Today’s Note

Hey Lakeland, Connor here. It’s a relatively quiet weekend as the city comes back from a busy holiday season. I wouldn’t miss the very first First Friday of the year, and there are also a few comedy shows that you could hit after you walk through downtown. Here’s more to try out during the first weekend of 2024.

Happy Thursday, Lakeland. Rilee here — I’m looking forward to the Easter festivities and fun in the sun this weekend. Check out nine can’t-miss events:

Events

Friday, April 7

Good Friday Single Day Camp | Friday, Apr. 7 | 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | What’s Cooking Lakeland, 6935 S. Carter Rd. #6, Lakeland | $89 | Drop off your kids ages 5-13 to cook a family dinner and dessert to take home.
Easter Bunny Brunch | Friday, Apr. 7 | 10-11 a.m. | Kelly Recreation Complex, 404 Imperial Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Call to reserve your spot at this free brunch with the Easter Bunny.
First Friday: Dog Days Downtown | Friday, Apr. 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free | Bring Fido for some First Friday fun, including a pet lookalike contest, pet parade, and dog agility demonstrations.

Saturday, April 8

Lakeland Family YMCA Easter Ride | Saturday, Apr. 8 | 8-8:45 a.m. | Lakeland Family YMCA, 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Kick off your Easter weekend with a group cycling ride at the Lakeland YMCA.
EASTER CELEBRATION AT COHATCH LAKELAND | Saturday, Apr. 8 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | COhatch Lakeland, 211 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free | Bring the kids for photos with the Easter bunny, crafts, and games — registration required.
Buena Market Hosted by Bonnet Springs Park | Saturday, Apr. 8 | 5-9 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free | Shop from 50+ makers, artists, and vintage sellers while you enjoy a live DJ.
Keel Farms Blueberry Festival | Saturday, Apr. 8 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free | Try unique food and drink, pick blueberries, and pet farm animals at this family-friendly festival.

Sunday, April 9

Easter Sunday w/ John Frinzi & Best Dressed Eggs | Sunday, Apr. 9 | 12-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | Adults can hunt for eggs at 3 p.m., kids can smash a piñata at 4 p.m., and Best Dressed Eggs will be serving food all afternoon.
Sunday Funday & Mimosa Bar! | Sunday, Apr. 9 | 12-7 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | $1 | Pour your own mimosas with prosecco on tap for $1 per ounce and free mixers.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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Editor’s Pick

Number

19. That’s how many years Lakeland has held the designation of being a Tree City, according to the Arbor Day Foundation. Official Tree Cities must have a tree board or department and a community tree ordinance. Additionally, cities must spend $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrate Arbor Day.

Drink

Springtime is for matcha. We tried seasonal matcha-based lattes at Hillcrest Coffee and Black & Brew, and they were both delicious. We opted for iced, oat milk-based drinks, but you can customize the drinks to your preference. Tell us where we should go next in Swan City for a seasonal bev.

Answered

We recently shared some Lakeland-inspired baby names and asked for your ideas. Readers suggested multiple names, including Miriam (for Lake Miriam), Flo (think: Florida Avenue), and lake-inspired names like Morton, Mortie, and Lachlan. Add yours to our list.

Travel and Outdoors

Our guide to Cordova, AK

Great Escapes: Our guide to Cordova, AK

Purple flowers and green vegetation sit in the foreground, with a glassy lake, glacier. and mountains behind.

Lupine thrives in the glacial soil during the summer. | Photo by @benmcbeephoto

On the vast Gulf of Alaska sits a tiny fishing town you’ve probably never heard of. What it lacks in residents (pop. 2,528) it makes up for in outdoor recreation, wildlife spotting, and the glorious opportunity to drop off the grid.

Here are some suggestions to help you write your own story in The Last Frontier.

Why go? In May, binocular-toting birders flock to the Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival to witness the annual migration of approx. 5 million avian travelers. Photograph species like western sandpipers and dunlins as they forage and flutter among the tidal flats.
Act like a local: When hunger strikes, look for the red school bus by the harbor. At Baja Taco, you’ll find Mexican Alaskan fare and an espresso bar. Pro tip: Add reindeer sausage or salmon to any breakfast entree for $4.
Where to stay: Seaview condo close to dining options (~$145/night)*

Bonus message from our partner: If you’re looking to book this trip, Going offers all the affordable flight hacks from your home airport. Sign up here.*

Shop

Wellness

Our tip for a gentle, gradual wake-up: Amazon’s Halo Rise, which uses smart alarm clock technology to simulate a sunrise. Bonus: Turn on the sleep tracking feature to help improve your sleep — no wearable device required.

Travel

What’s your vacation vibe — coastal, lavish, or off the beaten path? For something coastal, check out these stunning oceanfront views in Hilton Head, SC. For a lavish stay, you’ll love this award-winning vacation home in Palm Springs, CA. And for something off the beaten path, peep this modern cabin with views of Mount Rainier, WA.

Drink

The most polished organizational item in your kitchen: the Fellow Atmos Coffee Canister, which not only looks great but keeps coffee fresh by sucking oxygen out of the jar. Pro tip: You can use it to store any snack and it will stay fresh longer.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
LALtoday Team

Have a lovely weekend, Lakeland. We trust it will be filled with deliciousness, outdoor adventures, and of course, swans.

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