Culture

A red mocktail topped with fruit and a paper umbrella
Food
Where you can find buzz-free beverages, or mocktails, in Lakeland
Shaken or stirred? Either one works, as long as it’s zero-proof. Check out this list of alcohol-free cocktails — mocktails — in Swan City.
January 14, 2026 11:39 AM
 · 
Rilee Delgado
LAL-FSC-college-calgolden-AUG2022.jpeg
Culture
We’re tossing our caps for these college graduations around Lakeland
How to prepare + plan for your weekends as Lakeland celebrates graduates from four of its five colleges around town.
April 29, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A colorful mural with "We love Lakeland" and cartoon pictures of fast food
Experience
30+ murals around Lakeland
Check out our guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.
April 24, 2025
 · 
Staff
A path through Hollis Garden with trees on either side
Culture
Explore the City of Lakeland’s Urban Forest
Branch out to learn about Lakeland’s flowering and fruit trees with a GPS-enabled tour of the 56,000 trees in the city’s Urban Forest.
April 24, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
1: A row of pop up tents with people walking by on a lake shore, 2-5: People looking at art displays and art for sale in pop up tents, including pottery, paintings, and woodworking.
Sponsored
53 years of fine art at Mayfaire by-the-Lake
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art’s annual festival returns to Lake Morton this month.
Sponsored by
Lakeland, Florida, USA
Travel and Outdoors
Celebrating Earth Day in Lakeland
From volunteer opportunities to special events, here’s how you can celebrate the planet around Swan City.
April 21, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Little Bus Books mobile bookshop
Culture
Local bookstore owners present the Lakeland Book Crawl
Finding our next read and supporting local independent book sellers? We’re in.
April 18, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
The boathouse at Bonnet Springs Park
Travel and Outdoors
A beginner’s guide to Bonnet Springs Park
If it’s your first time visiting this award-winning Lakeland attraction, allow us to create your perfect park day.
April 17, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Plates of barbecue meat with sides on trays
Food
Goodbye gluten: Lakeland restaurants with gluten-free options
No matter why you’re avoiding it, you can find new eats without gluten here.
April 14, 2025
 · 
Kaylee Holland
flower fridge at Bloom Shakalaka flower shop in Lakeland, FL
Culture
Lakeland plant shops and florists to brighten up your day
Find floral arrangements, Florida natives, and houseplants at these local shops.
April 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A large pink trumpet tree blooms across a yard and street in Lakeland.
Culture
How to spend a spring day like “The Golden Girls” in Lakeland
Forget hot girl summer — it’s time for a “Golden Girls” spring.
April 9, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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New to Lakeland
Your guide to Lakeland’s coffee shops
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
August 22, 2025
 · 
Staff
Two baskets of tacos with green salsa and lime on the side
Experience
Where to find lunch for $12 or less around Lakeland
Ready for your lunch break? Check out these 30+ lunches from hearty salads to diner-style bites.
August 22, 2025
 · 
Staff
A black-and-white photo of the Francis Beach Pavilion, a large two-story wooden building on stilts in a lake.
Culture
Look back on summer in Lakeland’s photo archives
We’re digging through the Lakeland Public Library photo archives to relive the dog days of summer from years gone by.
August 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo illustration of Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz, smiling in a red and blue plaid jacket, next to a photo of Taylor Swift.
Culture
Who said it: Mayor Bill Mutz or Taylor Swift?
Both are known for a good turn of phrase, but can you decipher which quotes came from Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz or Grammy winner Taylor Swift? Put your skills to the test.
August 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Work
The who’s who and what’s what of Lakeland’s economy: Meet the top employers and industries
Explore the leading economic drivers in Lakeland — from exciting, new technology to top leaders in growing and distributing delicious eats.
August 20, 2025
 · 
Staff
A person holds up an iced coffee drink with a Dutch Bros logo, next to a blue drive-thru menu board.
Food
So close, but so far: Chains readers wish were in Lakeland
Sure, you could take an hour drive to your favorite chain restaurants — but wouldn’t it be better if they were right down the road?
August 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
The front entrance and hallway of a Sola Salons studio, with a wood-slat feature wall and a modern light fixture.
Business
Get a new look at Lakeside Village this summer
Change things up with a new outfit, facial, or hairstyle from these new businesses that recently opened in the open-air shopping center.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of Market Plaza in Lake Wales, with people walking on the brick and concrete paths surrounded by greenery.
City
Lake Wales is adding a social district — should Lakeland?
The city will be the first in Polk County to allow for open containers of alcohol to be enjoyed between businesses in its Arts, Culture and Entertainment District. Now, we want to know if Lakeland be next to add a social district.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bright living room with white couches, a large circular chandelier, and a view of a lanai through sliding glass doors.
Real Estate
This Lakeland home combines contemporary style with country club living
Spend every day on the greens — if you can get yourself to leave the comfort of home.
August 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An interior shot of a wedding in Haus820
Experience
Rentable venues in Lakeland
Check out this list of local spots to host your next party, reunion, or reception.
August 13, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado