Gasparilla Island/Boca Grande is a hidden gem and one of my new favorite places to visit in…read moreFlorida. You can get to both of these places through the same toll, and is just a smaller, quaint, and quieter side of the gulf shores in Florida. Very beautiful pristine and crystal clear waters from all ends of the island. $6 for Tolls and $3 for Parking Arrive anytime between 9am-3pm to check out most of the shops within the area. It is a more small and private island where many of the residents shops close early. (Island Time) This place has two light houses. One in the middle of Gasparilla and then the other at the very bottom of Boca Grande. This place is going to have beautiful sunset views from most places on the island as well!

Love this beach so much . Good place to see the sunset with your love one or friends !! Great warm…read moreweather during February . Warm ocean water, too . Wish can stay this place forever .

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to read two reviews. Read Ariel W's and especially…read moreperuse her photos. As a five-year resident of this teeny tiny town, I'll add to hers and here are my additions- * The pavilions are a big draw as they have nice big canopies for shade and sturdy picnic tables. Each has its own trash bin a few feet away. That's nice but they are fly and hornet magnets! Just sayin- * Because of the adjacent playground, birthday parties are common. Expect a bunch of rug rats to be running around. * This is a no pets park except for service animals of course. There is minimal chance you will step in something horrendous with your bare feet. * It's nicely lit at night so it's a nice place to enjoy the cool of the evening. * If you enjoy alcohol, as long as you wrap your can, you know what I mean, nobody with bother you. * This is rural Florida and everyone with half a brain knows every lake has gators! The beach is nice and if you swim during the day the chances of even seeing one is minuscule! If you decide to take a swim at night with an open wound, well, you didn't really need four appendages, did you?

Donaldson Park is located on East Main Street close to downtown. There are shady oaks, picnic…read morepavilions with tables, and a playground. During my visit there was birthday party in one of the pavilions. Donaldson Park sits on the shores of Lake Verona and there is a beach for swimming. I have always heard that if you swim in lakes in Florida you can get the brain eating Naegleria fowleri amoeba. When water gets up your nose it travels to your brain which is almost always fatal. There have been 37 reported cases in Florida since 1962. Peak times to get it are July through September. I am not sure if they test the water here or if people are just careful not to submerge their heads in the water. Although I grew up swimming in lakes in New Jersey, this is the first time I have seen a swimming beach on a Florida lake. Also noteworthy is the dinosaur skeleton on the beach. It features heavily in promotional pictures for Avon Park. The park is used by the City of Avon Park for events like the Blueberry Festival and Christmas in the Park. The beach looked inviting but I am just not sure how safe it is to swim here.

Wall Street Play Park is a 1.8 acre park in downtown Frostproof. It is located on Wall Street, the…read moremain business strip in town. The park is across the street from the Latt Maxcy Memorial Library named in honor of legendary agricultural giant, Latimer "Latt" Maxcy who controlled most of the ranch and grove land in this part of Florida for years.. The park was created in cooperation with several public, civic, and religious groups. Wall Street Play Park amenities include two tennis courts, bench swing, picnic tables, a gazebo, and a children's playground with swings, climbing structures, and slides. The base of the playground is mulch. Large trees throughout the park provide shade. This neat and well kept park is a great place to play a game of tennis, have a picnic, or take the kids to play.

1st I want to thank my friend Ariel W for providing the captivating historic account of this…read morebeautiful building - well done my friend... Mall vs Arcade - What's the difference? Most of us are familiar with the term "Mall" associated with the modern shopping venues being indoors or outdoors "Arcades" are usually designed as covered passages in which the shops are located on both side and are usually multi-storied, most are from earlier periods and all that I've had the privilege of visiting are architecturally amazing and so nostalgic. I was taken back after discovering this treasure in Lake Wales since most I've experienced are located in larger cities - downtown Cleveland, Ohio comes to mind. The Rhodesbilt Arcade is a beautiful example of the period architect and well worth a walk through, the breeze-way transcends time, if you have a few minutes to spare take a stroll through history and take a seat and daydream about what it must of been like when it first opened. For a town of less than five thousand souls when this magnificent structure was erected it must have been quite the sight and people probably traveled from miles around to see it. Renovations have preserved it so generations to come can enjoy it, just as generations from the past have...

