The 40 acre Barbara Pederson Preserve was donated in 2009 to the Green Horizon Land Trust which was…read morecreated to preserve environmentally sensitive land and open space around the Central Florida Ridge while offering education to the public. The preserve officially opened to the public on December 15, 2012. This upland forest is located on Lake Annie off the Scenic Highway. The land was purchased by the Pedersen's family in 1940 and name Lakewood. It was left mainly undeveloped except for the family home. The preserve was named in honor of Pederson family matriarch, Barbara and the family protected their land from development for 70 years. Barbara's son Jim Pederson grew up here and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology/ecology. He wanted the public to be able to perpetually enjoy his mother's nature preserve. The preserve is the remnant of an ancient long leaf pine forest that once existed along the entire length of the Lake Wales Ridge. The pines are a remnant of ancient longleaf pines that grew on the uplands in Central Florida known as the Lake Wales Ridge. This heavily wooded urban upland ridge site includes what was once a five acre former citrus grove and 35 acres of mixed longleaf pine and hardwood hammock. There is 1336 feet of frontage on the Scenic Highway and 476 feet of frontage on Lake Annie. The preserve is home to endangered plants and wildlife that include gopher tortoises, wild turkey, great horned owl, bobcat, raccoon, limpkins, marsh rabbits, northern parula, black and white warblers, and coyotes. Bald Eagles and an occasional deer have been recorded at the preserve. There are two natural earth trails in the preserve. The North Trail is a .74 mile loop that leads to Lake Annie and the second is a South Trail loop that is .37 of a mile long. I always enjoy discovering a new place to hike. The Pederson family's gift is a treasured natural resource for the plants and animals of the Lake Wales Ridge and for the people who love them.

What things aren't permitted y to be left at a loved ones grave? It seems as tho everything I leave…read morethere is gone when I return

The oldest cemetery in Bartow is Pioneer Oak Hill. It was not on city property and could not be…read moreenlarged because it was too close to downtown so in 1890 the citizens of Bartow made a deal to pay Thomas Pasco Carpenter $1.500.00 to purchase ten acres of land in order to create a city cemetery. It is believed that part of the land was already being used as an unofficial cemetery. The oldest burial may be that of John W. Towles who died in 1875. Pioneer Oak Hill only has Confederate Civil War dead but Wildwood contains people from both sides of the conflict. In the 1900's the cemetery was expanded to 40 acres. Burial of Black citizens in Wildwood began in 1975 and in 1984 the city redesigned and refurbished the cemetery grounds. This cemetery is most infamous for being the final resting place of Charlie Smith, "America's Oldest Man". According to his gravestone he was 137 years old when he died! Charlie recounted his life story during a 1978 episode of the television series Visions, titled "Charlie Smith and the Fritter Tree," According to Charlie he was born in Liberia in 1842, and at the age of 12 he was kidnapped by someone who convinced him that in America fritters grow on trees. After arriving in the United States he was sold into slavery to a Texas farmer who purchased him and named him Charlie Smith. The farmer treated him like a son and upon his death Charlie took his surname. Further adventures ensued when he joined the Union army, moved out West where he worked as a ranch hand, became a professional gambler, ran with the James Gang when they were chasing Billy the Kid, raised a family and ended up as a circus sideshow attraction. The records that have been discovered pertaining to Charlie Smith make it more likely that he was 105 when he died but don't let the truth get in the way of a good story. You can pay Charlie a visit in row 28 near the wall.

Horsespring Farm is the Best…read more After moving to Florida, I tried a bunch of things but nothing really clicked--until I found Horsespring Farm. It was my first time ever riding a horse, and from the moment I called, Marylin made me feel welcome. She was kind, helpful, and got me set up for my first ride. Since then, I've been riding there every week. It's always a fun, positive experience. The team isn't just professional--they treat you like family. Unlike other places where you feel like just another customer, Horsespring makes a real connection with you. It's more than just riding--it's a place where you belong and make friends. Horsespring Farm has the best prices I've seen, and the rides are unbeatable. It's definitely worth it. I've completely fallen in love with the horses--each one has their own unique personality. They're all great and incredibly friendly.

The friendly staff, compliant horses, and beautiful landscape make this trail ride a joy. You'll…read morepass through deep woods, along a scenic lakeshore, and down unpaved country roads at a leisurely pace. Great experience!

In March, 2011, Talbot Lewis donated a 42 acre parcel of land to the Green Horizon Land Trust. The…read moreparcel is adjacent to Orchid Springs at the edge of Winter Haven. For over 40 years Mr. Lewis collected and planted ornamental plants from throughout the state and placed them within a landscape he designed. He curated one of the largest collections of Chinese fan palms in the world. He also planted most of the other palms that grow in Central Florida. Green Horizon Land Trust opened the trails on February 23, 3013. They named this natural area the Michael V. Lewis Arboretum in honor of Talbot Lewis' son. Within the nature preserve is a 1.4 mile trail named in honor of Luther Parrott, past executive director of Green Horizons. The natural earth trail takes about 24 minutes to complete. At the trail head here is a map on a board built by the local Eagle Scouts. The trail was dry on the day I visited but during periods of rain it easily becomes muddy and flooded. The trees provide a nice shade canopy overhead and this is an easy nature walk for all ages and fitness levels.

