09.13.2023

SUBSCRIBE | REFER

Today’s Forecast

77º | Light thunderstorms and rain | 90% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:49 p.m.

🎶 Take me down to the Chain-of-Lakes City

Take a quick trip to these cities near Lakeland

Winter Haven, FL | Photo by @theclevision

Paddle, boat, or swim your way around Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes. | Photo by @theclevision

With the help of our readers, we’re planning day trip guides to your favorite towns near Lakeland that you can reach without having to refill your gas tank. The first stop in our series is Winter Haven, the Chain of Lakes City. It’s home to Polk County’s only theme park and 50 lakes — that’s even more than Lakeland has.

LAL-Visit Central Florida water skiing event-9.27.22.jpg — Winter Haven is known as the Water Ski Capital of the World.
|
Photo provided by Visit Central Florida

What to do

Winter Haven gets its nickname because of its lakes interconnected by canals, making it the perfect place for getting out on the water. Reader Katie D. recommends booking a tour with The Living Water Boat Cruises to learn the area’s history.

Looking for entertainment? The Cypress Gardens Water Ski Team has been impressing audiences for over 100 years and puts on monthly free shows on Lake Silver (including one this Saturday, Sept. 16). Head downtown for classic movies and concerts at the Historic Ritz Theatre or comedy shows at Laugh Out Lounge.

If you’re visiting with little ones, LEGOLAND Florida is the place to be. Families can ride attractions, splash in the water park, or visit the Peppa Pig Theme Park.

A hand holding a very large hamburger — We also recommend a juicy burger from Adler’s.
|
Photo by @hungryyhippiee

Where to eat

You’ll work up an appetite after all that exploring. Reader Zack S. recommends starting the day with coffee from Haven Coffee Roasters and a bite from Honeycomb Bread Bakers.

Reader Sandi C. loves their casual lunch spot: Lucille’s American Café. Other readers recommended Arabellas Ristorante for dinner (Katie D. even called it the best Italian restaurant in Florida).

Toast to a successful day trip with a glass from Grove Roots Brewing or Obscure Wine Company. Winter Haven locals will recommend a visit to Andy’s Igloo for a milkshake or ice cream sundae to enjoy on your way back to Swan City.

Asked

Which city should we feature next?

Help us plan our next quick trip guide by filling out our 60-second survey of your favorite things to do, see, and eat there.

Tell us where to travel

Events

Wednesday, Sept. 13

Line Dancing & Karaoke | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 5 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | If your boots were made for dancing, bring them for lessons at 5 p.m. and karaoke at 8 p.m.
Knit One, Crochet Too! | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lakeland Public Library, Larry R. Jackson Branch, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Bring your current knitting or crocheting project to share tips and tricks with other crafters.

Thursday, Sept. 14

Jukebox Bingo & Cousins Maine Lobster | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 5-9 p.m. | The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Listen for your favorite songs through the decades to fill out your bingo card.
Gallery Concert Series | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 6-8 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | $38-$49 | The Lakeland Symphony Orchestra will perform pieces inspired by the exhibit “Remembering Vilna: The Holocaust and the Art of Samuel Bak.”

Friday, Sept. 15

Women’s Business Symposium | Friday, Sept. 15 | 7:45 a.m.-12 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland, 502 E. Main St., Lakeland | $40 | Attend this symposium to learn “a recipe for success” for navigating the business world.
Sangria Night at Keel Farms | Friday, Sept. 15 | 5-10 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | It’s all about sangria at this event — visit for Latin music, food, and drinks.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

Polk County is implementing changes to its waste program, including new requirements for yard waste and bulk collection, to improve efficiency. The county is also considering ending curbside recycling pickup, but it could add drop-off sites and subscription services for residents. (The Ledger)

Learn

“Black Experience in US History,” a six-month series led by the Lakeland NAACP, kicked off last night at the Coleman-Bush Building. Visit monthly to learn from history professor Bobbie Boatwright Harris — the next session is on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. (LkldNow)

