Get ready to fall in love with these products.
6AM City In-house

Culture

Your one-stop love shop 💘
Vday gift guide
Six & Main is our online store where we show love to local artisans from our sister markets across the nation. | Photo by 6AM City
We’re head over heels for our readers. As we enter the month of love, we want to show our love by helping you choose the sweetest gifts from our online shop, Six & Main, which showcases local artists and small businesses from around the country.

Whether you plan to spend Valentine’s Day with your significant other, friends, or family — or simply by treating yourself — these goods will have you falling in love at first sight.

Taste the love 🍫
Indulge in hand-painted chocolates in this Valentine’s Day 12 Piece Bonbon Gift Box by Marble & Steel Craft Chocolates. Don’t forget to toast to love with a colorful cocktail glass from AlanaKayART, which pairs perfectly with this strawberry lemonade mixer from Simple Times Mixers.

Read the love 💌
Write something sweet to someone special using the “You Make Me Happy” card by Joy Paper Co. If you’re feeling extra smitten, let them know they’re “Quite the Catch.”

Show the love 🎨
No brushes or paint needed for this gift of art. Gift (or keep) this peonies watercolor painting by Kelsey Nichols Art or the “Smiling Faces Beautiful Places” by Dream a little ART SC.

Smell the love 🕯️
Let the mood fill the room with this rosemary sage candle by Resolute Candles, or smell the aroma of Venice with this bellini candle by Wixology Candle Company.

Wear the love ❤️
For the jewelry lovers, check out these heart necklaces from Eleven + Jane. What’s even sweeter? There are matching heart earrings to go with it. If you’d rather don on a love-inspired shirt, this flamingo button-down from Block + Ink is the perfect fit.

There’s more love to go around. Click the button below to explore the entire Valentine’s Day Gift Guide.
START SHOPPING

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Monday, Jan. 30
  • Yoga for Beginners | Monday, Jan. 30 | 10-11 a.m. | Simpson Park Community Center, 1725 Martin L. King Jr. Ave., Lakeland | $5 | Bring your mat and some water to this yoga class for all levels focusing on breath, alignment, balance, and strength — must be 16 or older.
  • After School Art | Monday, Jan. 30 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | $5 | Parents and children can work together on an art activity — space is limited.
Tuesday, Jan. 31
  • Author Talk with Randall Munroe | Tuesday, Jan. 31 | 2 p.m. | Virtual | Free | This author and creator of the webcomic “xkcd” will discuss his new book “What If? 2" and answer audience questions with the Lakeland Public Library.
  • Trivia Night Every Tuesday at Keel Farms | Tuesday, Jan. 31 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free | Order a cider, beer, or wine on the patio as you compete in trivia.
Wednesday, Feb. 1
  • Glendale Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour | Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 9-11 a.m. | Glendale Wastewater Treatment Plant, 1825 Glendale St., Lakeland | Free | Go behind the scenes to see how Lakeland’s water is cleaned and returned to the environment.
  • Sunset Yoga in the Vines | Wednesday, Feb. 1 | 6-7 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $10 | Yogis of all levels can get their flow on with a 50-minute yoga session — tickets include a drink voucher.
Thursday, Feb. 2
  • John Frinzi w/ Jimmy’s Famous Seafood | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Musician John Frinzi takes the stage while you chow down on seafood and locally brewed drafts.
  • A Winter Reflection | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 7-9 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $39 | Bring your favorite refreshments to hang out with friends while painting a snowy mountain step by step.
Friday, Feb. 3
  • First Friday: Mardi Gras | Friday, Feb. 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Find vendors, a car show, and plenty of beads as downtown Lakeland transforms into the Big Easy.
  • 19th Annual Rotary Twilight 5k 2023 | Friday, Feb. 3 | 7 p.m. | 929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., Lakeland | Join a sunset run around Lake Hollingsworth to benefit maintenance at Common Ground Playground.
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

