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.

Events

Friday, Oct. 6

Harvest Holler Corn Maze | Friday, Oct. 6-Sunday, Oct. 8 | Times vary | Harvest Holler Corn Maze, 950 Tavares Rd., Polk City | $12-$15 | Explore a corn maze and pumpkin patch, or take a hayride through this fall farm.
First Friday: Cookie Carnival | Friday, Oct. 6 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 117 N. Kentucky Ave., Lakeland | Free entry | Be a cookie judge at this downtown event with food trucks, shops open late, and a makers’ market.
Moxie Le Femme Presents: Serially Sexy - Moxie Loves You to Death | Friday, Oct. 6-Saturday, Oct. 7 | 7-11 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $15-$20 | Lakeland’s premiere cabaret & burlesque variety show will perform its Halloween show — attendees must be ages 18 and up.

Saturday, Oct. 7

Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 210 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Find fresh produce, plants, and locally handcrafted items at this outdoor farmers market.
Yoga in the Vines | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 9-10 a.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | $10 | Start your day with an hour-long stretch in the Keel Farms vineyard and stay to visit the tasting room or restaurant.
Fox Squirrel Corn Maze | Saturday, Oct. 7-Sunday, Oct. 8 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, 6151 Varn Rd., Plant City | $12 | Get lost in a 5-acre corn maze, create custom wildflower bouquets, and soar on the jump pad.
Bienvenido a BSP — Hispanic Heritage Celebration | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 12-8 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop from an artisan market, enjoy special offers from The Depot, Rooftop Bar, and food trucks, and listen to Selena tribute band Bidi Bidi Banda.

Sunday, Oct. 8

Lakeside Second Sunday Market | Sunday, Oct. 8 | 12-5 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free entry | Shop from local makers at this Halloween-themed market — costumes are encouraged and trick-or-treating will be available.
Brian Jones w/ Hi Lumpia FL | Sunday, Oct. 8 | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free | There’s no such thing as Sunday Scaries at Swan Brewing — kick off your week with music from Brian Jones and food from Hi Lumpia.
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail | Friday, Oct. 6-Sunday, Oct. 8 | Times vary | Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, 2837 S. Frontage Rd., Plant City | $27-$57 | Celebrate this attraction’s 10th season with three outdoor haunted trails, a new haunted hayride, escape games, and axe throwing.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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From the editor

Learn

Registration is open for the 2024 Women’s Leadership Development Programs offered by Emily Rogers Consulting + Coaching. Mindful Leadership, a 6-week professional development program, launches on Jan. 10, 2024. Mastering Leadership, a 14-week professional development program, launches on Feb. 21, 2024.

History

You’ve probably tried the famous biscuits, but do you know the history behind Red Lobster? The iconic seafood chain first opened its doors at 1330 E. Memorial Blvd., right here in Swan City. Now, the property is home to Lakeland Fishing Outfitters Tackle Shop, which seems fitting. (The Ledger)

Arts

Mayfaire by-the-Lake is looking for artists ahead of the 2024 juried fine arts festival. On Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, 15,000 people will peruse art of all mediums on Lake Morton. There’s $17,000 in prize money up for grabs. Applications are due by March 1, 2024.

Great Escapes

Our guide to New Orleans, LA

Great Escapes: Our guide to New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is a visual delight. | Photo by Chloe Rodgers

Attention, travelers: New Orleans is so much more than Mardi Gras. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind destination, check out all the must-do’s for visiting the visual/cultural delight that is “The Big Easy.”

Why go? Gastro travel. On top of the city’s world-renowned Creole and Cajun food scene, two New Orleans restaurants were just named on the third annual New York Times Restaurant List of 2023’s 50 best restaurants in the country.
Act like a local. A few of our favorite live music venues (where you can see live jazz and other acts all year round) include Maple Leaf, Preservation Hall, The Spotted Cat, Tipitina’s, and d.b.a.
Where to stay: Try this beautifully updated second-floor unit in a historic home with a large balcony overlooking St. Charles Avenue, located in a super convenient spot between the Garden District and Uptown (~$248/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.*

Games

Precious pet puzzle-fied

Can you beat my time? This Blinky the Alligator puzzle took me 6 minutes and 40 seconds to complete with 60 pieces. When you’re done puzzling, take the whole family to the pictured Blinky Playground at Florida Children’s Museum to check out his new roller-slide tail.

Puzzlers this way

Shop

MKT Weekend Shop 10.5 (Affiliate)

Award

It’s here — Allure’s 2023 Best of Beauty Award Winners list. Shop Best of Skin and Best of Hair winners to discover today’s breakthrough beauty technology.

Wellness

Four Sigmatic’s organic protein powder is the ultimate smoothie booster with 18 grams of protein and 1500 milligrams of adaptogens per serving — nourishing your mind + body.

Eat

The Bentgo stackable lunch box includes two stackable containers, built-in silverware, and dividers to snugly fit food portions into individual compartments.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
LALtoday Team

Do you have a Lakeland photo that would make a good puzzle? Send it our way — we can gamify just about anything.

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