Bartow, a little place between Tampa and Orlanda in Florida is called the “City of Oaks and Azaleas”. It is also informally called “Tow” by several locals and is a gentle, relaxing, and historic escape. It is a land of lakes, trees, friendly locals, and historic sites. It was founded in 1951 as Fort Blount then renamed in honor of Francis S. Bartow. He was the first brigade commander in the American Civil War. Bartow is also known for its annual Bloomin’ Arts Festival during March. There are events every month such as Bartow Antique Fair and Bartow’s First Friday. You will see antiques and collectibles vendors along the main street during the Antique Fair. There will be music, food, games, and local vendors as well. You will surely enjoy these activities since the weather is typically sunny. In Bartow, there are tons of leisure activities and attractive settings you can visit. Do not forget to check this list for the best things to do in Bartow, Florida.
1. Experience diverse culture at African American Heritage Museum
On Friday, February 19th, 2016, the Museum will be holding its grand re-opening at our new location at 585 E. Summerlin...
Posted by African American Heritage Museum on Monday, 1 February 2016
The African American Heritage Museum is a place where visitors can learn about the experience of an African American descent in Central Florida. Aside from that, it shows how black Americans helped shape the history of Florida. The museum’s mission is to educate people of all races and culture to value the contributions of African Americans. The museum is a place where anyone can learn about the experiences of the black ancestors. In the museum you will see artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the life, slavery, segregation, education, and military service of the black Americans. When you leave the museum, you will have a new and better outlook on the life of our ancestors. Admission is free in the museum.
African American Heritage Museum
Address: 585 E Summerlin St., Bartow, Florida
Website: African American Heritage Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
2. Spend some family time at Mary Holland Park
Mary Holland Park is the ideal place to have a picnic with the family. It is a very wide park and has a refreshing atmosphere since it is also lain with trees. There are picnic tables and grills provided for families to enjoy the whole park experience. You can bring your own food and prepare it in the park. There are also clean restrooms situated around the area. For children, there are playgrounds and skate parks where they can run around and play. You can simply walk around and enjoy nature at its best.
Mary Holland Park
Address: 2015 Shumate Dr, Bartow, FL 33830, USA
Website: Mary Holland Park
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
3. Marvel at the beautiful, 90-year-old Wonder house
Posted by Wonder House on Tuesday, 29 May 2018
In 1926, the construction began on Wonder House. Conrad Schuck built it without having any blueprints and he built it with local products. The blueprints were then drafted in 1937. His family never lived in the house, but they turned it into a tourist attraction. It is four stories tall and has additional two stories for the basement. The house has two concrete bridges across a pond that leads you to a stone fortress. The pond used to have lots of fishes but for now it has not yet been restored. It is definitely not hard to fall in love with Wonder House. Today, it is being restored by the people of Barto–they started by clearing the debris and invasive trees and they also plan to restore the water in the moat one day. Wonder House is still being visited by people of all ages.
Wonder House
Address: 1075 E Mann Rd., Bartow, Florida
Website: Wonder House
Price: 20 USD
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4. Check out Bartow's historical museum and library
Polk County History Center was once the Polk County Courthouse built in 1908. Through restoration, it now serves as the history center which includes a museum and library. The museum offers a diverse collection of opportunities to discover the history and heritage of Central Florida. The courtrooms have not been changed, you will still see an original judge’s bench and a jury box. There is a kid-friendly exhibit and tours for children can be scheduled. You can also rent function rooms for conferences, weddings or receptions. Visit the museum and be educated about the culture and heritage of Florida.
Polk County History Center
Address: 100 E Main St., Bartow, FL 33830
Website: The Polk County History Center
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 9am - 3pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: Free admission
5. Visit the historic Benjamin Franklin Holland House
The Benjamin Franklin Holland House is one of the many historic sites in Bartow, Florida. It is also known as The Gables or Roy Trent Gallemore House. Benjamin Franklin Holland was the father of one of Florida’s governors and a United States senator, Spessard Holland. The house was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places in April 1975. Visit the Benjamin Franklin Holland House and be educated about the history of one of Florida’s first residents.