Weather
  • 85º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain
Open
  • J. Burns’ Pizza Shop’s third location is now open at 5615 S. Florida Ave. Stop by Tuesday-Sunday for pizza, subs, and salads — including gluten-free options. Since the shop is closed today, whet your appetite with our sneak peek video.
Biz
  • Mary’s Bagel Cafe may have just opened last week, but owner Denise Gilmore is already looking toward future business opportunities. She owns the lot behind the cafe where she envisions restaurants in shipping crates. The Lakeland CRA also hopes to add another midtown business on the lot adjacent to Mary’s. 🥯 (The Ledger)
  • A new Publix could be coming to Winter Haven at 890 Jersey Road NW, down the street from an existing store at 606 Havendale Blvd. in Auburndale. The former location may close if the new one opens, and Publix would need a variance from Polk County to sell liquor. (The Ledger)
  • First impressions go a long way, especially in business. Find out what your startup needs to stand out — and how to avoid common mistakes — in this podcast episode from Catapult. 🎧 *
Outdoors
Arts
  • Lakeland artist Gillian Fazio has made her mark on a Tampa neighborhood. Gillian painted a colorful mermaid for Equality Florida, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ youth. You can find the mural — and a scoop of ice cream — at Sea Maids Creamery (4230 N. Florida Ave., Tampa). 🧜‍♀️
Asked
  • Now that you’ve signed up for a local book club, do you know of any knitting and crocheting groups? Reader Patricia P. asked where to share projects and tips. We recommended Knit One, Crochet Too, but tell us of any we missed — we’re waiting on pins and needles. 🧶
Answered
  • If you’re like us, you’ve got Samoas and Tagalongs on the brain. We asked for local Girl Scout troops selling cookies this year, and our readers delivered. Reader Raechel K. suggested Troop 4601, the Royal Swans, and Reader Rebecca K. let us know we can shop online from Troop 74614.
Job
  • Inspired by our conversation with Diana Cortes-Blanquicet of DOU Bakehouse? Now’s your chance to join the team. DOU is looking for a baker to help create thousands of confections each week for theme parks, resorts, and more. Find out more here. 🍰
Cause
  • Want to do something good for your heart? Donate blood. Studies show that donating blood can help lower blood pressure + and reduce your risk of a heart attack. Lakeland Regional Health is hosting a OneBlood Drive this Wednesday, Feb. 1 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Register here. 🩸*
Community
  • Looking to get more involved in the community? Lakelanders (both individuals + groups) can volunteer at Bonnet Springs Park to participate in one-time opportunities or ongoing projects that make a big difference.*
Finance
  • Erase credit card interest until nearly 2025? Sounds good to us. This balance transfer card can do just that, providing you up to 21 months for the important stuff: travel, education, good food, time with family, or paying off debt. Apply today in minutes.*
Wellness
  • If one of your 2023 goals is to create more time for self care and relaxation, an acupressure mat is a must. The mats are designed to stimulate pressure points to relieve tension, decrease stress levels, and increase circulation. This ProsourceFit full body mat includes neck support.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

In pursuit of trivia? 💭

A guide to trivia nights in Lakeland
Screen Shot 2019-10-14 at 2.32.05 PM
Lakelanders put their heads together to tackle trivia at The Brass Tap. | Photo by @btlakeland
Have an encyclopedic knowledge of sports details, pop culture references, and geographical facts? Flex at one of Lakeland’s weekly trivia nights — and keep an eye out for themed trivia events on our calendar.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Did we miss your favorite recurring trivia night? Let us know and we may add it to the list.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Connor.

Editor’s pick: With J. Burns’ new location and Mary’s Bagel Cafe opening, we’re checking off our list of restaurants coming to Lakeland one by one. Many readers have asked about La Granja, which we announced in November. According to this press release, the Latin American chain should be set to open in the next month or so.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Plan a Swan City staycation with 10+ Airbnb and Vrbo rentals, 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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