The Singing Tower, across the reflection pool
The tower itself is not open to visitors (unless you're suuuuper-duper special), but everything else around it is explorable for a small fee of $10. And even though you can't go into the tower, the outside is still very much spectacular. From the reflection pool, to the brass door (which depicts the story of Creation), to the snake sundial in the back, and the gates that protect the entrance, the tower is rich with detail. The moat around it filled with Koi is a nice additional touch. You can feed the fish, as well as the swans that chill in the reflection pool.
Heart-shaped railing leads to the entrance
If you'd like to tour Pinewood Estates, an extra cost of $6 is added. We didn't quite pay the extra fee for a tour of the house, because viewing the Mediterranean architecture from the outside was good enough for us. Maybe next time we'll "splurge" and do the tour of the house. Meanwhile, I can only imagine living in that house decades ago and waking up every morning to the view of Florida from the top of Iron Mountain. Must be pretty nice. But then I can also imagine having to live there without air-conditioning or electricity in those days. Hm.
Pinewood Estates
In addition to the tower and estate house, Bok Tower Gardens also offers, well, a botanical garden filled with a variety of purty plants and flowers, various birds, and the obligatory swamp-like lake typical to Florida. You can thank Mr. Edward Bok (a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, no less) for this gorgeous gem in the middle of typically boring, flat, and swampy Florida.
Window By The Pond
After we finished exploring Bok Tower Gardens, we were curious about what other interesting things there are in the Lake Wales area. And that's when we stumbled upon Spook Hill. There is a ghost legend behind Spook Hill and you can read it in its entirety on a sign they have there.
Basically, you are to drive your car to the white line they have provided on the road, put your car in neutral, then let it roll. As it rolls backwards and down the hill, you're supposed to feel as though you're rolling upwards instead.
Supposed to.
We tried it several times, and all those times we felt like we were rolling backwards and down the hill. So we don't know if we did something wrong, but no one we know who have tried it have felt the illusion either. Prove us wrong, will you?
Our recommendation
Definitely go, but skip Spook Hill unless you're really curious and willing to feel silly.
Address
1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33884
Travel Time
1 hr to 1.5 hrs
Exploration Time
About 3 to 4 hours
What's Nearby?
- Florida Skydiving Center
- Lake Wales Arts Center
Additional Info
Bok Tower Gardens Official Site
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