Benjamin Franklin Holland House
Address: 590 East Stanford Street, Bartow, Florida
Website: Benjamin Franklin Holland House
6. Hike through Fort Fraser Trail
Bartow is overlain with history, even the Fort Fraser Trail. It is named from a military fort during the Second Seminole War. In the trail, you will see informational signs about the history of the citrus industry and pioneer medicine. The trail crosses through groves, fields, and pastures. It is perfect for walking, hiking, and biking. Amenities in the trail include picnic facilities, restrooms, benches, and a parking lot. Do not forget to bring sunscreen and sunglasses if you plan to bike during the day. Also, if you are sensitive to small climbs, be ready for a few rises in elevation during the trail. Overall, the trail bed is in very excellent shape. You will witness inspirational views that appear along your walk.
Fort Fraser Trail
Address: CR 540 and US Hwy 98, Bartow, FL 33812
Website: Fort Fraser Trail
7. Check out the artifacts at Historic L. B. Brown House Museum
Posted by LB Brown House Museum c. 1892 on Monday, 11 November 2013
L. B. Brown House will show you the legacy left by a former slave Lawrence Brown, who became a very successful business leader. After the end of slavery in 1865, his family moved to Volusia County. Lawrence Brown married and was able to acquire properties, particularly land. He was a self-taught carpenter who began to build homes on his own property and then either sold or rent the homes out. He then moved to Bartow and continued his business of building, selling, and renting homes. The tour at L. B. Brown House Museum is free and you can also attend the annual Central Florida history and heritage festival without pay. During the event, there will be vendors, history lecture, music, and gospel programs. You can leave some donations after your visit.
Historic L. B. Brown House Museum
Address: 470 L B Brown Ave., Bartow, Florida
Website: Historic L. B. Brown House Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
8. Kayak across Peace River Paddling Trail
If you are looking for a fun water activity with your family, you should try going to the Peace River Padding Trail. The Peace River is split by little islands and joined by several creeks. You can camp around the sloping banks and have a little picnic during your kayaking break. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards for a fair price. There are guides who are knowledgeable about the river and equipment. You can either go paddling upstream or downstream from landing. Many birds will be seen during your paddling, especially the white ibis. There is a small island nearby which is a popular bird roosting spot. Parking spaces are situated around the area of landing.
Peace River Paddling Trail
Address: 897 S 6th Ave., Wauchula, Florida
Website: Peace River Paddling Trail
9. Play some golf at Bartow Golf Course
Bartow Golf Course is a traditional golf course first opened in 1919 as a nine-hole course. As of now, it is already a 72-course featuring 4 sets of tees. Aside from the golf course, there is a shop for golf equipment and a bar and grill. Mulligan’s Bar and Restaurant features a wide variety of breakfast and lunch. It is also available for events. The Pro Shop sells golf balls, FJ shoes, and Adidas apparel for golfers. The money goes to the Sherriff Youth Ranch in Bartow. They have been raising money for over 50 years for the Youth Villa Classic. The oak trees and different wildlife give a relaxing and peaceful ambiance.
Bartow Golf Course
Address: 190 S. Idlewood Ave., Bartow, FL 33830
Website: Bartow Golf Course
Opening hours: 6:30am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 25 to 50 USD
10. Shop affordable items at Bealls Outlet
Bealls Outlet is the place to find branded products at up to 70-percent off. You can choose from a wide variety clothing, shoes, accessories, and many more items at low prices. They sell apparel for women, men and children. There are also items available such as appliances for home and beauty items. You can visit their website to locate their stores and also to find exactly what you are planning to buy. You can avail of their membership as well–the more you shop, the more you earn! There are several discounts such as 15-percent off every Monday and 15-percent off every Friday. They also have a free in-store gift wrapping service. It is a great place to purchase things before going back to your home towns.
