Planning A Natural Central Florida

Vacation In Polk County

Presented by the Central Florida Visitors And Convention Bureau

www.VisitCentralFlorida.Org

Saturday, June 26, 2010

A Great Area For A Natural Vacation

• Polk County has a gorgeous, organic side for naturalist travelers to enjoy while on vacation

• The region’s warm temperatures, beautiful scenery and exotic wildlife all make a Central Florida vacation an ideal destination for tourists wishing to experience the natural side of the Sunshine State

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Summer Discovery DaysAt Bok Tower Gardens

• Children’s classes running June 23 through August 4, 2010

• Explore forests, castles, butterflies and fairies

• Includes outdoor play, art projects, nature walks and more

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Consider Land Activities

• Visiting some of the breathtaking and gorgeous state parks is just one of the many exciting activities to do in Central Florida

• The region boasts 37 state, county and community parks for tourists looking to soak in some natural southern scenery and sightsee some of the area’s indigenous wildlife

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Parks And Reserves• Circle B-Bar Reserve, with its freshwater marshes and

swamps, provides homes for waterfowl, ospreys, eagles and alligators

• Colt Creek, the state’s newest park, has over 5600 acres of stunning landscapes for an outdoor family expedition

• The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve has 12,000 acres of wildlife and on-site staff scientists and other resources for a hybrid spectacle/education experience

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Bird Watching

• Home to over 250 different species, Polk County draws bird-watching aficionados from all over the world

• The Great Florida Birding Trail provides an excellent resource for visitors looking to get up close and personal with the local feathered fowl

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Fishing Opportunities• Central Florida is known as the “Bass Capital of the World”

• Polk County has over 550 lakes; putting fishing at the top of the list of things to do in Central Florida

• Lake Weohyakapka holds a national reputation for novice and avid anglers alike looking to catch a trophy-sized bass

• Besides the masses of largemouth found in the vicinity, a fisherman on a Central Florida vacation can also reel in crappie, bluegill and catfish

• Visitors should contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife offices to ensure understanding and adherence to proper license and catch limits before arriving

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Airboat Nature Cruises

• Expeditions bring participants up close and personal with all the wildlife (including alligators) the region has to offer

• Airboat nature cruises can also be a great way to enjoy the natural elements on a Central Florida vacation

• Scenic tours are available throughout Polk County

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Central Florida Weather

• Weather can play a critical role when planning the getaway

• Polk County has an annual average temperature of over 72 degrees

• January is typically the area’s coolest month with a temperature average of 61 degrees

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Time Of Year

• Budget-conscious tourists may wish to inquire about off-season price adjustments before finalizing their travel plans

• Season is always an important factor when planning

• Polk County peak season runs from December 1st through April 30th

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Final Details

• Armed with just a few tips and pointers, seeing the natural side of Central Florida can be easily achieved

• An entire trip itinerary can be completely filled without including a single theme-park excursion

• However, Central Florida vacationers wishing to enjoy some man-made pleasures as well as nature’s gifts only have about an hour to travel to reach Orlando’s Disney World and Universal Studios, and Tampa’s Busch Gardens

Saturday, June 26, 2010