The iconic Southgate Shopping Center opened in 1957. | Photo by Joe Castagno
It’s the time of year when holiday songs are stuck in our heads. We thought we’d contribute to the ever-growing canon of holiday content with our own semi-original song, featuring our favorite topic — yup, you guessed it — Lakeland.
On the 12th day of Christmas, Swan City sent to me... 🎶
Twelve counter-service restaurants From hotchicken to buildable bowls, we took a tour of Lakeland’s eateries where you can have your cake and eat it, too.
Eleven questions with Nate Fleming As far as our Q+As go, this might be the funniest. We sat down with the founder of thecomedy group Swan City Improv, Nate Fleming.
Ten Lakeland coffees Whether you turn your nose up at cream and sugar or believe the more customized, the better, you can venture to one of these shops for a cup of joe.
Nine spots for wellness Sit back, relax, and check out our guide to the ultimate self-care day.
Eight restaurants you’d bring back They say nothing gold can stay, and that’s the case for this batch of Lakeland eateries you’d patronize again.
Seven Swan City lakes From running Lake Hollingsworth to greeting swans on Lake Morton, we dove into the most interesting things about our lakes.
Six barbecue joints We’re still drooling over this list of Lakeland BBQ establishments.
Five tours you can’t miss Learn more about architecture, Lakeland history, and native wildlife at one of these tours.
Four local gardens Lakeland’s flora is a sight to behold — visit one of these botanical attractions or community gardens.
Three teams to cheer for Beat the buzzer by clicking on this list of Lakeland’s professional sports teams.
Two City Editors You see our names at the bottom of your morning newsletter, but who are we? Meet Rilee and Connor.
First Friday: Hometown Holiday | Friday, Dec. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy free activities in Munn Park, and shop from local stores and vendors.
Night of Lights | Friday, Dec. 2-Saturday, Dec. 3 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | One More Child, 1015 Sikes Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Drive through this experience featuring decorated cottage homes, Santa Claus, a live Nativity scene, and Christmas lights.
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 | Friday, Dec. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Polk Theatre, 139 S Florida Ave, Lakeland | $29-$69 | Out of the Great War emerges a song, as a soldier crosses into No Man’s Land to sing “Silent Night.”
Saturday, Dec. 3
Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Shop produce, plants, and handmade goods from local makers at this weekly downtown farmer’s market.
FCA5K | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 8 a.m. | Holloway Park, 2402 Holloway Park Dr., Lakeland | $10-$35 | Take part in this 5K fundraiser and traverse changes in elevation on a partially covered, well-maintained trail — kids ages 10 and under can do the FCA Flurry Scurry 1K starting at 9 a.m.
Snowfest | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 5-9 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade, Lakeland | Free | Take a walk through the snow at the 42nd Annual Snowfest, presented by The City of Lakeland.
Sunday, Dec. 4
Dan Pepin w/ Tervone’s Kitchen | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W Pine St, Lakeland | Free | Dan Pepin is bringing the tunes starting at 2 p.m. — Tervone’s Kitchen will be serving up fresh bites starting at 12 p.m.
AFSP- Polk County Out of the Darkness Walk | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 2:30 p.m. | Lake Parker Park, 820 E Robson St., Lakeland | Free | Join community members at this Out of the Darkness Community Walk, a walk of remembrance and support for those affected by mental health afflictions.
Silver Moon Drive-In & Swap Shop | Sunday, Dec. 4 | 4100 New Tampa Hwy, Lakeland | Shop a wide variety of goods from local vendors at this open-air market.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Are you ready to sweat, Lakeland? | Photo provided by Orangetheory Fitness Lakeland
Let’s be real, the holidays can be stressful. Between traveling, shopping, and more, it can be hard to make time for you. Orangetheory Fitness Lakeland is here to change that.
$4 million. That’s how much the Polk County Board of County Commissionersapproved for a new healthcare initiative for those without insurance or in a lower tax bracket. Learn more about the funding for primary care, dental services, and behavioral health care here. 🩺 (Bay News 9)
$3,265. That’s how much money local nonprofit Talbot House Ministries raised on Giving Tuesday. Funds raised will go towards its emergency shelter program, which provides clothing, shelter, and food for guests in need of assistance. Missed Giving Tuesday? You can make a donation online.
