This week marks the return of Taylor Swift to the Tampa Bay area — and the highlight of your city editors’ year. To prepare for her Eras Tour stop just 40 miles from Lakeland, we’re imagining a few local spots and stories as the singer’s lyrics.
Fearless
So I sneak out to the garden to see you. — “Love Story
”
If we were sneaking out to a romantic garden getaway, it would be in Hollis Garden
.
This view is “the best thing that’s ever been mine.”
Photo by @crescent_luuna
Speak Now
Do you remember all the city lights on the water? — “Mine
”
How could we forget downtown’s reflection on Lake Mirror
?
Red
I still remember the first fall of snow, and how it glistened as it fell. I remember it all too well. — “All Too Well (10-Minute Version)
”
We weren’t there, but Lakeland’s great snowfall of 1977
remains one of our favorite stories.
Spotted: Us in our Reputation era at Circle B.
Photo by Linda Waring at BirdWalk Photography
1989
Are we out of the woods yet? — “Out Of The Woods
”
Hopefully you can find your way out of Circle B Bar Reserve
on your next hike.
Reputation
I’ve got a list of names and yours is in red, underlined. — “Look What You Made Me Do
”
Bring your list of family names to the Lakeland History & Culture Center
for genealogy research.
It’s not a “Cruel Summer” with so many Flying Tigers games to attend.
Photo by @jessicasreyna
Lover
Take me out and take me home. — “Lover
”
Take us out to the ballgame — a Lakeland Flying Tigers
game, to be exact — so we can cheer the runners to home base.
Folklore
Take me to the Lakes where all the poets went to die. — “The Lakes
”
Our 38 lakes
have certainly inspired local poets, songwriters, and artists.
Are you a Lakeland lyrical genius? Send in your own local, Swift-inspired match-ups and we may share them.