Whether you’ve got a passion for fashion or are falling for florals, these new shops have you covered. | Photo by LALtoday
If there’s one thing we know about Lakelanders, it’s that they love shopping local. We’re always keeping an eye on new developments coming to town, and these newly opened retail spots have us doing a double take.
🛍️ The Modern Pearl Owner Kristin Levy recently relocated this clothing boutique from Auburndale to the historic South Lake Morton neighborhood. It’s the first biz to open in the newly renovated stretch of retail commercial spaces next to Peach House and across from the Lakeland Public Library — soon, the strip will also include Balanced Health and Wellness and Mootown Scoops.
What we’re eyeing: City Editor Connor loves this dress to show off her FSU pride (sorry, Gator fans.)
🛍️ East of These + Bloom Shakalaka A Catapult clothing + accessory start-up and an award-winning florist walk into a business room — and come out with a joint boutique that screams color, creativity, and whimsy. Find it downtown in Traders Alley, just down the way from Stationery Loft.
What we’re eyeing: City Editor Amelia can’t get enough of the hair accessories from East of These — especially this one with a nod to her favorite mammal.
🛍️ Amelia Paige Boutique This downtown Lakeland retail staple just opened its second location in Lakeside Village, featuring even more of the clothing + accessories that Lakelanders have come to know and love, plus a mural by Gaby’s Art Gallery. Find the shop between BD’s Mongolian Grill + Jos. A Bank.
What we’re eyeing: We want to add all of these tops, bottoms, and dresses to our closet to help us transition into the fall season.
Looking for more spots where you can find your next wardrobe staple or perfect “just because” gift? Check out these other Lakeland boutiques + gift shops.
Polk County Vision Workshop | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 6-8 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | Free | Share your feedback to guide Polk County leaders as they create the next Comprehensive Plan.
“SENT” Documentary Premiere | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 7 p.m. | Polk Theatre | Free | Southeastern University will screen a new documentary about its students’ missions trips abroad.
Wednesday, Sept. 25
Little Learners of Lakeland Fall Series | Wednesday, Sept. 25-Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Tienda Studio | $35+ | Kids ages 2-4 will build their language skills through farm-themed sensory play and activities.
Line Dance Lesson and Bar Night | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 5-11:45 p.m. | Union Hall | $8+ | Cut loose with a line dancing lesson and drink of your choice, then stick around for open floor dancing + beverage deals.
Thursday, Sept. 26
Trivia Night | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 6-8 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free entry | Head to the Rooftop Bar to answer questions and enjoy happy hour deals.
Ballet Class | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 6-7 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | Free | Kids ages 5-17 will learn basic ballet skills + terminology in a supportive environment.
Friday, Sept. 27
Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail | Friday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Sept. 28 | 7:30-11 p.m. | Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, Plant City | $27+ | It’s opening weekend for this fan-favorite attraction with three outdoor haunted trails, a haunted hayride, escape games, and axe throwing.
Polk County will open sandbag sites today from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ahead of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine. While Polk is not one of the 41 Florida counties under a state of emergency, officials shared that heavy rain + flooding conditions are possible later this week. (The Ledger)
Number
$2.7 billion. That’s how much taxable property values collectively grew this year across Polk County’s 17 municipalities. Lakeland had the fourth-highest growth, coming in at $125.3 million — $78 million of which came from single-family home growth. (The Ledger)
Development
City commissioners have approved a new route for the Western Trunk Line sewer pipeline, with construction beginning in spring 2025. The route will cross Harden Boulevard south of West Beacon Street instead of the previously approved Forest Park Street, reducing the construction timeline by six months. (LkldNow)
Edu
PCPS has launched a new initiative focused on improving community engagement + communication. Students, families, and community members can now visit the Polk Together website as a one-stop shop for district news, webinars, event information, and more.
Try This
Say cheese. Lakeland’s newest charcuterie spot, Graze Craze, will host a workshop on Friday, Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to make a delicious display while sipping on a complimentary glass of wine and vying for prizes.
Arts
A new exhibition will make its debut at Bok Tower Gardens beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1. Twenty stone balances by master stone balancer Adam Conard will be on display throughout the property until Saturday, Nov. 30. Study up on the Gardens’ history before you go.
Sports
Ready, set, serve. Lakeland Beach Tennis still has a few spots available for its various tournament events this weekend and next. Registration is $50 per person, per category. Make sure to bring your A-game — prize money is on the line.
No matter where you go, you’ll have an a-maize-ing fall. | Photo by @gilesboys_mama
It’s fall, y’all, and we’re ready to celebrate. Visit one of these farms to welcome the season with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and animals galore.
🌽 Harvest Holler, Polk City Ride down the Big Frank-n-Slide, jump in the corn tubs, or take a ride around the farm to feed animals. Pro tip: Brave the heat + stop by earlier in the season so you get the best corn maze experience — and whatever you do, don’t skip the cobbler.
🌽 Bell Family Farm, Polk City Pet farm animals and unique critters like mini zebu + kunekune pigs. Pro tip: You can buy a special ticket that also allows you to cuddle with baby cows. Say less, we’re in.
This Halloween ghost coffee mug — it’s a great “thinking of you” gift for a friend this fall, or a sweet way to add cheer + seasonal flair to your own coffee ritual.
After attending the Media Night for Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail this past weekend, let’s just say that attractions like Harvest Holler are far more my speed. Answer our poll + tell us what kind of attraction has you buying a ticket — these City Editors wanna know.
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