Plus, the Squeeze is expanding.
 
08.28.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE
Lakeland Christian School

Today’s Forecast

92º | 50% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:04 a.m. | Sunset 7:52 p.m.

 

🗺️ Quick trips: Auburndale

Take a quick trip to these cities near Lakeland
A wooden dock over an Auburndale lake surrounded by tall grasses
Find a moment of peace and quiet on one of Auburndale’s serene lakes. | Photo by @andrewhektor
You’re probably a Lakeland pro, but have you explored any of our nearby cities? For our next local travel guide, we’re driving ~25 minutes east of downtown Lakeland to Auburndale. This quiet town is full of hidden gems — you just need to know where to look.

What to do

Reader Jan S. suggests starting with a stroll through downtown’s shops and the Historic Downtown Park. Take a walk through the Rotary Butterfly Garden, or find a shady spot at the playground + picnic tables.

Just across the street is the historic Baynard House, Sarah R.'s recommendation. This 130-year-old home now serves as a museum where you can get a peek into local history.

RV campsite with tropical trees, tiki hut, and outdoor living area

Camp Margaritaville also offers public events, like concerts + monthly markets.

|

Photo by @campmargaritavilleauburndale

After a peaceful morning, head to the bustling International Market World. Not only can you find fresh produce and handmade goods, but you can catch circus shows or live alligator encounters every weekend. International Market World also hosts large seasonal events throughout the year — don’t miss the Wonderland of Lights in winter.

Making a staycation out of it? Book a night at Camp Margaritaville, a luxury RV resort with private tiki huts and cabana cabins. Even if you’re not staying, you can buy a day pass to enjoy the pools + water slides.

A three-tier tray of afternoon tea bites with sandwiches, cake, and vegetables

We wouldn’t skip Sweet Magnolias’ afternoon tea tray, piled high with light bites.

|

Photo by Sandae Cooke, @curvygirlontherun

What to eat

A day in Auburndale isn’t complete without lunch at Sweet Magnolias Tea Bistro. This tearoom in a historic home serves up seasonal items (Sweet Tea and Summertime Salad, anyone?), and you can’t go wrong with the brew of the day.

Looking for something more savory than sweet? Locals rave about Peebles Bar-B-Q, which has been in business since 1947. The eatery is closed for the summer, but it reopens next Thursday, Sept. 5. After your meal, walk up to The Shake Shoppe for a frozen treat, suggested by Kathy S.

Where should we go next? Be our travel guide.
3 more quick trips
 
Events
Wednesday, Aug. 28
  • $10 Days at Dinosaur World | Wednesday, Aug. 28-Thursday, Aug. 29 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Dinosaur World | $10 | Find prehistoric fun at a discounted price — this interactive park is perfect for kids or dogs.
  • Whiskers & Words Book Club | Wednesday, Aug. 28 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | Free entry | Discuss “The Women” by Kristin Hannah over a cup of coffee.
Thursday, Aug. 29
  • Country Nights with Whiskey Whisper | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 7 p.m. | Union Hall | $7-$10 | Cowboy boots will be the norm at the first event of this new country music series.
  • Trivia Thursdays | Thursday, Aug. 29 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | The Back Nine | Free entry | Test your knowledge with themed and general trivia.
Friday, Aug. 30
  • Chroma Fest | Friday, Aug. 30 | 6-10 p.m. | ART/ifact Studios | $10-$20 | Experience local culture with live performances, a night market, food vendors, and a fashion show.
  • Sunset Dance: Soul Line Dancing | Friday, Aug. 30 | 7-10 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Jump in line and dance it out with instruction by Above Your Expectations Dance Team.
Saturday, Aug. 31
  • Summer Bird Sit | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 7:15-9 a.m. | Se7en Wetlands | Free | Hike half a mile to observe the birds of the wetlands doing their morning routines.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Learn

