Hidden Treasures of Lakeland
Have a relaxing brunch at the Garden Bistro
Lenny, Chester, and I recently spent a Sunday afternoon in Lakeland, We explored downtown Lakeland, including: the Garden Bistro, Hollis Garden, and Florida Southern College-Frank Lloyd Wright buildings and campus tour.
Garden Bistro is located on the edge of Mirror Lake in downtown Lakeland. Offering beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding skyline, it has both indoor and outdoor dining. As it was a beautiful spring day, we enjoyed eating outside on the verandah.
Lenny had a lobster roll and a bowl of homemade potato soup. He rated both excellent as a 9/10. The potato soup had chunks of potatoes and the bread on the lobster roll was soft and fresh.
Lobster Roll with homemade potato soup
Both Chester and I had the Turkey Bacon Beulah. Chester added a cup of potato soup to his order. The Turkey Bacon Beulah contained turkey, bacon, provolone cheese, red onion, sun dried tomato mayonnaise and was topped with lettuce and sprouts. Served warm on a soft ciabatta bread, this sandwich was both yummy and filling. Neither Chester or I could finish the sandwich and ended up taking 1/2 of the sandwich home. We would both recommend this sandwich.
Turkey Bacon Beullah and Potato Soup
Close Up of Turkey Bacon Beullah
The service at this restaurant was prompt, attentive, and efficient. There are no reservations at Garden Bistro unless you have a large party, and there may be a small wait. This restaurant is definitely worth the wait.
Our view from the Garden Bistro
Walkway from the garden
After brunch we walked through the Hollis Garden. Located in downtown Lakeland, it is a great respite for city dwellers and visitors alike. The garden is small and includes several statues and gathering areas. We believe the picturesque location would be great for a wedding.
Entrance to the Hollis Garden
View of Mirror Lake from Hollis Garden
It is definitely springtime in Florida!
A quick walk around Lake Mirror showcases a lot of wildlife. We enjoyed the birds and even made friends with this little guy.
Secluded area
Our feathered friend shows us Mirror Lake
Hollis Garden
Hollis Garden’s Manicured landscape
Eye catching sculpture in Hollis Garden
A mere four minute drive from downtown Lakeland is Florida Southern College (FSC). This small college of approximately 3300 students features Division II athletics. FSC’s academic programs rank high is business, nursing, and education. Considered among the best regional (and best value) universities of the south, the campus was designated as an historic landmark in 2012. The reason why is simple-the campus buildings are the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world.
Statue of Frank Lloyd Wright outside of the Visitor’s Center
Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor’s Center at Florida Southern College
Interior of Frank Lloyd Wright designed Faculty Cottage
Lenny, Chester, and I took the walking “basic” tour of the campus buildings. This tour cost $35 per person and included: the Usonian House Tour,the history of all 13 Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings, and the interiors of Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, the Usonian House and the Danforth Chapel.
Frank Lloyd Wright designed fountain in the center of Florida Southern College campus
Interior of Danforth Chapel
Anne Pfeiffer Chapel
Exterior of chapel and walkway
Marker designation of National Historic Landmark
As you can see by the pictures above, the presence of Frank Lloyd Wright is evident with the blocks, angular lines, and small glass mission style windows and furniture. The history of how the famous architect became involved with FSC is fascinating and worth the tour admission alone. We enjoyed learning that the buildings were built by the students, who were paying to study architecture.
Next Lakeland stop is the airshow. Stay tuned!
All the best,
Jennifer
