Support Us Button Widget

10 things we can’t live without

Get to know our City Editors and a few local things, menu items, and experiences they can’t go without.

Bags of loose leaf tea on a shelf

Color Theory Tea makes for the perfect at-home beverage.

Photo via Color Theory Tea

You may have seen your favorite celebrity boast about things they can’t live without, but they probably weren’t things you see around Swan City.

We’re definitely not calling ourselves Dan Levy or Jason Sudeikis, but keep reading for your LALtoday team’s top 10 Lakeland must-haves.

$5 movies
City Editor Connor doesn’t miss a Tuesday at the CMX Cinemas Lakeside 18 & IMAX — that ticket discount makes popcorn basically free... right?

A Balance Culture membership
You can find City Editor Rilee teaching pilates classes at this women’s fitness studio. Check out other local gyms here.

Born & Bread Bakehouse granola
This pantry staple for Rilee can also be purchased at Publix GreenWise Market.

Color Theory Tea
Pick up a bag of loose-leaf tea next time you’re in Black and Brew Coffee House & Bistro. Pro tip: Rilee suggests signing up for a monthly subscription to get your tea delivered monthly.

A latte from Hillcrest Coffee

A hot maple latte is City Editor Connor’s go-to drink.

Photo by LALtoday

Hillcrest Coffee
Connor’s go-to order is the maple spice latte. Find some of our other favorite coffee spots here.

Walks in Hollis Garden
This 1.2-acre public garden has over 10,000 flowers, shrubs, and trees (including these celebrity trees).

The Lakeland Christmas Parade
The key to this one? Getting the perfect spot. Rilee recommends setting up your folding chair on Main Street between Catapult Lakeland and The Joinery for access to restrooms, food, and a perfect view of the post-parade fireworks. Just remember: The City of Lakeland asks that you don’t put your chairs out until the day of the parade.

Downtown Lakeland filled with vendors and shoppers at the farmers market

A Saturday in Lakeland isn’t complete without a stop at the farmers market.

Photo by LALtoday

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
Try loading up on fresh produce and pantry staples like locally farmed honey, herbs, and more.

Palace Pizza
Fun fact: Connor loves the chicken bacon ranch pizza so much she served it at her wedding.

Neighborhood candles
Head to Stationery Loft for a candle inspired by your neighborhood (or whichever neighborhood smells the best to you, we won’t tell).

You know ours, now tell us your Lakeland essentials.

More from LALtoday
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Check out what you can expect for the 44th annual parade, taking place Thursday, Dec. 4.
See who will take the stage in Plant City when the festival returns in February 2026.
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive autumn memories from years gone by.
The Comedy Cathedral is set to open by spring 2026 with entertainment, classes, and community events designed to keep Lakeland laughing.
Whether you’re looking for a charming bungalow or a stylish mid-century modern stay, Lakeland’s short-term rentals offer something for everyone looking for a staycation.
You won’t find an official Turkey Trot in Lakeland, but there are plenty of fun runs and nearby races to break a seasonal sweat.
Here’s a list of local restaurants open on Thanksgiving.
The rebuilt store includes 55,701 sqft of space for shopping, dining, and relaxing. Scroll through photos from opening day.
Take a look inside the Ludd M. Spivey House, formerly home to Florida Southern College’s president who made a historic impact on the campus.