LAKE WALES, Fla. — In the quaint town of Lake Wales, the nature is abundant and there is no shortage of beauty to see, especially at the town’s center and their claim to fame, Bok Tower. 

The towering structure comes in at 250 feet and has been enchanting guests since 1929, but it’s what is at the very top of the tower that makes it a truly special spot. A 60-bell carillon, one of just 180 in North America, making it a true treasure.

Of course, with it being so rare, those who can actually play it are rare as well, take for instance carilloner Annie Goa. 

“About two minutes in, I had played a few notes and the sound just truly captivated me,” Goa explained. “The sound is so full and rich, and I just knew this is something I have to do.”

Goa remembers fondly her first time playing a carillon at her alma mater, Yale. She was living in the dorms that housed Yale’s carillon and she made it a mission to learn more about the instrument and now, after graduating with a degree in computer science, she’s also mastered the art of playing this impressive instrument. 

And she can be heard, along with a host of other carilloners, performing on a daily basis. Goa is currently on a three-month fellowship at Bok Tower where she performs and helps with the daily singing tower concerts that take place at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day. 

It’s an incredible day trip to not just a beautiful spot in Central Florida, but to witness a rare instrument that can only be found in truly magical spots like this one. 

“We like to call it the most beautiful concert hall in the world,” Goa said. “You know, the park is just so scenic and calming, and it’s a really magical place.”

Bok Tower Gardens is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on their events and visiting the gardens, visit their website here.