• Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Convention 2022 | Friday, Nov. 11-Saturday, Nov. 12 | 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W Lime St, Lakeland | $6-$25 | Learn new scrapbooking techniques, shop from vendors, and work on your own projects with other crafters.
• “A Siren’s Peril: Underwater Portrait Retrospective” | Friday, Nov. 11 | 12-5 p.m. | ART/ifact, 820 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free | Browse this gallery of underwater photography featuring zombie-esque mermaids and mermen on its final day.
• 2022 Veterans’ Hometown Heroes | Friday, Nov. 11 | 11:11 a.m. | Bartow Civic Center, 1250 S. Floral Ave., Bartow | Free | Honor our military members at Bartow’s official Veterans Day luncheon — veterans and a guest get in free.

• Live Green Lakeland EcoFest | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E Main St, Lakeland | Free | Learn more about how you can get involved to help the environment with local vendors and children’s activities.
• Polk Walk to End Alzheimer’s | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Joker Marchant Stadium, 2125 N Lake Ave, Lakeland | Free | Participants of all ages can walk to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
• Girls Inc. of Lakeland Father Daughter Dance | Saturday, Nov. 12 | 6-9 p.m. | RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St., Lakeland | $35-$50 | Father figures and girls in grades K-12 can enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, entertainment, and more together.

• The 39 Steps | Friday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 13 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland | $20-$26 | In this comedic play, a man with a boring life is followed by a mysterious organization after meeting a spy.
• Zephyrhills Battle for Veterans | Friday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 13 | Zephyrhills | Free | Watch live World War II reenactments with tanks, see military vehicles and aircraft, and browse the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History at this weekend-long event.
• Harvest Holler Corn Maze | Friday, Nov. 11-Sunday, Nov. 13 | 4-8 p.m. | Harvest Holler Corn Maze, 950 Tavares Rd., Polk City | $12-$15 | Enjoy the final weekend of fall fun on this farm with a corn maze, animal adventure hayride, cow barrel train, and a miniature golf course.

• There’s a new restaurant on the block: La Granja, a Peruvian-inspired eatery coming soon to 3919 S. Florida Ave. Signage is going up at the new location, which will be serving up chicken, steak, pork, and seafood platters, plus sandwiches and fajitas.

• Veterans Day is tomorrow, Nov. 11, and there are plenty of events planned to honor our veterans. Don’t miss the unveiling of the Buffalo Soldiers monument in Veterans Memorial Park on Lake Beulah Drive on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m., followed by a parade through Downtown Lakeland.

• Lakeland is growing day by day. Keep up with the latest restaurants, neighborhoods, and retail additions — plus those coming soon to Swan City — with our guide to local developments.

Why go?

• Italian beef. Okay, so there’s more to Chitown than a seemingly never-ending supply of thinly sliced roast beef sandwiches, but they are worth the trip no matter how far away you are.
• Key events include the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thurs., Nov. 24 and one of the best St. Patty’s Day celebrations in March — the city even dyes the Chicago River green.
• Vrbo: Bella Villa on Taylor Street. Complete with three bedrooms + two baths, this second floor flat overlooks “Little Italy.” (~$195/night)*

• Two words: Pineapple cottage. This Hakalau, Hawaii Vrbo has sweeping ocean views, an outdoor hanging bed for lounging, and is on a fruit farm (think: lemons, oranges, lychee and pineapple at your fingertips). Book as a January getaway or as the best holiday gift ever for only $175 avg/night. 🍍*

• Don’t let chilly temperatures keep you from going to outdoor sporting events or enjoying local hiking trails. Stock up on HotHands Hand Warmers + keep the feeling in your fingers all season long. Or try this rechargeable electric hand warmer with three different heat levels.*

• Celebrate the holiday season in the company of family, friends, and, of course, food. This southeast Etsy seller makes the perfect personalized tray, great for serving loved ones your favorite holiday treats. Bonus: Make it your own with a custom engraving.*