The Rhodesbilt Arcade is a historic building in the commercial historic district of Lake Wales…read more This area of Lake Wales was built during Florida's land boom years in the 1920's. The arcade was erected between 1924 and 1926 and it stretches between Park Avenue and Stuart Avenue. The Rhodesbilt Arcade was built by Jesse T. Rhodes who was nicknamed Good for his craftsmanship and quality of work. In addition to this arcade he built many of the first homes in Lake Wales. Rhodes was born in 1833 in Indiana. He arrived in Florida in 1913 at the age of 30 with his wife Alice in hopes that the warmer climate would help with his poor health. At the time he settled into a Lake Wales, the town was only two years old. He would go on to influence much of the early architecture of the town. This building is designed in a Mediterranean style with a curved parapet, ceramic tile, and arched doorways. The arcade also has hardwood floors, antique tile, and stained glass windows. The two story building is equivalent to today's shopping malls. The interior of the building held store fronts and offices lit by high skylights. Arcades were the most popular type of commercial building in the 1920's. This one still has business and offices operating out of it today. In later years Mr. Rhodes entered the real estate business and subdivided land into commercial and residential tracts. His wife Alice was the first insurance agent in Lake Wales. Mr. Rhodes passed away in 1932 at the age of 48 but his greatest achievement The Rhodesbilt Arcade still stands in downtown Lake Wales. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

The Frostproof City Pier is a short stroll from downtown at the end of E Wall Street in front of…read moreAmerican Legion Post 95. The pier extends on to the 3,483 acre fresh water Lake Reedy which is surrounded by homes and citrus groves. The maximum depth of Lake Reedy is 28 feet. Boaters can find a launch in Lake Reedy Park. From the pier anglers can fish for large mouth bass, black crappie, black bullhead, green sunfish, and bluegill. Polk County is known as the bass capital of the world. Spring is the most popular season to fish Lake Reedy because of the spawn found when the water gets clearer. Fish that are usually deep in the water come up to search for food making them more visible. Early morning and afternoon are the best times to fish. A Florida fishing license is required to fish Lake Reedy. Even if you are not fishing the pier offers beautiful views of Lake Reedy. I enjoyed my walk down the pier on a gorgeous November morning where I delighted in seeing a Great White Egret waiting for me at the end of the pier. Water visibility isn't great but the view is still lovely. There are benches for anyone who would like to sit and linger. Next to the pier is Henderson Field with softball amenities.

I was in Frostproof for the 30 Mile Scenic Highway Yard Sale, In search of a boost of caffeine I…read morestumbled on Mister Chris' Coffee Gallery which is located in the historic Atlantic Coast Line Train Depot in downtown Frostproof. The railroad came to town in 1911 and the station was built in 1912. The railroad helped to transport citrus from farmers all across the Lake Wales Ridge. To care for this restored landmark Mister Chris roasts coffee from around the world and ships it across the Continental United States. Today the depot is in the two acre Freedom Station Park. The park is a venue that can be rented and it also stages events such as Wall Street Market in Freedom Station Park and the "Mister Chris' Community Campfire series. This unique coffee shop combines history, music, art, and coffee, all the things I love. As you sip your coffee there are six rooms to explore: Hall of History, the Brew Ha Ha, the Study, the Paris Cafe, the Music Room and the Workshop which is the brew bar, gift shop and entertainment area. The workshop is located in what was once the depot cargo area. Chris has a collection of teapots, Beatles memorabilia, train stuff related to the depot, antique furniture, albums, collectibles, art, and on and on. I put my coffee down in a table and was startled to see a fish swimming under it. I didn't realize it was a fish tank table. There are surprises around every corner. Mr. Chris is a trusting soul. Coming from South Florida I couldn't believe he leaves all of his things out for people to look through and enjoy. This is such a wonderful business. I would come here every day if I could.

Such a great place! Loved the decor and atmosphere. There was live entertainment tonight and she…read morewas pretty good. We only had a cup of coffee which was good. I look forward to returning the next time I visit Frostproof.

