Time & Location
Sep 21, 2023, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853, USA
About the event
Greetings Fellow Sharks,
Let’s get our cars out on the road for a leisurely drive along scenic roads to visit Bok Tower Gardens located in Lake Wales, FL. The founder of Bok Tower Gardens, Edward W. Bok, was born in the Netherlands in 1863. He immigrated to Brooklyn New York with his parents at the age of six. In 1889, he became editor of The Ladies Home Journal. He continued his publishing career until 1919 when he retired and devoted himself to philanthropic causes.
In 1921, he established a winter residence at Mountain Lake where he fell in love with the surrounding area, especially, Iron Mountain, the highest hill in Florida at 298 feet above sea level. In 1922, he purchased 14 acres atop Iron Mountain and hired famed landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr to turn it into a spot of beauty for all to enjoy.
At the heart of the gardens, is the “Singing Tower”. Inside the tower is the carillon which is comprised of 60 bells with a musical range of 5 octaves. The bells range in size from 22,400 pounds to the smallest weighing only 16 pounds. The bells do not swing. They are rung by clappers inside of each bell. It is played using a clavier (keyboard).
In 1970, El Retiro, a one of a kind 1932 Mediterranean-style home, considered to be one of the finest examples of Mediterranean style architecture in the Southeast, was acquired and can be toured during our visit. You can learn more about the gardens at: boktowergardens.org
Dining: The Blue Palmetto Café is in the Gardens. They offer a variety of salads, sandwiches, and wraps, along with beverages.
Full menu is available on the website.
Cost: Entry into the Gardens is $17 per adult plus an additional $7.00 per person to tour El Retiro. Payable at the gate. Lunch per menu.
Is this a club shirt event: No, wear comfortable clothes as we will be outdoors. Good walking shoes are recommended.
Bring your sports car: Yes (parking is free and is in a paved lot)
RSVP: Please respond to Judy at jumbreit@me.com by August 28th.
All participants will be given a complete itinerary for the day. This will be a full day with travel time of approximately 2 hours to reach the Gardens. We hope you will be able to join us for this road trip and fun day.
Judy and Rich
Judy - Jumbreit@me.com
941-451-4911
Rich – gruenbergc7@icloud.com
414-520-0409