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Ben's Tribute To The Kapok Tree Restaurant Presents... Walking Tour: The Kapok Tree Gardens |
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| According to our map, there are four Kapok Tree gardens - North, East, South, and West. As we wait for our assigned number to be called over the public address speakers, (indicating our table is ready), we'll just stroll the grounds for a while. As we leave the building, let's order a Kapok specialty, the Planter's Punch (click for recipe) in a souvenir glass. Delicious! We'll start our stroll here in the North Garden. |
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Italian Fountains Inspired by the Villa d'Este near Rome, the fountains present a spectacular panorama of cascading water. The carvings are the work of Morselletto from Vencenza, Italy, whose grandfather built the DuPont mansion in Delaware at the turn of the previous century. Each hour 60,000 gallons of water flow through the fountains. |
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The Piazza A visit to the Kapok Tree is like leaving the modern world far behind and entering an era of elegance and charm. The creation and decoration of the Inn was inspired by European grandeur, providing Clearwater a taste of Rome, Paris, London, and Athens. |
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Formal Gardens Statuary, fountains, and clipped box hedges are skillfully blended into scenes reminiscent of 17th century Italy. The magnificent statue, "The Three Graces", created in Germany in the 18th century and imported from Europe, serves as a focal point. |
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East Wall Corinthian columns and shell-like planters form a vine-covered wall. Copper gazebos double as charming shelters and garden shops for artists. A charming garden appointed with stone benches suitable for rest and contemplation. |
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Reflecting Pool and Fountain Visible from the both the Florida Room and the Grand Ballroom, the pool features a massive fountain imported from Italy. The circular path around the pool is popular with Kapok Tree visitors, and the fountain is a favorite photographic subject by day and by night. |
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The Kapok Tree The Kapok Tree (Bombax Malabaricum) is the feature exhibit of the gardens. Being tropical, the tree is vulnerable to cold. The Corinthian columns provide open gas flames for both protection and dramatic overall effect. |
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Decorative Fountain Fountains, flowers, and statuary complete the West Garden. The famous tree is now over 130 years old with a canopy of nearly 200 feet. Blooming each February, its thousands of bright blossoms form a giant floral boquet visible for miles around. |
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| What great timing! They've called our number at last, and we're off to enjoy our Kapok Tree dinner. Ham, chicken, steak, or shrimp - common food in an uncommon setting. |
"Country Dinners served beside Florida's Famous |
| What do you say we go for one last stroll in the gardens, now that the sun has set? |
 North (Italian) Garden |
 East Garden Wall |
 South Garden Pool and Fountain |
 West Garden and Kapok Tree |
Thank you, and good night.
© Copyright 2005, 2008 by Ben Mancine