Tiger creek was a beautiful hiking area provide extremely well marked trial blazes and ever…read morechanging ecosystems along it's hike as well as amazing demonstrations of succession (post prescribed burn growth) in some areas. Trails can be taken in chunks or as one long loop of about 10-13 miles. I'd be sure to pick a cloudy cool day these trails would be very warm otherwise

One of the most beautiful preserves in Central Florida. Tiger Creek sits high on the ridge. Trails…read morecover rolling hills of Sandhills, Oak Hammocks and bay heads. Long and short trails provide views of rare native plants, swaths of wild flowers, and small grassy lakes. I love it here and try to make it once or twice a month to see the seasons unfold. Eagles and swallow tailed kites nest here. Both bears and panthers have been found here. Tiger Creek has a range of hikes to offer. The trails are well marked ( travel from blaze to blaze and ignore the unmarked fire access roads). It's charms are subtle but well worth a visit.

Lake Wailes Park takes it's name from Lake Wailes on whose shore it lies. The land that makes up…read moreLake Wales was first surveyed in 1879 by Sidney Irving Wailes. He changed the name of Watts Lake to Lake Wailes after himself. The city of Lake Wales was established near the lake in 1911-12 by the Lake Wales Land Company. The spelling Wales was used for the city, although the lake is still spelled Lake Wailes. The park is visually stunning. Under old oak trees dripping in Spanish moss sit picnic tables. On the north side of the lake is a boat ramp. There is a fishing pier on the west side of the lake with an observation gazebo that offers a beautiful view of the lake. The 2.5 mile Lake Wailes Trail, a lighted and paved hike/bike path winds through the park for exercise enthusiasts. It leads around the lake from the south side to Kiwanis Park on the northeast corner at N. Lake Shore Blvd. and Cephia St. It should be noted that there are no restrooms in the park. This passive park that is perfect for a stroll or a picnic lunch. It is also a great place for bird watchers. Migrating song birds can be spotted in the trees in spring and fall. Around the edge of the lake are Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds. On the shore are Least Bitterns, White Ibises, Anhingas, Florida Sandhill Cranes and winter ducks. Common Loons inhabit the area in winter. The stately trees add to the old Florida look of the area and it easy to see why Mr. Wailes fell in love with the lake and view.

Lake Wailes Park is a peaceful and older park with picnic areas and a 2.5 mile hike along the lake…read more It also has a pier, boat ramp, basketball court, play ground, soccer field and more. It is open from 7am to 7 pm daily and is dog friendly. During my visit there was a large festival going on with lots of family fun activities.

Lake Wales was founded in 1911. Crystal Lake Park has historical significance because it is the…read morespot where surveyor, A.C. Nydegger set up his camp when when platting the town. Early settlers held picnics and games on the grounds. There is an obelisk in the playground in the park dedicating it in honor of August Heckscher as "A token of his love for the children of this community" 1926. Today Crystal Lake Park is still a gathering place for the community. The city-owned park contains recreational facilities and space for picnic and barbecues. Park amenities include grills, picnic pavilion with tables, restroom, sand volleyball court, and he fenced in playground. I love all of the oak trees providing shade and dripping in Spanish moss. The children of Lake Wales have been enjoying this charming play space for generations.