Lake Florence Park is a pocket park located on the shore of Lake Florence. Pocket parks are…read moregenerally less than a half acre in size and can have different amenities for the public. This type of mini park arose from a desire in communities to have places for kids to play instead of another building or wasted vacant land. The 72 acre Lake Florence is a naturally made, tear shaped lake. This lake is part of Winter Haven's famous Chain of Lakes, a grouping of more than 50 lakes ranging in size from tiny to large. Twenty-four of the lakes are connected by canals making them ideal for boating, fishing, picnicking. The park appears to have made out of one of the house lots in this neighborhood. . There is a small parking lot that look like it is used for overflow parking by the neighbors. From the parking lot the land slopes down to the lake where there is a fishing pier and non motorized boat launch. The park gives a lovely view of Lake Florence where you can see native and migrating birds. The lake contains largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie making it ideal for fishing or just sitting on a bench and getting some fresh air.

We went to this park, we went for walk and the beautiful weather!! I recommend this placeread more

A gem on the Lake Mirror shoreline is the Allen Kryger Park, which is north of the Lake Mirror…read moreTower parking garage and south of Main Street in Lakeland. The park is a tribute to Allen Kryger, who was the president of Florida Flavors, one of the world's largest citrus-flavoring companies. Kryger died in 2002, and his widow, Lynn Fischer Kryger, donated funds for the park in his name. Allen Kryger Park covers approximately 1 acre. The scenic venue is a nice complement to Hollis Garden & the Barnett Family Park, all along Lake Mirror. Allen Kryger Park is intended as a social gathering place. A beautiful outdoor staircase connects Allen Kryger Park & Massachusetts Avenue to Lake Mirror. Often seen as the "bridge" that ties downtown to the Lake Mirror Promenade, the park is a great area to simply relax during your lunch break in downtown Lakeland or as a destination on the weekends.

A small square block in a space with the Polk County Justice Center on one side and the Old Polk…read moreCounty Courthouse on another, this park is a peaceful little space. The park's defining feature is the Fort Blount Monument and the ring of twelve interpretive columns that surround it. These panels walk visitors through the story of the original frontier outpost that once stood near this site and the subsequent development of Polk County. The monument and columns offer a structured narrative of the county's founding and early settlement. It's the kind of installation that rewards a patient reader, and it gives the park a museum‑like quality without losing its simplicity as a public square. Fort Blount began in 1851 when Readding Blount and his family settled along Peas Creek, joining earlier pioneers and creating a small frontier cluster that soon built a community blockhouse for protection during the Third Seminole War. The fort was never a military post, only a settler refuge, and it faded from use after 1858, though its name defined the early settlement. During the Civil War the local post office adopted the name Bartow in honor of Francis S. Bartow, and in 1867 county commissioners made that name official, retiring Fort Blount to memory. [Review 1613 of 2025 - 2190 in Florida - 25161 overall]

Fort Blount Park is a one-acre site on the northwest corner of Broadway Avenue and Main Street…read moreacross the street from the historic courthouse in downtown Bartow. In 2002 the city of Bartow had torn down some old buildings and was looking to cover this acre in asphalt. Residents wanted something better for their downtown so they launched a fund-raising effort which raised the $200,000 which paid for the columns, fountain, trees and picnic tables. Sponsors paid the 12 pillars that anchor the west side. The pillars have plaques mounted on them that recount the history of Bartow. A dedication ceremony for the park was held in 2002. This area of town was once the site of Fort Blount, built by Redding Blount along with 21 other people which included family, other settlers and slaves. The group came to the area in October 1851. They built a settler blockhouse for protection from the Seminoles who were at war with the US army who were trying to relocate them to Oklahoma. The community was named Fort Blount after the fort. Later on it was renamed Pease Creek and the name was changed to Bartow in 1867 to honor Confederate General Francis S. who died during the Battle of Bull Run. The blockhouse was abandoned as a fortification before the end of the Third Seminole War in 1858. Today the park has peaceful towering oaks. It is used to stage festivals and events in the downtown area like the Bloomin' Arts Fetival I was visiting. It was interesting to read some of plaques and learn the history of the town. More history can be learned across the street in the historic courthouse turned into a history museum. This is just a nice passive park to relax in and watch the town of Bartow go by.

What a wonderful time! My husband surprised me with reservations (SUN 4/23/17) as an early Birthday…read morepresent. Upon our early/Punctual arrival, Barb and Robert were still preparing the horses for our trail ride, so my husband and I took a little, exploratory walk around the ranch. We were able to meet several Horses and a very sweet Goat. One of the horses is Ziva... she's an absolute Lover! We returned back to the stable to meet our Horses, Dancer and Houston. Dancer was my Riding Buddy and he was a very good Boy. I Love Him. My husband was paired with Houston, a beautiful Painted and also a very good Boy. Barb and Robert assisted us with mounting and briefed us on what to expect of the trail as well as our horses disposition and preferred methods of control, i.e. DO'S/DON'TS. They were Super Nice and Funny TOO! The trail was beautiful and serene. WE HAD SOOO MUCH FUNNN!!! AND Will Definitely Return , as we are local residents. I'm so pleased to know that I can travel just a few moments down the road and feel so far removed from the hectic bustle of Disney. I Can't Wait to go Back. I even think that I'd like to be paired with Dancer again. And AGAIN! Hope you enjoyed your Birthday Barb!

Wonderful guides and horses and amazing scenery!…read more The last time I road a horse was over 30 years ago, but the patient guides and horses at II Ventures put me at ease. Dancer knew the trail well and kept up with the other horses so I could enjoy the beautiful Green Swamp and some great conversation with the owners. II Ventures would. E perfect for new and experienced riders, families, singles, young, older, or whomever wants to ride. I highly recommend!