Location is Everything

1. Saddle Creek Park

• Description: A 750-acre park with water, trails, and fishing options.
• Opportunities: Nature photography, wildlife, and landscapes.
• Costs: Free admission.
• Access Issues: Open daylight hours; trails may be muddy after rain.
• Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon for wildlife.
• Hours: Everyday 8 AM – 6:30 PM

2. Bok Tower Gardens

• Description: A 250-acre garden and bird sanctuary.
• Opportunities: Floral, landscape, and architectural photography.
• Costs: Adults $20, children $10, dogs $10.
• Access Issues: Open daily; hours vary seasonally.
• Best Times: Early morning for light and fewer crowds.
• Hours: Everyday 8 AM - 6 PM

3. Hollis Garden

• Description: A 1.2-acre formal garden with over 10,000 plants.
• Opportunities: Flower, macro, and landscape photography.
• Costs: Free admission.
• Access Issues: Open during park hours, which vary by season.
• Best Times: Morning for fresh, well-lit flowers.
• Hours: September–May: Sun-Thurs 10 AM - 6 PM, Fri-Sat 10 AM - 4 PM, closed Mondays; June–August: Sun-Sat 10 AM - 6 PM, closed Mondays

4. Polk Museum of Art

• Description: Located in Downtown Lakeland, across from Lake Morton.
• Opportunities: Architectural and exhibit photography.
• Costs: Free admission.
• Access Issues: Photography allowed in select galleries.
• Best Times: Weekdays for fewer crowds.
• Hours: Tue-Sat 10 AM - 4 PM, Sun 1 PM - 5 PM, closed Sundays (June-Labor Day) and Mondays.

5. Circle B Bar Reserve

• Description: A 1,267-acre reserve featuring diverse ecosystems.
• Opportunities: Wildlife, landscape, and bird photography.
• Costs: Free admission.
• Access Issues: Trails may be muddy post-rain.
• Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon for wildlife activity.
• Hours: Everyday 5:30 AM - 8 PM

Until next time,

Phil