Lake Mirror, is a pretty Lake in Lakeland! It is roughly a half mile to walk round (Lakeland is roughly mid way between Orlando and Tampa and about three quarters of an hour from your holiday villa) Lake Mirror sits at the heart of Lakeland and surely adds to the attraction of this place visit. The staff at Hollis Gardens have organised a free historical tour round the lake that takes place just once a month it is best to check out their website for further details and schedules.
The Tours are led by a Docent* (volunteer guide) who is choc full of tales and knowledge on the area. She/he wears Victorian garb and carries an railroad lantern which really adds to the atmosphere. You start your tour at the top of the arches and you are lead to The Loggia where the Docent pauses to give you a slide show about the lake. You are now ready to walk round the lake and all the way your Docent will be telling you tales and sharing their historical knowledge of the people and places that encircle Mirror Lake. You will learn about The Chaqauqua Auditorium that was opened in 1912 and Thomas Jefferson's involvement in the area. Further, an iconic alligator ruled the lake during the 70s, his name was Blinky and there are lots of stories told about him.
The lake walk itself was dedicated to Francis Langford and you will discover that she was the glamorous star who was vocalist for Bob Hope. I would sure be interested in your reaction to the metal sculpture that has been installed on the banks of the lake. It is supposed to represent the spirit of the volunteer; a worthy idea, but to my mind, the garish colours employed are somewhat at odds with the serenity of the lake. It certainly divides opinions with some loving it and others finding it over the top.
The tour lasts about an hour and takes place only once a month; on the 4th tuesday. There are different starting times depending on when you visit
March starts at 6. 30 pm
May to Sep starts at 7. 30 p. m.
You need to call ahead to book your place on this tour and this is the tel number you need 863 834 2280
* A Docent in Europe means an academic appointment below a professor. Here, it has been adopted in a looser sense to cover the knowledgable volunteer guides.
The Tours are led by a Docent* (volunteer guide) who is choc full of tales and knowledge on the area. She/he wears Victorian garb and carries an railroad lantern which really adds to the atmosphere. You start your tour at the top of the arches and you are lead to The Loggia where the Docent pauses to give you a slide show about the lake. You are now ready to walk round the lake and all the way your Docent will be telling you tales and sharing their historical knowledge of the people and places that encircle Mirror Lake. You will learn about The Chaqauqua Auditorium that was opened in 1912 and Thomas Jefferson's involvement in the area. Further, an iconic alligator ruled the lake during the 70s, his name was Blinky and there are lots of stories told about him.
The lake walk itself was dedicated to Francis Langford and you will discover that she was the glamorous star who was vocalist for Bob Hope. I would sure be interested in your reaction to the metal sculpture that has been installed on the banks of the lake. It is supposed to represent the spirit of the volunteer; a worthy idea, but to my mind, the garish colours employed are somewhat at odds with the serenity of the lake. It certainly divides opinions with some loving it and others finding it over the top.
The tour lasts about an hour and takes place only once a month; on the 4th tuesday. There are different starting times depending on when you visit
March starts at 6. 30 pm
May to Sep starts at 7. 30 p. m.
You need to call ahead to book your place on this tour and this is the tel number you need 863 834 2280
* A Docent in Europe means an academic appointment below a professor. Here, it has been adopted in a looser sense to cover the knowledgable volunteer guides.