Mock it like it’s hot

A red mocktail topped with fruit and a paper umbrella

Try a “temperance cocktail” at Frescos. | Photo by Frescos Southern Kitchen and Bar

Whether you’re participating in Dry January or just prefer a cocktail without the kick, we’re featuring seven spots where you can find mocktails in Swan City.

Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar, 132 S. Kentucky Ave.
Known for being a full-service restaurant and craft bar, this downtown staple also offers an entire selection of zero-proof “temperance cocktails.” If you’re looking for a recommendation, try the cucumber elderflower cooler, made with elderflower syrup, rosemary syrup, cucumber, lime, and sparkling water.

Publix GreenWise Market, 4747 Florida Ave. S., Ste. 110
The POURS section at Publix GreenWise Market offers up bubbly kombucha on tap that you can sip at their bar in the supermarket, or take on the go while you wander the store. This kombucha’s fizz will most closely resemble a sparkling cider or seltzer. Pro tip: Reader Jennifer D. recommends mocktail mimosas with orange juice and kombucha.

LAL_rec_room_jan_2023 — Play old favorites like Guitar Hero and pinball during Rec Room’s happy hour.

Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave.
Stop by this arcade bar in the heart of downtown Lakeland for games, drinks, and the occasional pop-up. Pro tip: You can turn any of Rec Room’s cocktails into a $5 mocktail version. In addition to mocktails, Rec Room offers root beer, cream soda, Coca-Cola products, and more.

Quinteassence Kava Bar, 839 N. Massachusetts Ave.
If you’re looking for an alternative to your regular wine-down Wednesday or cocktail, head to Quinteassence Kava Bar. Kava is a non-alcoholic beverage, but it (like alcohol) is a nervous system depressant. That means you can expect a similar sensation, sans alcohol. Try a kava cocktail next time you’re looking for a refreshing drink — we recommend the blue lotus kava lemonade.

There’s more where that came from. Click below for three more highly-sippable mocktail spots around Swan City.

CLINK HERE 🥂

EVENTS

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Tuesday, Jan. 17

Story Time at the Florida Air Museum | Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 10-11 a.m. | Florida Air Museum, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland | Free | Junior ACEs ages 2-5 can hear a story and take part in an interactive learning experience.
Fun Run, Music Bingo w/ Gin Khao Food Truck | Tuesday, Jan. 17 | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Join in a fun run at 5:30 p.m. before playing music bingo at 6:30 p.m. with bites from Gin Khao.

Wednesday, Jan. 18

Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, Jan. 18 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Learn new moves, enjoy drink specials from 5-8 p.m., and sing your heart out at karaoke starting at 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 19

T-R-I-V-I-A | Thursday, Jan. 19 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | The Joinery, 640 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Show what you know and enjoy an extra long happy hour.

Friday, Jan. 20

Swan City Jazz Festival | Friday, Jan. 20 | 3-9 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Head to Munn Park for live jazz performances from headliners Paula Atherton and Jazmin Ghent, plus groups like Lakeland High School Jazz Band, The Franchise Players, Let’s Ride Brass Band, and more.
Five Women Wearing the Same Dress | Friday, Jan. 20 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $20-26 | Laugh along at this comedic play where five bridesmaids hide out from a wedding reception.

Saturday, Jan. 21

PACA Pick of the Month: Cavalleria Rusticana | Saturday, Jan. 21 | 7 p.m. | Branscomb Auditorium, 1085 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $25-$75 | Don’t miss this performance of Piertro Mascagni’s masterpiece, Cavalleria Rusticana (“rustic chivalry”), performed by the Lakeland Opera and Lakeland Symphony Orchestra.*

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.

100+ MORE EVENTS

NEWS NOTES

Weather

76º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain

Civic

City Commissioners will hold a public hearing today at 9 a.m. to discuss The Chapel, the new event venue proposed for 417 N. Massachusetts Ave. The venue must be 300 feet from a church at 412 N. Massachusetts Ave., but commissioners could offer a zoning variance. (The Ledger)

Cause

Lighthouse Ministries is hosting a free weekend of comedy from Friday, Jan. 20-Sunday, Jan. 22 at four locations, with the first taking place at Victory Church (1401 Griffin Rd.) in Lakeland. All comedians are Dry Bar-certified clean comics, meaning their acts are appropriate for the whole family. Register online. 🎤
VISTE is celebrating its 40th anniversary with its 18th annual VISTEBall on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 6-9:30 p.m. The casual, indoor golf-themed event will feature dinner, games, prizes, and an online auction. Tickets for the event are $75.

Biz

Yoga Pointe is celebrating 13 years of savasana, warrior II, and downward-facing dog. Follow along on their Instagram for details on the special 13th birthday offer. Book your class online. 🧘

History

Ever wondered where the “Pipkin” in Pipkin Road comes from? It’s named for Marvin Pipkin, a Lakeland resident who improved the design of the common lightbulb by creating an incandescent bulb with a frosted interior. Find the story behind other Lakeland streets in our guide.

Finance

Receiving a call, text, or email from a government agency (think: the IRS or Social Security Administration) can be alarming — and that’s the point. The best way to minimize your chances of becoming a fraud or identity theft victim is to understand how scams work. Here’s how to protect yourself.*

Home

Did you know installing UV lights in your AC system can help eliminate harmful microbes? They cleanse the air of harmful biological contaminants like viruses, germs, and mold spores. UV lights also prevent mold from growing on HVAC coils which will keep your system running efficiently. Contact Payne Air to learn about UV light installation for your home.*
Hearing loud noises from the attic? It might be a squirrel. While squirrels don’t hibernate, they might have built a nest to stay protected from the winter weather. If you run into one of these critters, call the pros at Trutech Wildlife Service for a free inspection.*

Drink

Increasing your water intake one of your resolutions? Eternal Spring Water is buy one, get one free at Publix GreenWise Market now through Wednesday, Jan. 18. 💧 *

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

TRAVEL

Feel like taking a road trip?

Rent a kayak to see Weeki Wachee’s wildlife up close and personal. | Photo by @carlie.stach

Read along for our guide to an outdoor adventure-themed trip to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Drive time: ~1.5 hours
Est. population: 113,742

Things to do

Weeki Fresh Water Adventures
Rent a kayak or paddleboard to take a 5.5-mile ride down the Weeki Wachee River — keep an eye out for manatees, turtles, or river otters on your journey.

Buccaneer Bay
Ride down water slides into the cold spring water at Buccaneer Bay. Rent an inner tube for a leisurely float down the natural lazy river, or relax on the white sand beach after going for a swim.

Mermaid shows
Step into the park’s underwater amphitheater to watch a show from the Mermaids of Weeki Wachee State Park. These aquatic performers have entertained audiences for the past 60 years.

That’s just the beginning. Click below for what to eat and where to stay.

FOOD AND LODGING HERE

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Rilee.

Editor’s pick: With over 100 comments on our Instagram and Facebook posts about Munn Park’s potential redesign, it’s clear Lakelanders have strong opinions. Consider this a friendly reminder that in order for the City of Lakeland to hear your voice, you must complete the online survey. I submitted my thoughts in less than 60 seconds.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We shared how you can volunteer in Swan City, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Rilee Delgado, Connor Keith, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Kailey Burke | Advertise with us.

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.

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