Jimbo’s has been serving Lakeland since 1964. | Photo by Reader Traci H.
With Thanksgiving just nine days away, you may already be planning your Thanksgiving day meal — or maybe your menu has fallen by the wayside. Either way, no judgment here — we’ve got you covered with local options to build a four-course meal for the entire family.
Appetizers
Set the stage with a charcuterie board from Sabrina’s Delicacies, which features an expertly arranged array of meats, cheeses, fruits, and sweets. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a salami rose.
Sides
Everyone knows Thanksgiving is basically all about the sides. Get all the classics like mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potato mash, mac and cheese, smoked yellow corn, and green beans from Mojo Federal Swine & Spirits. Don’t forget the rolls — Honeycomb Bread Bakers has you covered.
14th Annual Festival of Wreaths | Tuesday, Nov. 19-Thursday, Dec. 12 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Polk County History Center, Bartow | Free+ | Browse + bid on festive wreaths decorated by Polk residents, bizzes, and organizations.
LEGO Club | 5-6:30 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Build your own creation brick by brick, or take on a themed challenge.
Tacos, Tequila + Bingo | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Smith’s American Tavern | Free+ | Snag deals on tacos and margarita flights while you compete for five in a row.
Wednesday, Nov. 20
Thanksgiving Trivia | 6:30 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Test your knowledge of Turkey Day traditions + holiday history.
Salsa Fundamentals | 6:30-10 p.m. | Coleman-Bush Building | $10 | Gain a better understanding of salsa dancing with classes + socials in Munn Park.
Thursday, Nov. 21
Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating Class | Thursday, Nov. 21, Sunday, Nov. 24 | Times vary | Keel Farms, Plant City | $65 | Find out how the cookie crumbles at these classes for seasoned + beginner decorators.
Plant City Pig Jam | Friday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Nov. 23 | Times vary | Randy Larson Softball Fourplex, Plant City | Free+ | Pig out with barbecue contests and live entertainment — parking is $20.
Ladies Night in the Loft | 5:30-8 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $21+ | Enjoy a kid-free evening of creating with friends in the Party Loft.
Rosetta Stone’s lessons focus on real-world images and scenarios to help users learn faster + retain more. | Photo provided by Rosetta Stone
Whether you’re a travel bug planning your next trip, wanting to connect with another culture, or looking to learn something new, the holidays arethe perfect time to dive into a new language — or 25.
Gift yourself (or a friend) lifetime access to all of Rosetta Stone’s languages with their Lifetime Unlimited plan at Black Friday pricing. With one low payment, you can immerse yourself in engaging language lessons whenever you want, forever.
Toss those car keys. Valet parking has returned to downtown Lakeland on Thursday-Sunday evenings. Thanks to a new partnership between restaurateur Marcos Fernandez and 863 Parking & Guest Services, Nineteen61 + Bar Vasco patrons can use the service for free while other downtown patrons can use it for $7. (LkldNow)
Number
$21 million. That’s how much federal funding the Florida Conservation Group received toward land conservation efforts in the Peace River Valley. The group will use the funds to buy conservation easements to limit development around the Peace River, which originates in Polk County. (The Ledger)
Health
Central Florida Health Care will break ground on its new Lakeland clinic on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The center will offer adult, pediatric, OBGYN, behavioral health, lab + x-ray, and pharmacy services, as well as a specialized clinic for patients with diabetes.
The Word
“Exurb,” or a community on the outer margins of a metro area (think: Haines City). These cities experienced some of the fastest-growing populations in 2023 according to the US Census Bureau, and Polk County saw the greatest population increase over any other county in the country. (WTSP)
Community
Several Polk County nonprofits + government agencies are banding together to help those affected by Hurricane Milton get back on their feet before the holidays. Stop by the RP Funding Center this Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., to connect with FEMA and receive food and toiletries while supplies last.
Legacy
Holiday drinks are back at Black & Brew, with one returning favorite being renamed in honor of Lakeland restaurateur Jeannie Weaver-Lopez, who died last week. Honor her memory by grabbing a cup of “Jeannie’s Espresso Dolce,” dining at Revival or The Peach House, or donating to “The Pepper Project.”
Show
We’re not in Kansas anymore. Lakelander + Broadway veteran Demetrius Haynes is bringing his retelling of “The Wizard of Oz” story to the Polk Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 30. “The Wiz 2.0” will feature a variety of Lakeland talent, from performers to hair + makeup artists — get tickets. (The Ledger)
Eat
It’s no secret that more and more restaurants are calling Lakeland home. One cuisine that’s growing in particular? Korean barbecue and hot pot, which had three new eateries open here in the last year. See what we tried when we stopped by one this past spring. (LkldNow)
Biz
Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to highlighting + supporting locally owned small businesses, is on Nov. 30. Let us know your favorite small businesses in Swan City for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
Shop
This the last call to secure your spot in our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide. Get your giftable product or service in front of 40,000+ potential shoppers before the season ends.
Number
$47,000. The average annual salary in the Construction Technology field in Florida. Southeastern University’s AS in Construction Technology program combines hands-on learning with flexible coursework, preparing students for career advancement in construction.*
Embrace your inner elf by helping families pick out gifts at the Parker Street Neighborhood Christmas Store. | Photo by Access Church
‘Tis the season to give back. Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, or a natural mentor, here are 40+ volunteer opportunities for Lakelanders to get involved and spread some cheer.
Arts in Medicine | Lend your musical talents or help assemble + distribute craft kits for patients in Watson Clinic’s Cancer Center.
Volunteers in Service to the Elderly | Help this organization that gives back to older adults by attending its annual Green Bean Snap on Monday, Nov. 25 from 9 to 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church.
Parker Street Ministries | Donate money or gifts to this nonprofit’s Neighborhood Christmas Store that will offer items to families in need for 75% off.
ReadingPals | Help teach reading skills to kindergartners in local schools for just one hour each week.
This 3-in-1 portable charger. Ditch your knot of clunky charging cords for Anker’s ultra-compact charger that includes a built-in USB-C cord, power bank, and foldable charger.
Hey, LAL — I’m baaaaccckkk. While I loved getting away for a bit to celebrate my wedding, I missed being in your inboxes. The wedding was absolutely perfect + even boasted several Polk County vendors, from our beautiful venue of the Ever After Farms Citrus Barn to our food from Lakeland BBQ Company.
