The stage is set | The first round of 2025 Florida Strawberry Festival headliners has been announced. See who’s coming to Plant City and make plans to grab tickets starting Thursday, Dec. 12.
It’s almost turkey time | Leave the cooking to the pros this year by preordering turkey and sides — or, make a new tradition with our list of spots that will be open on Thanksgiving Day.
Eyes on the pies | Order up a Thanksgiving pie that’s sure to impress your guests from local spots like Meraki, Bandidas, Born & Bread, and more.
Asked
Asked
Which local restaurant do you miss the most?
Tell us which eateries you would dine at one more time if you could — your answer could be featured in a future newsletter.
Vet Fest | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium | Free | Veterans can connect with services ranging from mental health counseling to housing + transportation at this annual resource fair.
Architectural Tour: Holiday Edition | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Polk County History Center, Bartow | Free | Gain new insights in this seasonally themed tour through Polk County history.
Songs & Strings Holiday Concert | 6:30-9 p.m. | 1120 Candlewood Dr. | $20 | Come for a cozy performance by folk band Passerine in this annual holiday house concert.
Sunday, Nov. 17
Goat Yoga on the Farm | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Cloven Hoof Farm | $20+ | Opt to join a guided yoga practice or just spend time petting the friendly farm animals.
Vintful Dream Sunday Market | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | Free+ | More than 12 vendors will share their wares, ranging from handmade jewelry to mini cakes.
Find new signage outside Smith’s American Tavern downtown. | Photo by LALtoday
This week was a big one for the local dining scene, and there’s even more coming in the next few days. Try out these new (and sort of new) spots this weekend.
Smith’s American Tavern Don’t call it a comeback. The Back Nine has rebranded with a brand new food + cocktail menu. You’ll still find favorites like the Cuban egg rolls and Blackberry Crush (as well as the sports simulators), but don’t be afraid to branch out with new dishes.
Kichi Taiyaki Sweet tooths are going to love this new Japanese dessert shop on South Florida Avenue. The menu includes mostly sweet options, as well as a few savory bites. We loved the peach pancakes.
Metro Diner This eatery known for allowing customers “to order anything, any time of day” is set to open on Monday in the Lakeland South Plaza. Hours are still TBA, but you can look forward to items like chicken + waffles and biscuits with gravy.
If you saw me writing this newsletter at Mitchell’s, that wasn’t a martini I was drinking at 11 a.m. I got a sneak peek sip at the coffee shop’s espresso martini mocktail before the Girl’s Night Out event that happened last night, and it was so good, I’m hoping they add it to the regular menu.