Biz
Cypress Lakes Villages, a55+ community located at 10000 US Hwy. 98 N., was purchased by Arizona-based Cove Communities. In addition to the Lakeland property, Cove Communities also purchased five other Florida properties for a combined $448 million. 💸 (Business Observer FL)
Viva Vitality Medical Spa is moving to 2015 S. Florida Ave. While exact details are TBA, the biz teased new features, potential memberships, and a projected move-in date of Sunday, Jan. 1. Until then, you can book a service(City Editor Rilee recommends The Hydrafacial) at the 1035 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 208 location.
Sports
Florida Tropics’ FanFesttakes place at the RP Funding Center on Sunday, Dec. 4. Kick off the team’s seventh season at the 4 p.m. exhibition game against Atletico Orlando FC, purchaseseason tickets, and nab Tropics merchandise. Parking and admission are free, doors open at 3 p.m. ⚽️
Edu
Polk County Public Schools’ choice application windowis open from Monday, Jan. 9-Wednesday, Feb. 15. Polk parents and guardians can use this window to apply for their student to attend education programs including magnet and choice schools, middle and high school career academies, and International Baccalaureate and Cambridge AICE programs.
Family
The Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Centerhas been certified as an autism-friendly space by The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at the University of South Florida. The center is located in the Florida Children’s Museum, and you can learn more about it and its programs here.
If you were planning to spend your Saturday at Bonnet Springs Park or the Florida Children’s Museum, make other plans. Both establishments will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 3 for a private event. Luckily for you, Lakeland has 70+ other public parks, trails, and dog parks. 🌳
Watch
Jordan Allen, a Lakeland Christian School athletic trainer, is making waves on TikTok. Originally, Jordan joined the platform in a friendly competition with students. After winning that, Jordan decided to stay on the platform to make people — roughly 90,000 followers — laugh about common sports scenarios. 📱 (Fox 13 News)
Arts
Head to Polk Museum of Art tomorrow, Dec. 3 from 3-5 p.m. to meet the artist behind the new“Lauren Austin: Life in Quilts” exhibit. The civil rights attorney turned full-time artist incorporates family photos, beading, and more into her storytelling quilts. Learn more about Laurenhere. (LkldNow)
Pets
Looking for a new family member? Pet Fest 2022 is just around the corner on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Polk County Animal Control (7115 De Castro Rd., Winter Haven). Stop by for free adoptions, low-cost dog vaccinations, a crafter’s market, and more. 🐶
Shop
Your holiday music just got better. 1byoneaudio sells high quality and easy-to-use turntables equipped with incredible sound quality and hi-fi speakers, plus some that connect to Bluetooth headphones. Think: a great gift for the record lover in your life (or even an early present for yourself). 🎶*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
HOLIDAY
Mark these markets on your calendar 🗓
Start seasonal shopping at these Lakeland holiday markets
Trade your shopping tote for Santa’s bag this winter. | Photo by LALtoday
Find something homemade, handcrafted, and heartwarming at one of these five holiday markets:
Holiday Sip and Shop | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free | Sip locally-made wine and cider while shopping at this craft fair.
The Bandit Market | Saturday, Dec. 3 | 12-5 p.m. | Ritz Theatre, 263 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven | Free | Shop from 40+ alternative vendors while sipping cocktails and coffee.
Holiday Night Market | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 5- 10 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Visit downtown retailers, 100+ vendors, and specialty food and drink pop-ups.
Second Sunday Artisan Market | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village | Free | Find festive gifts from local makers while DJ Cubis spins the tunes on The Lawn.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party & Market | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 6-11 p.m. | Union Hall | Free | Wear your ugliest sweater while shopping from makers, bakers, and artists and enjoying live music.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Rilee.
Editor’s pick: I love the feeling of a fresh month, and December is always extra festive and special. I’ll be shopping for gifts and ornaments this weekend at the Lakeland Downtown Curb Famers Market and the Second Sunday Artisan Market, because there’s no such thing as too many options. 🎄
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We made a quiz where you can find your ideal Lakeland neighborhood, here.
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.