Culture

Back to school learning cool new skills as an adult
Presented by Rosetta Stone
Person seated at table wearing headphones and using a laptop to complete a Rosetta Stone language lesson
A new school year is a great reminder that learning is a lifelong skill. | Photo provided by Rosetta Stone
Name three reasons Rosetta Stone has been a trusted name in language learning for over 30 years? Easy:
  • The immersive platform offers expert-crafted courses in 25+ languages.
  • Just 13 hours of study with Rosetta Stone is equivalent to a full semester of college Spanish.
  • With lessons as short as five minutes, you can hone your skills between classes or meetings, on your commute, or even replace some mindless social media scrolling.
Ready to start learning? Get 50% off 25 languages with Lifetime Unlimited.
Explore the world
News Notes
Transit
Cause
  • Safe Moves for Seniors is seeking donations + volunteers for its newly opened Lakeland office. Thanks to volunteers, the organization has assisted 40,000+ older adults across the US to safely move homes. (LkldNow)
Number
  • 863. That’s not just our area code. It’s also the number of new students Florida Southern welcomed last week — the second-largest incoming class in school history. If you know a student that’s new to Lakeland, pass along our guides to local life. (The Ledger)
Gallery
  • The Historic Ritz Theatre is undergoing renovations after being purchased by the City of Winter Haven. Along with new sound + lighting equipment, Theatre Winter Haven is also making custom seating and tables for the venue. Peek inside. (The Ledger)
Wellness
  • Three health professionals have opened a downtown office to help Lakelanders through pregnancy. Patients can receive birthing care from nurse-midwife Triana Boggs and doula Stephanie Lewis, plus mental health care from counselor Antionette Pollard. (WFTS)
Arts
  • There are still spots left in the AGB’s next Art History Lecture series, kicking off next Tuesday, Sept. 3. Delve into the history of pop art from 1947 to 1987, and leave the month-long series with new facts to impress your next dinner party.
Biz
  • Suit up. You’ll be able to shop another biz in East of These + Bloom Shakalaka’s forthcoming storefront. The shop will also carry menswear by Marc Nelson, including denim and custom-fitted suits.
Announced
  • Congrats to Florida Southern’s Dr. Martha Placeres: The State of Puebla, Mexico selected her from a distinguished group of artists worldwide as the prestigious “Arts and Cultural Ambassador.” She will additionally be an honored guest performer at the South Asian Symphony Orchestra in New Delhi, India. See why this matters.*
Family
Job
  • Lakeland Christian School is hiring Substitute Teachers for the 2024-2025 school year. Substitute teachers are a valuable and important part of the school’s staff — allowing instruction to continue when a teacher is ill or away. If selected, individuals will be added to a pool of available substitutes. Learn more + apply.*
Travel
  • Our favorite travel hack? Flykitt by Fount. It’s trusted by Navy SEALS and pro athletes to conquer jet lag. Try it for yourself — use code NOJETLAG for 10% off.*
Visit Central Florida
 
Answered
 

What should go in the former Sears building?
The exterior of the former Sears store entrance. The Sears logo is faded into the building, and a "For Lease" sign is up.
The Sears sign may be gone, but a “For Lease” sign has taken its place. | Photo by LALtoday
As the owners of the former Sears building seek a new tenant, we turned to you for ideas. It looks like Swan City is ready for this spot to be filled, with hundreds of responses pouring in from our readers + social media followers. These were the top choices.

🏓 Indoor sports
Start working on your swing. When it comes to indoor sports, pickleball was a popular choice, followed by rock climbing and mini golf.

🛍️ Large retailers
Shoppers said they’re hoping to get their retail therapy at IKEA and Bass Pro Shops. Grocery shoppers also called for a Costco or Trader Joe’s.

🛼 Entertainment
Family fun was top of mind for those hoping for entertainment. Think: skating rinks, go-karts, and spots like Dave & Buster’s or Dezerland Park in Orlando.

Other ideas we saw pop up often included Cheesecake Factory, an event venue for live performances, a shelter for those experiencing homelessness, and a market for local businesses. Keep those ideas coming.
 
The Buy
🛍️ Labor Day weekend sales have begun. Check out some of the best markdowns we’ve found on Amazon:

This walking pad treadmill is 63% off.

Snag a Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner while it’s 26% off.

These pretty lab-grown moissanite earrings are 50% off.

Great for kitchen prep, this mixing bowl + air-tight lid set is 54% off.

Get a weighted blanket 50% off.

This multiple device USB charging station is 48% off.
Shop Amazon's Labor Day sale
 
The Wrap
 
Connor Jacobson

Today’s edition by:
Connor
From the editor
Here’s an idea for the Sears space that caught my eye on Instagram from @heyodi: “Hear me out. A nostalgic recreation area. Skating rink, arcade, old school concession stand, 80’s theming, movie theater playing our favorite movies/shows from the 80’s and 90’s, retail shops with clothing and items from that time period. The possibilities are endless.”
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Advertise with us to stand out.     ›
Games | Crossword, Sudoku, and More     ›
 
 

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.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY