Seniors Spend Time In Lake Wales

Lake Wales  was surveyed in 1879 by Sidney Irving Wailes, who changed the name of a lake, then known as Watts Lake, to Lake Wailes. Seniors learn that Lake Wales was founded near this lake in 1911-12.

A railroad was built by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1925. It joined the cities of Haines and Everglades, and a depot was established at Lake Wales. Today Lake Wales, Florida offers virtually endless opportunities for seniors to enjoy the natural beauty of the great outdoors.

Lake Wales has a long history. Its first inhabitants were attracted to the area for its bounty of fish, game and natural vegetation used for food and medicine. Native Americans found the area ideally suited to farming, hunting and fishing, and later for trading with their new neighbors from the north and west.

 Great Trail For Senior Hikers And Bikers

Senior travelers will find Lake Wales 53 miles east of Tampa. Lake Wales is located in the rolling hills of Polk County. It has numerous antique shops and art galleries. Seniors who like hiking and biking would enjoy an excellent 2.25 mile long trail that runs along the shores of Lake Wales.

The city also has a large area dedicated to athletic fields and public parks. The popular activities for the locals and visitors alike include boating, fishing, camping, picnicking and bird watching. Grassy Lake Preserve is a 185 acre preserve primarily made up of Lake Wales Ridge scrub land.

Lake Wales is known as  the “Crown Jewel of the Ridge.” Voted “the friendliest small town in Florida,” senior visitors can enjoy its unique history and architecture, environmental, cultural and recreational attractions, charming shops and restaurants.

 Seniors Check Out Spook Hill

Although the early city planners of Lake Wales could not have foreseen the tremendous growth Florida would see in the area’s first 60 years, the forefathers had the vision to create a community design that still works well today.

TripAdvisor likes Bok Tower Gardens, a National Historic Landmark complete with a  contemplative garden and bird sanctuary. It consists of a 250-acre garden, the 205-foot tall Singing Tower with its carillon bells, Pine Ridge Trail, Pinewood Estate, and a visitor center.

Seniors can enjoy strolling  or biking around beautiful Lake Wailes or contemplating the mystery of popular Spook Hill, a gravity hill, and an optical illusion where cars appear to roll up the spooky hill.

Take in a rodeo on Saturday evening at Westgate River Ranch. Enjoy a play at the Lake Wales Little Theatre, a concert or art show at the Lake Wales Arts Center. Tour the shops and historic architecture in downtown Lake Wales.

Senior travelers, enjoy Lake Wales  -jeb