If you’re looking for activities for retirees, you’re right on target. | Photo by Polk Senior Games
Goodbye, 9-5. If you (or someone you know) recently retired, you might be looking for activities catering to older adults. Clock into our retirement guide, and find opportunities in Lakeland that work for you.
Get fit
If you’re not planning on slowing down in your retirement, keep moving with fitness classes perfect for older Lakelanders.
There’s no wrong way to get fit. Your first step could be as easy as finding walking trails at a local park or exploring one of Lakeland’s easier hikes.
Spend time with the grandkids
If you’re looking to spend time with the grandchildren, explore these 24 kid-friendly activities in Lakeland and pick one that’s your speed.
Pumpkin Patch | Tuesday, Oct. 22-Thursday, Oct. 31 | Times vary | Shepherd’s Community UMC | Free+ | Pick your pumpkin, big or small, and pose for a photo in the patch.
Brew Crew, Music Bingo & Jersey Mike’s | Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 6-9 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Run for your brew with Lakeland Runners Club, then stay to grab some grub and play music bingo.
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Senior Scholars Class: Computer Skills | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 1-3 p.m. | Rath Senior ConNEXTions Center | $60 | Older adults will enhance their computer knowledge through this hands-on class.
Line Dance Lesson & Bar Night | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 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, Oct. 24
Picassoz Birthday Bash | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | Price of purchase | Picassoz is “feeling 22" — get 22% off pottery purchases today to celebrate the art studio’s 22nd year in business.
Harry Potter Trivia | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ | Free+ | No matter your Hogwarts house, conjure your crew for a night of magical trivia.
“Mary Poppins” Musical | Thursday, Oct. 24-Saturday, Oct. 26 | Times vary | Lakeland Christian School | $11+ | Don’t miss one of four opportunities to see the beloved musical “Mary Poppins,” presented live by the Lakeland Christian School Fine Arts Department.*
Friday, Oct. 25
Florida Native Gardens | Friday, Oct. 25 | 12-1 p.m. | Lakeland Electric | Free | Learn tips for selecting, growing, and maintaining native Florida flora + fauna, followed by a garden tour.
Joinery After Dark | Friday, Oct. 25 | Times vary | The Joinery | 8-11 p.m. | Dance your worries away on the patio with tunes by DJ Barca and guest DJs.
Nearly 90,000 Lakeland Electric customers lost power during Hurricane Milton, around 10,000 less than Hurricane Irma in 2017. The difference? The majority of power was restored in just seven days after Milton, while restoration for Irma took nearly twice as long. (LkldNow)
Civic
Hoping to vote by mail in this year’s general election? The last day to request a mail-in ballot is this Thursday, Oct. 24. Get the full scoop on what you need to know about voting in Lakeland.
Opening
We’d be enchanted to meet you at Enchanted Fairytale Hollow’s grand re-opening on Saturday, Nov. 9 at its new location in Highland City. The festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. with a ribbon cutting, character meet and greets, storytime, and more. Tickets start at $35.
Coming Soon
A Taste of Ireland Company is bringing its “A Celtic Christmas” tour to several Florida cities this winter, including a stop in Lakeland on Friday, Nov. 22 at Florida Southern College’s Branscomb Memorial Auditorium. Get your tickets.
Number
$50,000+. That’s how much Polk County Sheriff’s Office’s Haunted Jail fundraiser raised for United Way of Central Florida last year. Now, the event is in its final year as the former jail building awaits demolition. Get a sneak peek of what to expect — if you dare. (Bay News 9)
Plan Ahead
Polk State College’s annual FallFest will take place at the school’s Winter Haven campus on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Originally set for Oct. 12, the free event was postponed due to Hurricane Milton. Based on the itinerary, it looks like it will be worth the wait.
Try This
If you’ve ever dreamed of living a life like in “Little House on the Prairie,” then the Lake Wakes Pioneer Days Festival will be right up your alley. The local favorite community event returns this weekend with activities for the whole family, from historical demonstrations to a community market.
Cause
On Tuesday, Oct. 29, Lakeland Regional Health and Lakeside Village are coming together to raise awareness about stroke prevention, recovery, and support by hosting Stride for Life: Stroke Awareness Walk — a free community event featuring a leisurely walk around the shops, health screenings, stroke resources, and more. See details + register.*
For a limited time, save up to 50% on a AAA Membership — and add an additional driver for free or at a discounted rate. Members access AAA Roadside Assistance 24/7/365, plus savings on flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and more with AAA Travel. Join AAA before this deal ends.*
Finance
It’s time to take a break from your high-interest debt. For one of the longest no-interest periods on a balance transfer card experts have seen in a while,check this out.*
Category
History
Can’t go back, it’s haunted
Which Lakeland spots give you a chill down your spine? | Photo by LALtoday
In the spirit of the Halloween season, we asked our readers last week which spots around Lakeland they felt could be haunted after sharing about the ghosts that supposedly reside in the Polk Theatre.
63% answered the loggia at Lake Mirror
14.5% answered the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel at Florida Southern College
8% answered answered the Circle B Bar Reserve
Another 14.5% of readers nominated other spots ranging from private residences to downtown restaurants. Read on — if you dare — to see which spots got added to our list of landmarks with a haunted history.
This 4-in-1 car charger. It plugs into your car’s auxiliary power outlet and includes retractable USB-C and Lightning cables as well as USB-C and USB-A ports so you can charge up to four devices at once.
If I had to pick a Lakeland spot that feels haunted, I’d have to join the majority of our readers and go with the loggia at Lake Mirror. Something about it feels eerie every time I walk by and makes me pick up my pace just a hair.
