Looking for a fun one tank trip? Here is one of our favorite! A short fun 55 mile ride east of Tampa in Lake Wales you will find a lovely nature sanctuary, Bok Tower. http://www.boktower.org/ Located on the top of one of the highest points in Florida & surrounded by manicured orange groves, you will find the National Historic Landmark site, Bok Tower. The 205′ tall Carillon Bell Singing Tower was dedicated in 1929 by United States President Calvin Coolidge.. It was built by Edward Bok, Pulitzer Award Winner & publisher of Ladies Home Journal and an immigrant from the Netherlands. He built and gave the 60 brass carllon bell tower and the botanical gardens to Florida as a gift for being an American. Just as in 1929 there is an incredible 250 acres of exotic and protected botanical gardens at the base of the towering Iron Mountain. Today there is also a modern welcome center with cafe, museum, theatre & gift shop. There are Carillon Bell concerts everyday at 1 and 3 pm with live performances Saturday & Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday, so check the web site for the exact times and special performances.
The Great Brass Door and wrought iron gates on the north side of the Tower were the masterpiece of Samuel Yellin, America’s premier metalworker. The door depicts the Book of Genesis, starting with the creation of light and ending with Adam and Eve being ousted from the Garden of Eden. The iron gates leading to the Tower were hand-wrought and showcase zoomorphic figures with various expressions and wings for flight.
Buried at the base of the tower is Mr. Bok who was married had 2 sons. His wife was not buried next to him at the tower. He did have a very devoted gardener buried within site there. Humm…???? Just say n. After leaving Bok Tower the “Must Do Stop…Kinda” is Spook Hill. It is an old Florida Indian site.You will not believe your eyes! You drive down to the bottom of Spook Hill and stop & put your car in neutral. Then in total amazement your car rolls back up the hill????? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spook_Hill
*** And Who Did We Happen to See There.
On our Monday visit we ran into Tampa Bay TV and radio personality, Jack Harris, signing his newly released tell all humorous story and picture book, “Jack Harris Unwrapped” with his co-writing lovely wife, Joy Harris at the Bok Tower Information Center Entrance. A percentage of all the book sales will be donated to The Children’s Home, Inc. A best kept secret of Jack & Joy recipe from their book.
*** Curry Lime Chicken ***
1 1/2 lbs skinless boneless chicken breast
Juice of 3 limes
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tbs extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp curry powder, your choice
1 tsp salt
- Place chicken in a large re-sealable plastic bag, add the rest of the ingredients.
- Refrig for at least 4 hours or overnite.
- Preheat broiler for 10 minutes, Remove chicken from marinade.
- Place chicken on a broiler pan that has been sprayed with non stick cooking spray
- Place broiler pan 2″ from the source of heat and broil for 8-10 minutes on each side.
Serves 4 – 6