Food

A paper plate with a stack of BBQ ribs.
Food
Explore Central Florida’s best BBQ
Sponsored by
A cuban sandwich with avocado.
Food
The Cuban sandwich’s connection to Florida and where to get one in Lakeland
This classic Florida menu item was created just down the road in Ybor City — since then, it’s become a favorite for Lakelanders on lunch.
August 1, 2024
 · 
Katelyn Lewis
A grid collage of rainbow colored drinks from various Lakeland establishments.
Food
Drink through the rainbow at these Lakeland establishments
You’ve never learned Roy G. Biv like this before.
July 25, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An exterior view of Mitchell's Coffee Shop in Lakeland, FL
Business
The 25-year history of Lakeland’s oldest coffee shop
Mitchell’s Coffee Shop has been serving up coffee and gourmet food since 1998. See what inspired the coffee shop’s founder to open the first shop of its kind in Lakeland 25 years ago.
July 24, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Four pictures of beverages have been spliced together into a collage image. The first is a frozen coffee, the second is a cocktail in a mule mug, the third is an orange energy drink with whipped cream, and the fourth is a frothy cocktail in a swan glass.
Food
Show off your Swan City pride by sipping on these Lakeland-inspired drinks
We asked four different businesses around Lakeland to make us a beverage that they felt encapsulated the Swan City vibe — here’s what they came up with.
July 23, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A glass of beer on a wooden bar at Swan Brewing. In the background are beer taps and customers.
Culture
Local libations: A round-up of Lakeland-centric craft beers
A turn of phrase here, a recognizable Lakeland nod there — these craft beers found around Swan City take local pride seriously.
July 22, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Craft cocktails on a bar with different glasses
Food
Toast of the town: Drink Up Week has arrived
This week — Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26, 2024 — we’re shining a spotlight on the vibrant drink scene in Lakeland.
July 19, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Two iced matcha lattes — one with pink fruit and one with yellow fruit — sitting on a coral pink Adirondack chair
Food
Raise a glass — Drink Up Week is coming
We’ve got details and a map full of drink deals: We’ll be highlighting the vibrant beverage scene across Lakeland, FL from July 22 to July 26, 2024.
July 11, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Guy Fieri raises a glass at his restaurant in Harrahs Cherokee Casino
Food
Answered: Where you’d film a Lakeland episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”
Swan City isn’t yet a part of the Triple D Nation — so we cast our own episode using your recommendations. If you’re reading this Food Network, you’re welcome.
June 27, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A path through Hollis Garden with trees on either side
Culture
Spend a day like a Bridgerton in Lakeland
If the newest season of “Bridgerton” has you wishing for a bygone era, allow us to impart wisdom on how to recreate a Regency-inspired day in Swan City.
June 25, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A painting on a wall is shown. It says "You're a pearl!" with an oyster and pearl painted underneath.
Food
Get a taste of the ocean at Maritime, the next restaurant in Bowen Yard
As Winter Haven’s first food hall gets ready to open its doors, we stopped by one of its restaurants to get a taste of what’s to come.
June 19, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
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Four-panel collage with two basketball players, a black-and-white portrait of a man, and a singer performing with a microphone.
Culture
Meet Polk County’s four most notable celebrities
A new online tool shows the most notable celebrity from each birthplace on earth — these are the four highest-ranking stars from Polk County.
July 21, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Burger Week special with arugula, crispy onions, and melted cheese on a glossy bun, served in a copper basket under moody lighting.
Food
Chow down during Polk County Burger Week
Check out the list of participating eateries to find a Burger Week deal near you July 18-27.
July 17, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Tall trees sprout out of the dry Florida landscape.
Experience
Hiking guide for Lakeland
Check out these 13 hiking trails catered to all skill levels in and around Lakeland, Florida for outdoor adventures.
July 16, 2025
 · 
Staff
A laptop showing the Visit Central Florida tourism ambassador site sits open on a wooden table next to a coffee cup and phone
Travel and Outdoors
Keep tourism thriving through Visit Central Florida’s CATS program
Tourism is one of Polk County’s top three industries, and you can help Visit Central Florida keep it growing through the Certified Ambassadors of Tourism and Sports program.
July 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An artist's drawing showing a revitalized street corner with a Memorial Square sign, mixed-use buildings, and a lively courtyard
City
Lakeland officials approve major plans for Midtown
Before a planned redevelopment of Memorial Boulevard, Lakeland officials have approved a strategic plan and a nearby affordable housing development.
July 10, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Cobb Theater in Lakeland, FL, glowing with neon lights at dusk, featuring an IMAX sign and a vibrant, colorful entrance.
Events
Summer meets the big screen with these Lakeland movie series
Skip the sunscreen and slide into a movie screening instead.
July 8, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Hand holds iced coffee at Foxtail Coffee Co., showing a swan mural, wood seating, coffee counter, and outdoor metal tables.
Food
Peek inside Foxtail Coffee Co.'s first Lakeland location
Pull up a seat and pour up a cup when Foxtail Coffee opens at the Shops at Lake Wire soon.
July 7, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holds a bowl with six scoops of ice cream and three waffle cone cookies.
Food
Grab an Instagram-worthy ice cream from these shops near Lakeland
I scream, you scream, we all scream for — you get the point. Check out this list to find your perfect scoop, sandwich, sundae, or snowball.
July 3, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Red, white, and green fireworks explode over the reflective Lake Mirror as a crowd watches under a streetlight
Events
Red, White & Kaboom returns: What you need to know
Fireworks, food trucks, live music, and more — here’s everything you need to know about this annual fireworks display on Lake Mirror.
June 30, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Florida Polytechnic University Phoenix Racing's solar-powered car drives down a palm-lined road under a blue sky with clouds.
City
Phoenix Racing gears up for the Formula Sun Grand Prix
Florida Polytechnic University’s team built a solar-powered car from scratch — now, they’re competing for a national championship for their second year.
June 30, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson