities for a fun trip. Chain Of Lakes Kayak Rentals: Located in Lake Alfred, Florida, this rental facility is dedicated to all things kayak. Half day, full day and even guided tour rates are available for a customized boating trip. Circle B Bar Reserve: Recognized by USA Today as "One of 51 Great Places to See Wildlife." Circle B Bar Reserve offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding and fishing. A must see for any outdoor enthusiast. Grape Hammock Fishing Camp: This family-‐owned facility offers guests access to a wide range of features and amenities including a public boat ramp for convenience. Jennings Resort: Offering boat rentals and a range of accommodations, Jennings Resort is the perfect place to call home during an outdoor Florida adventure. Lake Kissimmee State Park: Not only does this state reserve house and protect 50 creatures in danger or of concern, but it also offers living history demonstrations for a unique outdoor experience perfect for all ages. Memory Makin' Guides: As a full-‐time professional bass fishing service, Memory Makin' Guides has all the equipment and experience you'll need to reel in a monster. Street Audubon Center: Though surrounded by modern development and housing, the Street Audubon Center is a Polk County haven for several types of bird species and offers visitors up close sightings and educational information.