The Saint Anne Shrine may be one of the most unique religious sites in Central Florida. There is a…read more100 year old shrine in the middle of a residential neighborhood that is across the street from a lake. The history of Saint Anne dates back to the 1920's when a contingent of French speaking Catholics came from Canada to Florida to escape winter. Six miles outside of Lake Wales they built a shrine to St. Anne de Beaupre, Mary's mother and the grandmother of Jesus at their winter retreat. On the south shore of Saint Anne Lake, fellow Canadian and winter resident Napoleon Pelletier helped them to build a white chapel, a towering grotto that was a replica of the site where the Virgin Mary appeared at Lourdes in France, a pedestal with a statue of Jesus Christ. and a tiered monument to Saint Theresa. A moat was added surrounding the grotto and a bridge to cross it was built out of native Florida rock. It didn't take long for the faithful to began to flocking to the shrine. One of the stories say these included French artist, Francies Marsollier and his son stricken with tuberculosis. He pledged to dedicate his life to beautifying the shrine if his son would live. As the son began to heal, Francies painted murals in the church and created sculptures for the grounds. Another story had Napolean Pelletier arriving at the lake with his son stricken with cancer and when the boy was healed by the water of the lake, Pelletier stayed and built the shrine. As word spread of the healing powers of the lake, more people came to visit the shrine including a Catholic Bishop to bless the cross Franciers made. At its height of fame, thousands of people would show up for the Feast of St. Anne on July 26th. During WWII people stopped coming. By the early 1960s, the Catholic Diocese of Orlando de-sanctified the church and tore it down. The sculptures made by Franciers were taken to other churches or lost. In the 1980's a priest attempted to sell the shrine as a housing lot but the neighbors came together to prevent the sale and saved what was left of the shrine. Today you can still see the remains of the shrine by the lake and the grotto. To find the grotto look for the white cross between houses 1233 and 1270. In the grotto area is the grave of Napolean Pelletie. The marker says Napolean was born in Canada in 1857 and he passed away on March 7, 1942. According to the marker he is credited with building and maintaining the shrine while he was alive. Based on the offerings left it looks like the shrine is still being used today. It is so peaceful and serene here. I was the only person on a weekday. If you are visiting downtown Lake Wales it is only about a 15 minute drive out to the shrine.

What do you get when you have a 100 year old mystery combining a supposedly magical healing spring,…read moreFrench Canadian Catholic tourists, rare Florida rock, the mother of Mary, a greedy priest, and a heroic neighborhood all in the middle of nowhere in Lake Wales? You get the marvelous Saint Anne Shrine. Yes, all that and so much more. I literally found this place by googling something else and kind of freaked out. How did this exist and I not know about it? I immediately made plans to go here since it was less than an hour away. Lots of people online made hints about how hard it was to find. Pish posh, not. How to find it: Follow your GPS. When you get to the lake, go to the left and start driving around, please go slowly. The Shrine is located between houses #1233 and #1270. When you see the large white signpost on the right hand lake side, slow down and park on the right. When you see the small white cross on the left, that is the field you walk through to get to the shrine. (Please do not disturb the neighbors. If you see them, please smile and wave. They are nice people.) The Shrine itself is modeled like a grotto and is devoted to Saint Anne, the mother of Mary. The legend* is, Napoleon Pelletier, a French Canadian Catholic tourist and his cancer stricken son were camping here and his son swam in the lake and the waters cured him. Napoleon named the lake after Saint Anne and brought all his friends down to build the shrine and it's church dedicated to her back in 1920. It became a very popular place amongst tourists of all kinds, but especially the Canadians. Unfortunately WWII put an end to that and the Diocese of St. Augustine de-sanctified the entire complex in the 1950s/60s and tore down the church and most of the shrine, leaving just the bits that are left. In 1981, a priest tried to sell the land to build a home (!) but was stopped by the neighborhood. *There are other legends. Behind and off to the side of Saint Anne's shrine, is a smallish shrine to Saint Therese of Lisieux, The Little Flower. Her Statue is long gone but was replaced by a statue of Mary, but I doubt anyone minds. It is quite interesting in how it was built, almost pyramid in nature with palm tree trunks backing it. Mosaics are everywhere. Lovely to see, but not all are in good shape. I'll be honest. The place does need some TLC. The local Catholic Church that is supposed to take care of it needs to do a better job. The neighbors do what they can and keep the weeds to a minimum and the grass mowed. I suspect they pick up trash as well because I did not see any at all. The Shrine is beautiful. That cannot be denied. No matter your faith, there is an air of calmness around. Lizards and butterflies abound everywhere. We saw a family of Florida Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis pratensis) calmly walking around yards and then to the small sandy area at the Lake. Bromeliads were blooming wild everywhere. If you are interested in Florida's hidden treasures, than this is an place that is a must-see. For more info https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ste_Anne_des_Lacs https://www.theledger.com/article/20150324/Lifestyle/608071694