Plus, 17 vegetarian + vegan restaurants in Lakeland.
 
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Luxury in Lakeland: The Terrace Hotel
Exterior shot of the Terrace Hotel
The Terrace Hotel’s facade has been a marker of Lakeland’s skyline since 1924. | Photo by LALtoday
Over the last 139 years, Lakeland has had numerous historic hotels grace its city blocks — from the Tremont House Hotel and Hotel Thelma to the New Florida Hotel. While those historic hotels have all come, gone, or been transformed, they paved the way for another historic hotel to join Lakeland’s skyline, where it continues to stay today.

Purchased for $750,000 in 1923, The Terrace Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (historically, The Lakeland Terrace Hotel) was built on the property where Tremont House once stood. Featuring a Neo-classical style both inside and out, it brought a level of grandeur that Lakelanders hadn’t seen at this scale.

Reference Collection

The Terrace once stood next to The Hotel Thelma, which was torn down in 1962. Now, its site is home to downtown businesses such as Frescos Southern Kitchen + Bar.

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Photo via Florida Memory

The Terrace was also hailed as one of the only year-round inns at the time since it had air conditioning, and it quickly gained the reputation of being “Florida’s most luxurious year-round hotel.” As such, it saw several famous guests over the years — including Henry Ford, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Frank Sinatra.

After decades of success however, the hotel experienced hardships in the 1970s and closed in 1986, where it stood vacant for 12 years. Luckily, the historic building was re-purchased for $150,000 and reopened its doors in 1998. This restoration saw modern updates, an additional 15 suites, a conference room, banquet space, and more.

TerraceHotel-LAL-10.22-5

Couples can use The Terrace’s Cypress Ballroom as an excellent wedding reception space.

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Photo by @marialejaphoto

In 2020, the Terrace was purchased by five local investors and became part of the Hilton brand, so it is now known as The Terrace Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Since its sale, the hotel features new ownership + management, plus an even more updated renovation spanning from the lobby to its guest rooms. This October, it will officially celebrate its 100th anniversary.
 
Asked
 
What color was The Terrace originally painted?
A. Blue
B. Orange
C. Green
D. White
 
 
Events
 
Thursday, April 11
  • Lakeland Food Truck Rally | Thursday, April 11 | 6-9 p.m. | Munn Park, 201 E. Main St., Lakeland | Free entry | Try food from 15 different food trucks while enjoying live music from a DJ.
  • Night Market | Thursday, April 11 | 6-9 p.m. | Union Taproom, 245 W. Central Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Haven | Free entry | Visit this monthly night market to shop local vendors while you pour your own drinks.
  • “Witness for the Prosecution” | Thursday, April 11-Sunday, April 14 | Times vary | Buckner Theatre, Florida Southern College, 1100 Johnson Ave., Lakeland | $10-$20 | FSC students will bring this suspenseful thriller by Agatha Christie to the stage.
Friday, April 12
  • Crafternoon | Friday, April 12 | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library, 1700 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland | Free | Drop in to the library on a school early dismissal day for kids’ craft activities.
  • Turn Up (Hip Hop) Dance Fitness | Friday, April 12 | 7-8 p.m. | Stage Room Lakeland, 310 E. Lemon St., Lakeland | $15-$20 | This high-energy class combines dance, HIIT, toning, and active recovery.
  • “Tick, Tick... Boom!” | Friday, April 12-Sunday, April 21 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre, 121 S. Lake Ave., Lakeland | $22-$28 | Local actors will perform this autobiographical musical about composer Jonathan Larson.
Saturday, April 13
  • Keel Farms Blueberry Festival | Saturday, April 13-Sunday, April 21 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel & Curley Winery, 5202 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City | Free entry | Celebrate blueberry season with family activities + blueberry treats — parking is $10.
  • Lake Morton Historic Home Tour | Saturday, April 13 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Frank Lloyd Wright Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center, 750 Frank Lloyd Wright Way, Lakeland | $20 | Get a glimpse inside nine Lake Morton houses on this self-guided tour.
  • SUN ‘n FUN Viewing Market | Saturday, April 13 | 12-6 p.m. | Lugo’s Craft Distillery, 2500 Drane Field Rd., Ste. 208, Lakeland | $25 | Grab a cocktail and from local vendors while watching the airplanes from SUN ‘n FUN happening down the street.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
 
