Swan City shines, even across the country. | Photo via @paulsombric
Thanks to its rising population and quality of life, Lakeland has put itself on the map in the past few years. Take a peek at a few of our area’s top nationwide rankings of this year.
We knew it, but now the rest of the country does too — Lakeland is a great place to live. US News & World Report ranked it No. 80 on its “2025-2026 Best Places to Live” list, and named it the 34th best place to retire.
Local business is all the rage. The Lakeland-Winter Haven area ranked No. 5 on Simply Business’ list of midsize metros with the most new business applications submitted from 2019 to 2023, thanks to a 105.5% increase.
It’s a modern-day boomtown. According to US Census Bureau data, Polk County was the No. 1 spot for new movers last year, with more people moving here than any other county in the US.
Yoga for Beginners | 10-11 a.m. | Simpson Park Community Center | $5 | Bring your mat to this class for all levels of yogis 16 or older.
Line Dance Lesson & Bar Night | 5-11:45 p.m. | Union Hall | $8 | Cut loose with a line dancing lesson and drink of your choice, then stick around to show off your moves.
Thursday, Nov. 21
Backyard Night Market | 4-7 p.m. | The Green House Garden Store | Free+ | Find 15+ food trucks, local vendors, and photo ops in the backyard of this plant shop.
Friendsgiving Workshop | 7 p.m. | Bloom Shakalaka | $125 | Gather your pals to make floral arrangements worthy of the Friendsgiving table.
Friday, Nov. 22
Thanksgiving Desserts | 5-9 p.m. | What’s Cooking Lakeland | $89 | Kids will make pecan pie, fruit cobbler, and sugar cookies at this Date Night Camp — the date activity’s up to you.
Saturday, Nov. 23
Merry + Bright Tour | Times vary | Polk County History Center, Bartow | Free | Learn the meaning behind the wreath in this special guided tour through the Festival of Wreaths.
Margarita Ball | 8-11 p.m. | Frances Langford Promenade | $45+ | Bring an unwrapped toy and indulge in complimentary margaritas, beer, and bites for a cause.
New nonstop flights open new doors for Lakeland travelers. | Photo by Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines is now offering nine nonstop routes to exciting new destinations directly from Lakeland, making travel even more convenient for Polk County residents.
Atlanta, GA: City skyline, history, and entertainment.
Rochester, NY: Waterfront views, festivals, and museums.
Whether it’s the balminess of the tropics or the coziness of New England, Avelo’s nonstop flights simplify travel for those looking to explore new cities or reconnect with friends and family.
Bonus: Each route allows passengers to skip the hassle of layovers and enjoy more time at their destination.
Fashionistas, it’s your time to shine — Nordstrom Rack will open a location at Lakeside Village next fall in the former Bed Bath & Beyond space. The store sells Nordstrom’s apparel + accessories at discounted prices, and it will also offer online order pickup and returns.
Real Estate
Three Midtown properties have caught the eye of the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency and will be purchased for $1.3 million. One of the sites, located on North Kentucky Avenue, will be redeveloped as part of the Mass Market project. (The Ledger)
Weather
Tropical Rainstorm Sara is set to hit Florida today — an unwelcome sight for those in areas flooded after Hurricane Milton. In preparation, Polk County requested the US Army Corps of Engineers to continue pumping Lake Bonny beyond their initial deadline of Sunday, Nov. 24. (The Ledger)
Tech
Florida Poly professor Dr. Rawa Adla is working with student researchers and FDOT to use I-4 traffic simulations + data to make it safer for drivers. By 2027, the project will connect data from drivers’ phones to highway notification signs and traffic lights, making trips smoother.
Civic
Is a commission calling your name? Learn the ins + outs of running for local or state office at the Florida Institute for Political Leadership’s Campaign School & Community Leadership Training. The free virtual sessions take place on Dec. 10-11.
Read
Find time to relax before the holiday rush at Crash Bookshop’s “Books and Cozy” event at Somos Church this Friday, Nov. 22. Drop in 11 a.m.-6 p.m. to find a new pageturner and enjoy “that offline feeling” with other bookworms.
Try This
In case you missed it, we’re running our historical marker contest this month, and submissions are open through 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Make a submission for a chance to be featured on our national map of readers’ landmarks.
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Home
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Wellness
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Seasonal
Seasonal
🎁 Holiday magic for two
Including comfy flannel and a customized book embosser. | Graphic by 6AM City
It’s always the ultimate question of the season — what are you going to gift your partner for the holidays? Shop great gift ideas, including local picks.
Local pick:Couples massage | $150 | Treat your partner (and you, too) to a 50 min. couples massage at DayDreams Day Spa in Lakeside Village.
TheraGun Mini Massage Gun | $199 | A compact massager that can speed up recovery in between workouts.
Local pick:Barefoot Dreams throw | $158 | This extra-soft blanket from Gaines Jewelers was named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things — and we bet it’ll be your partner’s, too.
With friends and family visiting for the holidays, there’s no better time to break out the board + card games. Here are five for your next family game night:
🎲 Up to 20 players can participate in Herd Mentality for some udderly hilarious fun. 🎲 Ticket to Ride is a top-rated board game for 2-5 players ages 8+. 🎲 Everyone can put their poker face to the test in You Laugh You’re Out. 🎲 Ransom Notes is an easy-to-play game that will leave the entire family belly laughing. 🎲 Coup is a fast and fun bluffing game for 2-6 players ages 13+.
Does your neighborhood go all out for the holidays? We’re on the hunt for bright lights, inflatables, and even displays set to music. Nominate your neighborhood or one you make sure to visit every December.
