It might not be Stars Hollow, but downtown Lakeland is still picturesque in the fall. | Photo by @walfaro30
Fans of “Gilmore Girls” (like City Editor Amelia) easily caught that reference. ‘Tis the season to hit replay on one of our favorite comfort shows, known for its cozy vibes.
While Lakeland may not be Stars Hollow, we’ve put together an itinerary inspired by the show so you can live like a Gilmore Girl this fall.
Start your morning at Luke’s, or in our case Mitchell’s Coffee House. This downtown coffee shop is a great spot for when you “need coffee in an I.V.” + boasts a food menu that would make Luke and Caesar proud with pancakes, pastries, breakfast burritos, and sandwiches.
Shop at Doose’s Market
After breakfast, head to bodega Market to stock up on all your movie night snacking essentials, from chips to charcuterie.
Indulge in a slice from Weston’s Bakery
When we need a sweet treat, we’re heading straight for Bandidas Bake Shop. Grab one of the pastries or mini layer cakes to-go, or plan ahead and order a whole cake to share in advance (or not, we don’t judge).
See what treasures await you at one of Lakeland’s antique stores, like Thom Downs Antiques on North Kentucky Avenue.
Photo provided by Augie Schmidt
Look (but don’t touch) at Kim’s Antiques
Swan City has no shortage of spots to shop second-hand. Check out our full list of stores to hunt for your own treasures.
Book a staycation at The Dragonfly Inn
Take a quick trip just west of Lakeland to Plant City + book a room at Strawberry House Bed and Breakfast. It’s located in the city’s historic district, providing a quaint level of charm that mirrors the iconic Dragonfly Inn in the show.
Enjoy a festival
Stars Hollow was known for its epic festivals in the town square. From Art Crawl to Flightoberfest, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the fall season across our city — our full events calendar proves it.
If you’re out on the road (feelin’ lonely and so cold) and you think we missed a peak “Gilmore Girls” autumn opportunity, let us know — where you lead, we will follow.
Events
Events
Thursday, Oct. 24
Candid Conversation on Health Care and Aging | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 12-1 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland | Free | Learn from experts in the field on challenges and opportunities facing older adults in Lakeland.
Pints to End Polio | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Price of purchase | Buy a drink to raise money to end polio along with the Rotary Clubs of Lakeland.
Fall Wind Ensemble Concert | Thursday, Oct. 24 | 7-8 p.m. | Southeastern University | Free | Head to Bush Chapel for a wind-erful performance by SEU School of Music students.
Friday, Oct. 25
Ladies Night in the Loft | Friday, Oct. 25 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $21 | Let’s go girls — reserve a spot to create art in the art studio’s private upstairs loft.
Jurassic Haunt | Friday, Oct. 25-Saturday, Oct. 26 | 6-9 p.m. | Dinosaur World, Plant City | $15 | Brave the prehistoric era with themed scare zones and bites at this theme park’s first after hours Halloween event.
Saturday, Oct. 26
Boo Bash + Market | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Little Lake Play | Free+ | Bring the kiddos for a morning of trick-or-treating and open play, plus a costume contest and shopping from vendors.
Lakeland Regional Health Ridesafe Bike Rodeo | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Gear up to learn about bike safety with free helmets + fittings, along with a Halloween-themed bike parade.
Trick or Treat with Sheriff Judd | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 5-7 p.m. | Polk State College Lakeland Campus | Free | Grab some treats without the tricks at this family-friendly Halloween event hosted by PCSO’s Safe Schools division.
Pineapple Carving + Cocktails | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 6-8 p.m. | The Joinery | $45 | Reserve a spot to carve a jack-o'-lantern out of a pineapple over specialty drinks.
Sunday, Oct. 27
Pooch-o-Ween | Sunday, Oct. 27 | 2-4 p.m. | Lakeside Village | $10 | Show off your pet’s best looks in a parade + costume contest during the Second Sunday Market.*
As debris clean-up continues across Polk County, residents can now track the status of collection in an interactive map. County officials also shared that FEMA representatives are going door-to-door in affected neighborhoods to help residents apply for assistance. (Bay News 9)
Biz
LG Electronics has leased 348,740 sqft in the Lakeland Commerce Center on County Line Road. The consumer electronics company is planning to use the space as a regional distribution hub for its electronics and appliances. (Tampa Bay Business Journal)
Opening
That’s amore. Il Forno has announced a soft opening date for its second location in north Lakeland. Head to the eatery’s new spot in the Sandpiper Plaza off of North Socrum Loop Road on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
Travel
Lakeland, you are cleared for takeoff. Avelo’s flights from LAL to Charlotte, NC begin today, followed by Boston, MA and Rochester, NY tomorrow + San Juan, PR on Saturday. Planning to be on one of the first few flights? Let us be your guide.
Cause
VISTE is seeking volunteers to deliver meals to 2,000 older adults this Thanksgiving. Apply to be a driver for the event on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at the RP Funding Center, or join the organization for its annual Green Bean Snap on Monday, Nov. 25.
Plan Ahead
If you enjoyed Polk County Burger Week this past summer, start getting your bellies ready, because something new is coming. Save the date for Polk County Taco Week, Jan. 10-19, 2025. Have a restaurant that ought to be included in the lineup? Send an email to sign up.
Home
The real scare this Halloween season? Cooking oil down drains. That’s why the city recently launched an oil + grease recycling initiative, letting residents drop off jars of cooled oil at dedicated stations around Lakeland. Find the drop-off nearest you.*
Finance
Rates just dropped — now could be the time to tap into your home equity. Calculate your payment.*
Wellness
Inspired by ancient nutrition and modern science, MTE is designed to supercharge your energy, focus + productivity with clinically backed ingredients. Save $156 on your first order.*
Category
Culture
👻 The horrors of dating
Hey, we get it — dating can be scary, but you’re not alone. Unburden yourself and share a date story that still haunts you to this day. | Photo by @_gretchennnn_
For Valentine’s Day, we created a map of local stories sharing where our readers fell in love and made memories, and you did not disappoint.
But what about those dating stories that still haunt you to this day — you know, like if you were ever ghosted, or thought you were getting ready to meet the love of your life, but ended the night with a story that your friends still bring up to this day?
Well, gather ‘round, Lakelanders. Turn off the lights and cue the perfectly timed lightning — it’s time to share your top horror dating stories that took place around Lakeland; just in time for Halloween.
Here are the rules
This is supposed to be a commiserative + fairly light-hearted story. Unburden yourselves of embarrassing dates, cringe moments you’ll never forget — you get the idea.
Keep your stories PG-rated.
Don’t use real names. Keep everyone anonymous, including you.
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Yesterday, Connor and I attended the unveiling of the new mural at Lakeside Village. Next time you head out for some retail therapy, you’ll find it blooming in the alleyway nearest Woof Gang Bakery. Looking for more murals to gaze upon? We have a guide for that.
