Central Florida has its share of theme parks, plus great dining, outdoor adventures and a relaxed vibe that “won’t leave you saying, ‘I need a vacation from my vacation’,” as Michael Hogan, Sr. Communications Specialist at Visit Central Florida tells Travelweek in this edition of Take 5.
1.Florida is such a big favourite from the Canadian travel market, with the vast majority of travel advisors selling Florida, and many advisors also specializing in Florida. For the very few who might not be aware, what destinations / highlights does Central Florida include?
“Central Florida’s Polk County offers endless destinations, attractions and highlights for Canadian travellers to enjoy during their stay in the Sunshine State.
“First of all, when our friends decide to visit us from north of the border, they will realize that when they come to Central Florida, they will enjoy an authentic Florida experience. Think of us as Florida the way that it used to be, and a vacation destination that won’t leave you saying, “I need a vacation from my vacation.” Yes, we have theme parks like other parts of Florida, but you can enjoy them at a much slower, relaxing and family-friendly pace.
“When you think of Central Florida theme parks, it has to start in Winter Haven with the LEGOLAND Florida Resort and, right next door, the world’s first Peppa Pig Theme Park. LEGOLAND offers two themed hotels, the LEGOLAND Hotel and Pirate Island Hotel, that will keep the kiddos entertained from the moment they arrive until check out. In addition, LEGOLAND also offers the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat, which is within a convenient walk of the parks.
“While LEGOLAND Florida Resort is for children of all ages, the Peppa Pig Theme Park is an attraction focused on firsts – think of a child’s first roller coaster ride, or first character experience. It’s less intimidating than giant mice. Focused on children ages 2-6, there are still plenty of things for those big brothers and sisters who aren’t too cool to play at Peppa Pig Theme Park.
“For a more relaxing experience, visit Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, an ideal cross-generation attraction that will inspire families and visitors alike. A national historic landmark, Bok features two hiking trails and 50 acres of gardens, including the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, the 20-room El Retiro Estate and – the star attraction – a 205-foot art deco and neo-Gothic Singing Tower carillon – in other words, perhaps the largest musical instrument you’ll ever see. Bok Tower Gardens has fascinated millions of Florida visitors since its opening in 1929.
“Visitors can enjoy unparalleled opportunities for artistic, cultural, personal, and spiritual enrichment when they tour the lush landscapes of the Olmsted Gardens and hear the music of the Singing Tower carillon. Bok Tower Gardens is truly a place of historic beauty and serenity. Among the rolling hills of citrus in Lake Wales, it continues to be one of the most remarkable and awe-inspiring attractions in Central Florida.
“Other highlights and destinations to see while visiting Central Florida include Safari Wilderness, the Florida Children’s Museum, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, the Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture at Florida Southern College – the largest single collection of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work in one place in the world – as well as the Ashley Gibbons Barnett Museum of Art, and Circle B Bar Reserve, one of the top nature preserves in the United States.
“When you add in Detroit Tigers Spring Training and the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, there is truly something for everyone in Central Florida.”
2. More and more travellers are vacationing with great dining as a top priority. What do you want Canadian travel advisors to know about Central Florida’s dining scene, with mention of any great gastronomy festivals you’d like to highlight?
“With culinary travel being one of the top trends in the travel industry, I like to say that the culinary scene in Central Florida’s Polk County is ‘Sneaky Awesome.’ “Like our attractions, when looking for dining options, there is absolutely no shortage of places to eat and make your palate sit up and take notice – from elite dining experiences to local ‘mom-and-pop’ joints. Of course, it goes without saying that we are incredibly proud of all of our restaurants.
“You can start with restaurants like Nineteen61 in Lakeland and Nutwood in Winter Haven. Nineteen61 was brought to life by owner and lead Chef Marcos Fernandez. The menu is full of memorable items that combine a modern Spanish style with a Latin American twist and a Southern propensity.
“At Nineteen61, they position themselves as a benchmark for Lakeland dining – a new standard that shows what is possible – what Lakeland diners should expect from their restaurants. Despite everything, including the humbling success, it has never been about monetary success. It is not about recognition or press. Instead, it is about the food, the freedom and sharing these bounties with the community.
“At Nutwood, Steven Rojas has been in the culinary industry for 20 years. Originally from Los Angeles, he brings his California cuisine approach to Winter Haven after perfecting his craft with stops across the country. He learned the classic Spanish cooking style at a three-star Michelin-rated restaurant before returning to the U.S. and eventually earning his Michelin star at only 28 years old.
“Now, as chef/owner and operator of Nutwood, Stephen brings his 20-plus years of experience running kitchens and cooking to Winter Haven. Nutwood opened in 2017 and has been awarded the Golden Spoon Award from Florida Trend magazine since then.
“Other stops on Canadian visitors’ culinary trail should be at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, where diners will get a little taste of New Orleans in Lakeland; and Harborside in Winter Haven, where in addition to the tasty seafood fare, among other delicacies, you can experience one of the most breathtaking sunsets imaginable.
“The Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market is an ideal place to enjoy many Central Florida farmers, restaurants, and food truck vendors in Lakeland’s beautiful Munn Park every Saturday from September through May.
“Also take note: Central Florida’s Polk County is known for its citrus farms and barbeque. Canadians should take advantage of the authentic Florida experience of walking through a citrus orchard and picking their own Florida oranges at many farms, including the family-owned Ridge Island Groves in Haines City.
“And when you think of barbeque, it all starts with Central Florida and Polk County – the home of the Triple Crown of Barbeque in the state of Florida. Get ready to roll up the sleeves and put the bib on because the Triple Crown kicks off with Pig Fest (Jan. 24-25) in Lakeland, followed by Grills Gone Wild (Feb. 7-8) in Davenport and Ribs on the Ridge (Feb. 14-15) in Haines City. Other must-stop barbecue haunts include Peebles BBQ and Brack Shack in Auburndale, and Cooters Smokehouse in Davenport.”
