The Lake Wales Ridge is a unique geological feature that arose from an ancient beach and dune…read moresystems that stood above sea level over a million years ago. A long, narrow ridge was uplifted about 300 feet above sea level creating one of the oldest natural scrub communities in Florida. The ridge runs 150 miles from Clermont to south of Lake Placid. The Lake Wakes Ridge State Forest in a massive 27,000 acres offering hiking trails and primitive camp sites. This remote park is for seasoned hikers who like to go for miles. Conditions can be rugged, sandy, or very wet. Along the trails you might spot bears, eagles, armadillos, or endangered scrub jays as well as are and endangered plants, such as pygmy fringe tree, scrub plum and scrub-blazing star. One side of the park is around Lake Arbuckle which is a favorite destination of bass fisherman and the other side is the Avon Park Air Force Bombing Range. Access to the park is a few miles off of 27 just outside of Frostproof. The forest has three distinct tracts. The Arbuckle Tract west of Avon Park Air Force Range is the largest and most popular. The Arbuckle Trail is a 17.4 mile backpacking loop built in the 1970s by Florida Trail Association volunteers. It follows along the lakeshore for almost two miles. Here you will find the Lake Godwin picnic area and the McClean Cabin, a cow camp from the 1950's. The popular Old Cabin Nature is a one mile hike that starts at the McClean Cabin and leads around a prairie lake through wet flatwoods, scrub, and extensive cutthroat seeps. The Walk-in-the-Water tract is north and is privately managed by the Nature Conservancy. This area has the 2.5 mile Scrub Jay Loop which is the ideal place to try and spot the endangered Scrub Jay. The Prairie Tract is conservation land off SR 60 with no public access. You could explore this unique state forest for days and only see a fraction of it. I love that this large tract of land has been preserved for the plants and animals of central Florida. I hiked a little of the Walk-in-the-Water tract but most of the park is too remote for me although I would be open to further exploration with a hiking group like the Happy Hoofers.

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.

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.