Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities, is on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The day falls between two of the biggest shopping days of the year (Black Friday and Cyber Monday) and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.
If you’re looking to join in on the festivities this year, check out our list of some of City Editor Connor + City Editor Amelia’s favorite small businesses in town — and some extra suggestions from our followers.
Curry Mango | This eatery dishing up Indian fare is one of Connor’s go-to spots for a delicious meal. Pro tip: Go for the lunch buffet so you can sample a little bit of everything that the restaurant has to offer.
Pressed Books & Coffee | No trip to the Downtown Farmers Curb Market is complete for Amelia without a stop in to this bookstore. You’ll usually find her browsing the shop’s romance or new arrivals sections.
Scott Orthodontics | If you need any form of orthodontic work done, Connor recommends this provider time and again for its friendly and compassionate staff.
Uncle Nick’s Italian Deli | According to Amelia, nothing can top this spot’s meatball sub — and don’t forget to top things off with a slice of cheesecake.
Keep reading for more small bizzes our followers love, plus information on how you can join the conversation.
Meraki Bakehouse Pop-Up | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Catapult Lakeland | Free+ | Price of purchase | Pick up your preorders for Thanksgiving desserts, or pop by for coffee + breakfast sandwiches on the patio.
Line Dance Lesson & Bar Night | Wednesday, Nov. 27 | 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.
Friday, Nov. 29
14th Annual Festival of Wreaths | Friday, Nov. 29-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.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Downtown Cars + Coffee | Saturday, Nov. 30 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Joinery | Free+ | Show off your ride or browse other cars with a coffee in hand.
Holiday Sip & Sprout Plant Festival | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Metals & Nature, Plant City | Free+ | Put a botanical twist on your holiday shopping with a collection of greenery and garden decor.
Santa Pics | 12 p.m. | The Doggie Bag: A Pet Boutique | $45 | Call to schedule a time for kids + pets alike to get a photo with the big man himself.
“The Wiz 2.0" | 7-9 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $50+ | Lakeland native Demetrius Haynes directs this fresh retelling of “The Wizard of Oz” story.
Saturday, Dec. 7
The Christmas Gala: Home for the Holidays | Times vary | Branscomb Memorial Auditorium | $5+ | This special holiday celebration from the FSC Music Department features festive songs performed in traditional and innovative arrangements by the FSC Orchestra, Symphony, Jazz Bands, Choirs + more.*
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Walk this way. FDOT will begin construction on a mid-block crossing on US 98 near Bryant Stadium and Henley Field on Monday, Dec. 2. The $1.1 million project will include the installation of a pedestrian hybrid beacon + is expected to conclude by early 2025.
Community
Lakeland locals + organizations are teaming up to provide Thanksgiving feasts to those in need. Individuals can stop by New Life Ministries tomorrow from 2 to 5 p.m. for a free hot meal complete with turkey, sides, and dessert. Delivery will also be available. (The Ledger)
Lakelander
Bill Tinsley, a former City of Lakeland Parks and Recreation director, will be recognized as Polk State’s December 2024 Distinguished Alumnus during its Dec. 4 commencement. In addition to a 45-year career with the city, Tinsley is also known for co-founding Bonnet Springs Park — sounds pretty distinguished to us.
State
As communities like those along Lakeland’s Lake Seward basin still work to recover from recent storms, FEMA has extended its deadline for Floridians to apply for assistance until Jan. 7. Polk residents can apply online or in-person by visiting the Disaster Recovery Center in Bartow, Monday-Saturday. (Bay News 9)
Biz
Bookmark this deal. Inklings Book Shoppe is offering 10% off everything on Friday, Nov. 29 + Saturday, Nov. 30 in honor of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Plus, Pinched Pages will be on-site on Friday to sell Blind Dates with a Book from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Seasonal
Bok Tower Gardens is ringing in the holidays with “Carols & Carillon” this Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy a night of holiday music — including some sing-along favorites — by candlelight while experiencing the Gardens under the stars. Tickets for non-members are $20.
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You know how awesome your business is, but do our 40,064+ readers? Visit our self-service ad portal to learn how LALtoday can help connect your business with our local audience — no long-term contract required.
Arts
Experience the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art’s 14,000-sqft expansion for the first time, with “Dutch Impressionism: The Hague School, 1860-1930" on display now through Feb. 23. The free exhibit includes 80 rare paintings never before seen in the US.*
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (Yes, it sounds peppermint-mocha nuts. But it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*
Help us deck the halls with winter events before the big man himself comes to town. | Photo by City of Lakeland
If you’re anything like us, you love Thanksgiving — but you’re also ready to get your holly jolly on. As we prepare to deck the halls with winter content, we’re in need of one final decoration: your top events.
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Have a winter event planned? Start submitting them below and you may see them right here in the newsletter this next season.
A really good pickleball paddle — it’s rated 4.8 stars and is 62% off for early Black Friday. Notable features include: a larger sweet spot on the paddle + a handle with sweat-wicking ventilation for an anti-slip grip.
These last few days, I’ve been battling a serious head cold but am finally on the mend. My go-to beverage when I’m not feeling my best is a hot Color Theory Fresh Air tea from Black & Brew, with a heaping spoonful of honey. Do you have a go-to, feel-better beverage? Give me the scoop.