3. Travel is increasingly inclusive and that’s always a step in the right direction. What can you tell us about Central Florida’s attractions with Autism Certification, and why is this so important?
“Attractions in Central Florida’s Polk County have become leaders in inclusive travel with Autism Certification. This initiative ensures attractions and venues are welcoming and accessible to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families and that they, too, have memorable experiences.
“Among the leaders in this initiative locally are LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Peppa Pig Theme Park, Bok Tower Gardens, and the Florida Children’s Museum.
“LEGOLAND Florida Resort and Peppa Pig Theme Park have partnered with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC) across the theme parks, water park and three on-site hotels.
“IBCCES has worked with the resort to conduct a staff-wide autism sensitivity and awareness training. In addition, they have conducted an in-depth review of the resort to help develop detailed Sensory Guides. These guides are comprehensive planning tools that provide insight into how each attraction may affect each of the five senses and are available in the park and on the LEGOLAND website to download.
“Bok Tower Gardens also has areas that are welcoming to individuals on the spectrum, while the Florida Children’s Museum works in partnership with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (C.A.R.D.) at the University of South Florida to ensure that it is Autism-Friendly.
“In addition, The Visit Central Florida Welcome Center is now a Certified Autism Center by the IBCCES.”
4. Most travel industry professionals know Central Florida for its many attractions, but they may not realize the opportunity for outdoor adventure the region offers as well. Can you tell us more?
“When most people think of Florida and recreation, what comes to mind first is usually the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. However, you won’t find either in Central Florida’s Polk County, although both are within a 90-minute drive.
“What you will find are 554 lakes in Polk County, many of them connected by canals, which creates the Chain of Lakes – both a northern chain and a southern chain – that our Canadian friends can take advantage of.
“Polk County is known as the ‘Largemouth Bass Fishing Capital of the World’, so outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of Central Florida’s vibrant fishing opportunities during their visits.
“Polk County can also provide skiing for our Canadian guests, albeit not on snow but on water. Known as ‘The Water Ski Capital of the World’, a trip to a lake in Winter Haven often features beginners learning the craft behind the boat while, a short distance away, expert skiers show their pinpoint precision and daring jumps.
“Guests can also enjoy skimming across the water in a more relaxed fashion, enjoying the wildlife and beautiful Central Florida lakes and lakeshore on pontoon boats from many different captains, like Rue Denton and his Living Water Pontoon Boat Cruises in Winter Haven.
“Or, add a little more zest with a classic Florida airboat ride at the Grape Hammock Fishing Camp in Lake Wales.”
“Central Florida’s Polk County also boasts one of the top collections of golf courses in the United States – over 40 public courses and over 630 holes to play – and golfers of all abilities should have no problem finding course options to suit their game.
“These courses are highlighted by Streamsong Resort, Southern Dunes Golf & Country Club, and The Club at Eagle Brooke.
“Situated amid thousands of acres of scenery and hushed seclusion in Central Florida, Streamsong is a one-of-a-kind golf destination. Here you will experience the only place in the world with original golf course designs by Coore/Crenshaw, Doak, and Hanse/Wagner in the same location and all in the Top 30 in the U.S. along with a modern lakeside lodge, luxurious accommodations, outstanding dining, a relaxing spa, and outdoor adventures unmatched in Florida.”
5. How is Central Florida connecting with Canadian travel advisors, and how can they get more info on this very popular part of Florida?
“In addition to making a significant investment in expanding our footprint in Canada from a media standpoint, I, along with our TM Americas representative based in Toronto, Juanita Ariza Gomez, Visit Central Florida (VCF), have looked to connect with Canadian travel advisors in a few ways that will expand our reach into the Canadian market in the coming months.
“The VCF team recently added Dan Barto to handle domestic travel, which has allowed Christopher Follenus to shift his primary focus to international travel. With these new concentrations, Christopher can attend Canadian travel trade shows and conduct targeted sales missions that may have previously conflicted with U.S. domestic shows.
“However, our biggest win came in October 2024 with the launch of the ‘Central Florida Tourism Institute,’ our new destination education and training program for travel advisors.
“The free Central Florida Tourism Institute, which takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, consists of the following …
- Two foundational chapters
- A VCF partner directory for quick reference
- Learn, promote, and sell Central Florida on the go
- A Certificate of Completion
- Ready-made sales presentations
- Insider tips and regular promotions
- Courses offered in three languages (English, Spanish and Portuguese)
- Regular updates through the platform and by email
“Graduates will receive these exclusive upgraded benefits upon completion …
- A graduation gift pack available at the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center
- A complimentary one-day LEGOLAND Theme Park ticket in Winter Haven
- Two complimentary tickets to Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales
- One free pass to the incredible Florida Children’s Museum in Lakeland
- Free soft serve ‘Orange Dream’ ice cream cone at Ridge Island Groves in Haines City
- Discount stays at the award-winning Courtyard by Marriott Winter Haven
- 20% off your entire purchase at Purely Polk Marketplace inside the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center
“Travel advisors can join the Central Florida Tourism Institute and get the tools, support, and resources they need to increase bookings to the ‘REAL Florida Magic!’ by visiting centralfloridatourisminstitute.com or downloading the free ‘Central FL Tourism Institute’ app, available in both the App Store and Google Play.
“Our sales team can be reached at their respective email addresses, dan@visitcentralflorida.org, and christopher@visitcentralflorida.org, for inquiries and assistance.”
For more information about planning a Central Florida vacation for clients see VisitCentralFlorida.org. To join the Central Florida Tourism Institute go to centralfloridatourisminstitute.com.
