If you are visiting the state, this is one of the best day-trips you’ll ever experience! if you are a Floridian and haven't been, I guarantee, you’ll return again and again.

This place has a serene, almost ethereal beauty that’s immaculately kept by 10 full time gardeners and an army of volunteers. Not only is it part of the Florida Birding Trail, the sanctuary plays host to a number of events; including the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra with scheduled performances under the stars.

The architecture and facade of the tower is deceptively intricate. A detailed model is displayed in the welcome center as there are no tours of the interior. Rising 205 feet above a tranquil pond, it is aptly named the “Singing Tower” with daily carillon concerts . Take a moment to relax on a bench and view swans gliding through the tower’s reflection. It is just breathtaking.

Rambunctious, fun-loving children can explore trails and wide expanses of sloping meadow down the south side of the "mountain". There’s a children's center and secret gardens with a vine covered tunnel and rubbing posts along the way. A quaint lake house with informative posters on the walls help identify wildlife, plants and fish and there are plenty of places for family picnics and togetherness. Elsewhere, in a maze of forested paths, there’s a nondescript building/shed alongside a smaller pond with indoor seating and windowed views of wood ducks and other waterfowl. The grounds are expansive with -- plenty of room for those who wish to find that quiet place for undisturbed reflection.

Follow an unmarked path to Pinetree Manor. It's a lovely Spanish colonial with exceptional tile work inside and out. Stroll the intimate gardens and tightly trimmed orange trees to a hidden fern basin with towering Live Oaks. Other points of interest are the private walled garden and clever little kitchen garden with sweeping lawns beyond. It's a dream home surrounded by magnificent vistas. Be sure to bring your camera for gardening ideas. It’s EXTRAORDINARY!

There’s a nice café serving salads, sandwiches, soups, beer and wine with indoor and outdoor garden seating on the patio. A home and garden shop is nearby with nursery plantings for purchase.