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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.

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