Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to splurge, here’s how you can spend the day in Lakeland.
Spend $10
Yeah, you read that right. For one crisp Alexander Hamilton, you can spend a whole day in Swan City:
Morning: The Fat Jack’s Special at Fat Jack’s Deli & Pub — three eggs served your way, toast, and homefries, grits, or hashbrowns — rings up at $3.85. After tip, you’ll still have $5 to spare.
Afternoon: Bring some picnic fixins’ from home to your favorite spot at Bonnet Springs Park. This public park — which features attractions for the whole family — is always free to enter.
Night: Use your remaining five-spot for dinner at Palace Pizza. This Lakeland staple serves pizza by the slice.
We love the Strawberry Praline salad (pictured).
Photo by @adventurethegreatwidesomewhere
Spend $100
Benjamin Franklin called — he said you should treat yourself to a day on the town. We recommend:
Morning: Get breakfast at Britt’s Cafe; the sweet cakes plate includes two fresh eggs, pancakes or french toast, and sausage, ham, or bacon for $10.99.
Afternoon: Lunch on the lake, anyone? Peruse the (free) Lakeland History and Culture Center after enjoying lunch at Black & Brew. You can grab a lunch combo and a drink for under $20.
Night: Reserve The Back Nine’s simulator bays for $30-$35 per hour (depending on the day). The “Bogey” Burger, Blackberry Crush cocktail, and some cinnamon pretzel bites will round out at around $28, before tip and tax.
Whether you’re craving biscuits or benedicts, you can stop by to get your fix.
Photo by @rachel.bossard
Spend $200
Here’s how we’d spend roughly 200 George Washingtons in the 863:
Morning: Start at Biscuits and Benedicts with the Hunky Dorey sandwich for $12.95. Add an iced tea for $3.
Afternoon: Take the two-hour, open-air custom vehicle tour at Safari Wilderness for $119.
Night: You can’t go wrong with a fine dining experience at Ninenteen61. City Editor Rilee’s favorites are the empanadas for $12, the chipotle salmon for $36, and the Grand Marnier Crème Brûlée for $11.
