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, Nov. 3

Harvest Holler Corn Maze | Friday, Nov. 3-Sunday, Nov. 5 | 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: Dancing Under the Stars | Friday, Nov. 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland, 210 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Salute to our armed forces members with a night of dancing in Munn Park.
Swan City Improv Comedy Show! | Friday, Nov. 3 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave., Lakeland | $10-$15 | Laugh along at these improvised comedy shows — all ages are welcome to the 7:30 p.m. show and the 9:30 p.m. show is 21+.

Saturday, Nov. 4

47th Lake to Lake 10K | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 7:30 a.m. | Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $37.50 | Run by Lake Mirror, Lake Morton, and Lake Hollingsworth in this 10K.
2023 Polk County Heart Walk | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 8 a.m. | Joker Marchant Stadium, 2125 N. Lake Ave., Lakeland | Donation optional | Join a walk starting at 9 a.m. to raise funds for the American Heart Association.
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 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.
Sip + Shop | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Shop from local artists + small businesses for handmade art, baked goods, and boutique items while sipping on drinks from the taproom.
Goat Yoga on the Farm! | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm, 6170 Robins Rd, Lakeland | $10-$25 | We’re not kidding around — try this beginner-friendly, 45-minute goat yoga class.

Sunday, Nov. 5

Art Crawl | Sunday, Nov. 5 | 12-6 p.m. | Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St., Lakeland | Free entry | Visit this art festival to view local art, enjoy food and brews, and see live performances.
Harvest Joy — Pumpkin & Blackeyed Susans | Sunday, Nov. 5 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Painting with a Twist, 3670 Harden Blvd., Lakeland | $37-$49 | Choose your canvas, bring your own refreshments, and pay attention to the step-by-step instructions in this painting class.

100+ MORE EVENTS

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Great Escapes

Our Guide to Syracuse, NY

Great Escapes: Our Guide to Syracuse, NY

City Editor Lexa loved walking around town + admiring the leaves changing. | Photo by @chstoday

Tom Hanks said it best: “Don’t you love New York in the fall?” The crisp, cool air, the leaves changing, the autumn traditions — now is the perfect time for a New York vacation, and if the hustle and bustle of Manhattan isn’t your style, Syracuse is the perfect destination. Plan your trip with our fall getaway guide.

Why go?

Why go? Visit Green Lakes State Park, featuring two glacial lakes and 10 miles of trails. It’s a great way to get some fresh air.
Act like a local: Feeling Italian food? Make a reservation at Pastabilities — you won’t be disappointed. For a taste of the Lowcountry, grab a pulled pork platter from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Pro tip: You’ve got to stop by Stella’s Diner at least once for breakfast.
Where to stay: Stone House, located right on Oneida Lake (~$187/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.*

Puzzle

Who’s up for some friendly competition?

Nothing gets us in the fall mood quite like a puzzle. Complete this one, featuring a fall scene in downtown Lakeland, shot by @walfaro30. Let’s see if you can beat my time of 3:15.

The Buy

Weekend The Buy 11.02.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

These cute blue light blocking glasses. Choose your frame color and use them any time you’re looking at an LED screen to block 99% of blue light.

Highlighted

Soar like never before

View Lakeland, Florida from 3,000 feet up

Lakeland, Florida from 30,000 feet | Photo via LALtoday team

November is National Aviation Month, and it has my head in the clouds. Last year, I took to the skies to get a first-hand bird’s eye view of our favorite city in the world.

Keep reading to see Lakeland landmarks from above — can our eagle-eyed readers spot anything in particular?

Click below to find landmarks such as:

Lakeside Village. Even from 3,000+ ft, we can spot some tried + true Lakeland locations and some of our favorite eateries.
The Lakeland Dreadnaughts football stadium, Lakeland Regional Hospital, and Lake Parker
Lake Mirror, the Lakeland Fire Department, and The Joinery

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
LALtoday Team

We’ll see you next week, Lakeland. In the meantime, let us know what kind of stories you’d like to see in November + December.

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