Frostproof is a small town in Central Florida in southern Polk County that sits on the Lake Wales Ridge. The Lake Wales Ridge Scenic Highway 17 runs through downtown. Frostproof is south of Lake Wales, north of Sebring, and east of winter Haven. The town is located on an isthmus between Reedy Lake and Lake Clinch. Although you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, Frostproof is only an hour's drive from Legoland, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios. The town motto is "The Friendly City." The first permanent settlement in Frostproof was in 1850 near Fort Clinch on Lake Clinch. It was named after a US army commander during the Seminole Wars, Duncan Lamont Clinch. The settlement was abandoned a few months later but by the 1880's homesteaders started arriving attracted by the abundant hunting and fishing. W.H. Overocker and other settlers applied for a post office in 1892. The town was originally named Keystone City but it was often confused with Keystone Heights in North Central Florida. The new name of Frostproof was chosen in an effort to convince citrus growers it would never freeze here. Ironically Frostproof froze over later killing all of the citrus trees although the citrus industry recovered and still thrives here to this day. Two of Florida's legendary agricultural giants, Ben Hill Griffin, Jr. and Latimer "Latt" Maxcy controlled most of the ranch and grove land in this part of Florida for years. Katherine Harris, a descendant of Bill Hill Griffin Jr. is a former Florida Secretary of State and the stadium in Gainesville where the Gators play football is known as Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field but most Gator fans just call it the swamp. I was in town for the 39-Mile Scenic Highway Yard Sale that runs right through downtown Frostproof. I was charmed by all of the ornate 1920's architecture from Florida's land boom years. You can walk the Frostproof Historical Trail, a self guided tour of the historical building in town. You can also fish, boat, and bird watch at Reedy Lake, attend a cultural performance at the historic Ramon Theater, or hike at the Ridge Audubon Center and the Arbuckle Wildlife Management Area of the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. The Frostproof Historical Society and Museum displays exhibits, photographs, and artifacts about Frostproof's past and pioneers. Mister Chris Coffee Gallery & Depot offers coffee, giant muffins, live music and art in a historic train depot while P& J Recreation has been serving up the best southern style slaw burgers since 1943. Florida Wildflower Studios offers art classes, events, and activities. I love small, historic Florida town like Frostproof. They are loaded with charm and friendly people. They are also are great place to find vintage and antique treasures and natural beauty while enjoying the quieter side of Florida. Although Frostproof has two traffic lights in the downtown at most, there are treasures to be unearthed here. read more

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