Health

Lakelanders can get a health screening along with their hairstyles thanks to Lakeland Regional Health’s ShopTalk program. Doctors and nurses visit local barbershops, offering free screenings on-site and educating barbers + customers on health. (LkldNow)

Talk

Ann McCutchan will begin Florida Southern College’s Florida Lecture Series on Thursday, Sept. 14 with a talk on author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. At Southeastern University, Kevin Ambler will speak about the judicial system on Tuesday, Sept. 19. (The Ledger)

Holiday

Constitution Week is Sunday, Sept. 17-Saturday, Sept. 23. It commemorates the signing of the US Constitution in 1787. Celebrate by watching Polk County’s naturalization ceremonies for new US citizens on Friday, Sept. 15 at 9 and 11 a.m. Around 70 people from 26 countries will gain citizenship.

Sports

Cheese, Wham, Hotshot, and Bulldog — those are just a few of the Harlem Globetrotters playing in the Tipoff Series World Tour at the RP Funding Center on Sunday, Dec. 17. Tickets to the game will go on sale Monday, Sept. 25.

Cause

What’s better than a prime rib dinner, raffles, games, live music, and a crowd-favorite fashion show featuring the fun-loving men of the Brotherhood of Pinkness? All that, plus raising money for Lakeland Regional Health’s Hollis Cancer Center patients. Register for Puttin’ on The Pink for Breast Cancer, happening Friday, Oct. 13.*

Shop

We’re excited to welcome East of These, a Lakeland-based accessories company that offers hope and encouragement, to our online store (Six & Main). Feel inspired by beautiful scrunchies, turbans, and more. Shop now.

Award

Love MCO? Help Orlando International Airport win USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards, where readers vote for the airports nominated by USA Today’s travel experts. See which four travel categories MCO was nominated for + cast your vote (daily) now through Monday, Oct. 2.*

Home

Dramatic and moody, yet tranquil and grounded. Are we describing ourselves, or Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Month for September 2023? Discover the color for your next home project.^

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Eat

🍫 It’s International Chocolate Day

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these local desserts

The vegan double chocolate muffin from Born & Bread Bakehouse is worth waiting in line. | Photo by @thelkldvegan

As if we needed a reason to get a little treat. Here’s where you can get your chocolate fix today.

Born and Bread Bakehouse, 1113 S. Florida Ave.
The bakehouse is open today from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Boston cream cruffins, Transcendent Chocolate cake, and Cosmic Rye brownies are on the menu.

Charlie’s Mini Donuts & Coffee, 1023 E. County Rd. 540A
Fill a box with flavors like peanut butter cup, s’mores, chocolate pretzel, or classic chocolate frosted.

Meraki Bakehouse, locations vary
Drive-thru happyfastdelicious today or plan to pick up a pastry at the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market on Saturday — we recommend the chocolate croissant.

More places to treat your sweet tooth

Shop

Shop 9.13.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Seasonal

Put your holiday gifting headaches in the past with Six & Main’s gifting quiz. Get the perfect gift for your friends and family with just a few clicks. Start quiz.

Arts

Kathyphantastic items are perfect for spicing up your wardrobe, water bottle, or fridge. From unique magnets to art prints, shop the collection.

Drink

The internet’s favorite tumbler — the 40-oz. Stanley Quencher — is in stock in cute colors like pool, jade, and orchid.

Travel

Love flying first class? Snag an Elite membership from Going and get emailed when first + business class flights are 40-90% off (hello, European vacation).

Wellness

It doesn’t get more luxurious than the Drowsy sleep mask, which is silky smooth on skin and completely light-blocking for the deepest sleep.

Share LALtoday

Share the good news. Get rewarded.

Have someone who needs to stay in the know? Get amazing rewards for every new subscriber you bring by sharing your unique referral link (below).

Facebook

Twitter

{{profile.vars.rh_totref_15}} friends are looped into all things local because of you.

Claim your rewards

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Connor

From the editor

If you’re planning a trip to Winter Haven and in the chocolate mood now, here’s my rec: Stop by Richard’s Fine Coffees for the Vienna latte, made with both vanilla and chocolate.

Missed our previous newsletter?

Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback

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.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY