This Valentine's Day, why not spend some time in the great outdoors? You may feel inclined to take your significant other out for a picnic, a boating excursion or a hike on a scenic trail.
Mike Britt, the natural resources director for the city of Winter Haven, suggests a sunset walk out on the pier on the lakeside at Lake Howard Nature Park. "It's nice and secluded and not very crowded," he says.
If you have access to a boat and want to spend a romantic date out on the water, Britt suggests Lake Lulu, off U.S. Highway 17 in Winter Haven.
Also, Lake Hartridge Nature Park, located off Havendale Boulevard, is a nice place to have a picnic and take a relaxing walk.
Lake Maude, the newest edition to Winter Haven's nature reserve family, has "nice walking trails, scenic areas and picnic facilities," Britt says. Lake Maude is located on the northeast part of town on Seventh Street.
Tabitha Biehl-Gabbard, the environmental lands stewardship coordinator with the Polk County government, finds it hard to pick just a couple of suggestions.
"There's so many really good ones, but they're all spread out around the county," she says. One place she recommends is SUMICA.
"It's got about a mile-and-a-half trail that leads to an observation dock and picnic tables," she says. "A very remote place to get away."
SUMICA, which stands for the Societe Universelle Mining Industrie, is one of Central Florida's most cherished preserved wet prairie lands, rich in wildlife and ghost town lure. Trails are located off State Road 60 East.
The most popular outdoor destination, however, for a romantic Valentine's Day adventure seems to be the Circle B Bar |Reserve, according to Britt and Biehl-Gabbard. Located off Winter Lake Road, between U.S. Highway 98 and Thornhill Road, the nature center has hiking and bicycle trails, wildlife and picnic areas, as well as an oak hammock, freshwater marsh and a unique bird population.
"That's one place I like to go with my wife," Britt says. "It's phenomenal for wildlife and longer walks."
Other parks with picnic tables in East Polk County include Rotary Park, Inman Park, Lake Cannon Park, Simmers-Young Park and Westwood Park. For more on what facilities these parks have to offer, visit Polk County's parks and recreational facilities online listing at www.polk-county.net.
If you're planning to pack a picnic, Cam's Catering Company in Winter Haven suggests everything from gourmet cheese and salami to small bottles of wine. If you're venturing on a romantic date, add some elegance with champagne and flowers. Or if you're spending the day with friends, gourmet chocolate and various candies could be suitable choices.