Bealls Outlet
Address: 345 E Van Fleet Dr., Bartow, FL 33830
Website: Bealls Outlet
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 8pm
11. Let your kids have fun at Nye Jordan Park
Nye Jordan Park has a vast play area for children. The play center has rock climbing walls and play grounds. It also has a basketball court and three tennis courts. There are even century-old oak trees which sheltered visitors for almost 50 years. Here you will see parents playing along with their children. The locals of Bartow take good care of this park and even brought in six new picnic pavilions, new fences, and restrooms. It is also a handicap-friendly environment wherein one of the pavilions are designed for those using wheelchairs.
Nye Jordan Park
Address: E Stuart St., Bartow, Florida 33830
Website: Nye Jordan Park (play area)
12. Try tasty barbecue at Curly Tails Barbeque
Curly Tails Barbeque is a local favorite ingserve the best barbecue in town. Aside from their famous best-selling barbecue, they also serve appetizers, stews and salads, sandwiches, and desserts. If you plan on going for a picnic, you can order their picnic pack which includes chicken, ribs, beef, and different side dishes. They also have a children’s menu for children twelve years old and below. Visit them for lunch, dinner, or snack time. Eating at Curly Tails Barbeque will complete your Bartow experience.
Curly Tails Barbeque
Address: 330 Old Bartow Eagle Lake Rd., Bartow, Florida
Website: Curly Tails Barbeque
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 8pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
13. Go fishing at Peace River
Mosaic Peace River Park is close to the Peace River where you can experience fishing. The site offers a boardwalk which will show you ancient trees in the shade of a swampland. Here you will also see different wildlife such as winter ducks, green-winged teal, and several hawks. Have a great time at Mosaic Peace River Park. Some of their activities include fishing and horseback riding. You can also have a relaxing picnic in the park. There are restrooms located around the area as well.
Mosaic Peace River Park
Address: CR-640, Bartow, Florida 33830
Website: Mosaic Peace River Park (fishing)
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
14. Dine, drink and watch games at Beef 'O' Brady's
Posted by Beef 'O' Brady's Kingsport on Friday, 15 December 2017
This restaurant was established in 1985 by Jim Mellody. His plan was to build a place where family and friends can spend time together, eat good food, and enjoy sports in a fun environment. You can enjoy watching games and sports in this restaurant. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is definitely the place where game time meets company time with family and friends. They serve a lunch, kids, gluten-friendly, and vegan-friendly menu. They also have weekday special values. Every day you can taste different meals at very low prices. If you plan on having a party or picnic, you can avail their catering service.
Beef 'O' Brady's
Address: 3120 E Van Fleet Dr., Bartow, Florida
Website: Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sat: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm
15. Relish sweet treats at Perkins
Fuel up for school supply shopping with the most important meal of the day.
Posted by Perkins Restaurant & Bakery on Friday, 9 August 2019
Perkins Restaurant and Bakery was founded in 1958. At that time, it was the only pancake house in Ohio. Years after, it was franchised in 32 states and 4 Canadian provinces. Perkins is famous for their breakfast meals like their pancakes and omelets. They also offer chicken pot pie, burgers, sandwiches, soups, and salads. The famous Perkins bakery offers lots of relish sweet treats. They offer a variety of fresh baked pies, cookies, and muffins which you can eat any time of the day. They have the best rich cream and fruit pies. Perkins is the best choice for a family-friendly restaurant.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Address: 150 E. Van Fleet Drive, Bartow, FL 33830
Website: Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)
Explore the best of Bartow, Florida
There are numerous activities that you can do in Bartow, Florida but the ones listed here are the things that you should not miss! The list includes interests for all ages. It is perfect for either family vacations or vacations with your friends. Enjoy your vacation and do not forget to check these places out in Bartow, Florida.
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