Plus, a Galentine's party.
 
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Today’s Forecast

72º | Light thunderstorms and rain | 90% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:20 a.m. | Sunset 5:48 p.m.
 

The chickens are calling

Hit the Road: A 30-mile getaway to Ybor City
An exterior shot of the Columbia restaurant features tiles and traditional Spanish design.
Stop by Columbia Restaurant, the world’s largest Spanish restaurant. | Photo by @abbyallenleach
Sometimes, you just need to get away, but that doesn’t mean you have to go far. We’re rounding up the need-to-know info for a 30-mile trip to Ybor City.

Drive time: ~33 minutes from downtown Lakeland
Est. population: 1,740+

Things to do

Centennial Park
Located at 1800 E. 8th Ave., Tampa, in the heart of Ybor’s historic district, is Centennial Park. Pro tip: Swing by every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Ybor City Saturday Market to shop local goods.

Centro Ybor
Entertainment, shopping, and dining can all be found at Centro Ybor (1600 E. 8th Ave., Tampa), a 240,000-sqft outdoor mall with something for everyone. Stop by GameTime Tampa for 100+ indoor games or Improv Comedy Theater for a night of laughs.

Red cafe chairs sit at marble tables before a patterned wallpaper, hanging plants, and velvet curtain.

Grab a seat at Café Quiquiriqui + enjoy your meal beneath hanging plants.

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Photo by LALtoday

Grub to eat

Café Quiquiriqui
This Cuban-inspired cafe (1402 E. 7th Ave., Tampa) offers breakfast + lunch dishes like the el Cubano just steps from Hotel Haya’s main lobby. Editor’s pick: City Editor Rilee suggests the Cuban toast for a morning pick-me-up, particularly because of that guava jelly.

Columbia Restaurant
Did you know Ybor City is the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich? Stop by Columbia Restaurant (2117 E. 7th Ave. Tampa), which also happens to be the world’s largest Spanish restaurant and Florida’s oldest restaurant, for a taste of this historic Floridian meal.

A large potted plant sits before a window showing an outdoor courtyard.

Are you sitting in Hotel Haya’s lobby, or an air-conditioned jungle? | Photo by LALtoday

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Photo by LALtoday

Overnight accommodations

Hotel Haya, 1412 E. 7th Ave., Tampa
This boutique hotel is known for highlighting local artists in its decor. Book a stay here to experience the heart of Ybor City (and did we mention Cafe Quiquiriqui is just off the lobby?).

Le Méridien Tampa, The Courthouse, 601 N. Florida Ave., Tampa
Just a six-minute drive from Ybor City’s center is Le Méridien, a boutique hotel housed in Tampa’s historic federal courthouse.
More places to eat, stay, and play
Asked

What kind of travel do you hope to do more of in 2024?
A. Roadtripping
B. Cruising
C. Luxury trips
D. Other
Dream big, travel far
 
Events
Tuesday, Jan. 16
Wednesday, Jan. 17
  • Pilates | Wednesday, Jan. 17 | 5-6 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | Head to Lakeside Village’s central lawn for this free community pilates class led by an expert — bring your own mat and water.
Thursday, Jan. 18
  • Discovering Bok Tower Gardens Guided Tour | Thursday, Jan. 18 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales | $5-$27 | Take a walking tour of the gardens to learn about their history and design.
  • Art Connect ALZ | Thursday, Jan. 18 | 2-3 p.m. | Polk Museum of Art, 800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland | Free | Individuals in the early stages of dementia are invited to create and appreciate art — no experience is required.
Friday, Jan. 19
  • Sound Invasion | Friday, Jan. 19 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave., Lakeland | $12-$15 | Head to this Dixieland venue for live performances from Null Data Club, Spider Lily, and other bands.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Wellness

Hair growth — for every life stage and lifestyle
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Nutrafol’s five unique formulas are physician-formulated. | Photo by Nutrafol
Nutrafol’s hair growth supplements are tailored to your needs.
  • Are you 18-44 and experiencing hair thinning?
  • Do you lead a plant-based lifestyle?
  • Experiencing signs of peri- and post-menopause?
Their five unique formulas are physician-formulated to target your specific root causes of thinning.

Start today and see visibly thicker, stronger, faster-growing hair by summer.
News Notes
Number
  • 88. That’s how many people moved to Lakeland every day in 2023, on average, according to Mayor Bill Mutz. If you have a new neighbor or you’re new to Swan City, check out New to Lakeland — our comprehensive guide for new residents. (Fox 13 News)
Biz
  • Catapult’s restaurant residency program launches tomorrow for lunch and dinner. Stop by to try bites from The Cultivated Pig. We’re eyeing the brisket, but pastrami, sandwiches, and more are also on the menu.
Watch
  • Last week, two teams of Lakeland firefighters went to Orlando to show their skills in the Florida Fire Conference’s Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) competition. You can learn more about RIT and watch part of the competition.
Plan Ahead
  • Where there’s Valentine’s, there’s Galentine’s. Head to Obscure Wine Company (276 W. Central Ave.) in Winter Haven on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 7-10 p.m. for a Galentine’s Day party. The event will feature wine and specialty cocktails, pop-ups from local businesses and florists, and more.
Eat
  • Citrus season is here — and we want you to meet the local growers that stock Publix with fresh oranges, grapefruits, pomelos, and more during peak harvest season of January + February. Bonus: We’ve got citrus recipes, too.*
Finance
  • Meet Money Pickle: your gateway to smart financial planning. How it works: 1. Get matched with an experienced, top-notch financial advisor for your specific needs. 2. Connect with them through an easy, free video call. 3. Transform your investments, retirement, wealth management + more with their trusted advice. Get matched.*
Giveaway
  • Make a donation towards veterans’ and children’s charities + you could win a RAM 3500 HD truck in the Big Diesel Truck Dream Giveaway. Double your entries with code 6AMCITY.*
 
The Buy

The Buy 1.16.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Some cute housewares to add color to your kitchen — shop Six & Main’s collection of coasters, kitchen towels, bowls, and trays.
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The Wrap
 
Rilee-Delgado-Headshot-LAL

Today’s edition by:
Rilee
From the editor
I’ve heard great things about all of the eateries mentioned in our guide to Ybor City, but if you’re looking for a personal recommendation, I say you can’t miss my go-to spot: Café Quiquiriqui. I really can’t overstate how much I love the guava jelly.
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