News Notes
 
History
  • SUN ‘n FUN has been recognized with a historic marker from the Polk County Historic Commission in honor of its 50th anniversary. County Manager Bill Beasley touted the event’s significant cultural and economic impact on the county as key reasons for the recognition. (The Ledger)
Coming Soon
  • Charcuterie fans, your time has come. Sabrina’s Delicacies will open its storefront at 4610 Cleveland Heights Blvd. (think: the plaza with Tea Largo) in early May. Get a sneak peek of what the inside will look like + what the owners have been up to throughout the construction process.
Edu
Asked
  • Did you know that it’s National Poetry Month? If you’re a poet and totally know it, try your hand at our LALtoday Poetry Contest. The catch? You can only use words found in our Wednesday, April 3 newsletter. Learn more + submit your poem by Sunday, April 14.
Lakelander
  • Cathy Angel is using her experience as a breast cancer survivor to support those still fighting. Her business, “Boxed by an Angel,” curates care packages for women undergoing cancer treatment. In less than a year, she’s shipped 100+ boxes all over the world. (LkldNow)
Tech
  • Have you ever been curious about how to develop a successful app? Join Wivvlenaire Jean-Baptiste at Catapult on Thursday, April 18 at 10 a.m. to learn app-building fundamentals. Members can attend for free + non-members are $10 — save your spot.
Seasonal
  • Grab those buckets — Wish Farms (1301 S. Frontage Rd., Plant City) is opening its 40-acre farm to the public for blueberry picking tomorrow, April 12 through Sunday, April 14. Berries are $5 per pound and admission + parking are free. (WFTS)
Sports
  • David Saliba has been coaching sports in Polk County for more than 40 years + is currently ranked No. 67 among active winningest coaches in the nation — and he’s not done yet. Read about his storied coaching career and the legacy he hopes to leave. (The Ledger)
Pets
  • It’s National Pet Day, Lakeland. Did you know Polk County has 150+ animal rescues? One of those is Crossed Paws Rescue, which focuses on rescuing lost and abandoned dogs. See available pups for adoption or sponsorship. (Bay News 9)
Trending
  • Today is the first day of the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. If you’re feeling inspired and want to improve your putting game, check out our guide to golf courses in and around Swan City.
Cause
  • Here’s an easy way to “be the change” in your community: Shop Publix. By shopping at Publix you help the grocery store’s massive giving efforts — see six ways Publix impacts our community (and how you can get involved, too).*
Giveaway
Plan Ahead
  • Psst — taxes are almost due. Use E-file for quick, online filing. Plus, file your federal taxes for free with their basic software plan.*
Shop
  • Curated, ethical, and sustainable. That’s what you can expect from Six & Main’s newest brand partner, The Muses Tent. This small biz offers ready-to-wear pieces crafted by artists + artisans who are committed to preserving the planet.
 
 
Food
 
🥦 Get your veg’ on at these Lakeland eateries
A green Guac an’ Bowl from The Juice Box
Grab a Guac an’ Bowl from The Juice Box for a refreshing snack. | Photo by @thejuiceboxlakeland
Eating vegan and vegetarian hasn’t always been easy, but in Lakeland, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake. Here are just a few vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Lakeland that are crushing it in the Lakeland food scene:

Fresh Kitchen, 4520 S. Florida Ave. | Build your own bowl at this Tampa-based eatery’s first Lakeland location — vegan-friendly options are labeled on the menu.

The Juice Box, 4295 S. Florida Ave. | Bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, and of course, juice and juice shots are up for grabs — we recommend the Sushi Me Rollin bowl with vegan sushi-style toppings.

Vegetation Cafe & Kitchen, 1439 E. Gary Rd. | Grab a seat or take your food to go from this 100% vegan cafe and meal-prep service — the menu rotates weekly, so check online to see what’s up for grabs at the counter. Fun fact: It also turns one year old this week.
 
The Buy
 
Your furry friend’s new spot to sleep. Say goodbye to traditional pet beds and pick your favorite print.
 
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The Wrap
 
Amelia Herring.jpg Today’s edition by:
Amelia
From the editor
I have very fond memories of The Terrace Hotel. When I graduated college, my whole family stayed there and we all ate beignets together from The Poor Porker (a moment of silence, please) on the second story balcony.
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