7 dreamy destinations for your 2025 travel bucket list
Presented by Orlando International Airport (MCO)
What calls to you? | Photos provided by Orlando International Airport
Here’s to a new year of new adventures, Lakeland.
Whether you’re dreaming of mountain hikes, touring cities on bikes, or lying in a beach hammock, coconut in hand, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is your gateway to the perfect getaway.
Here are the seven direct destinations we just can’t seem to stop thinking about:
For those who love to learn + grow — Paris, France
Psst, Breeze’s new nonstop service to Provo has already begun.
For island living — Marsh Harbour, Bahamas
Island-hop on local ferries, dive into ancient underwater catacombs + sip the famous Bahamian Goombay Smash along the water starting Saturday, March 8, with Silver Airways.
For fashion and relaxation — Medellín, Colombia
Both Avianca and Spirit offer direct flights to this lively South American city, which features lush greenery, customizable wellness retreats, and a vibrant fashion scene.
For the foodies — Sacramento, California
Finally, for those of us who know that meals are the best part of any vacation, savor farm-to-fork dining, award-winning West Coast restaurants, and more via direct flights from Alaska Airlines and Southwest.
Lakeland Runners Club: Kids Run Club | 5-6 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Elementary school students will stretch their legs with an introduction to running + healthy lifestyles.
Clay Class: Swan Coil Pot | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Picassoz Art Cafe | $40 | Put your skills to the test and show off your Lakeland pride by sculpting one of our city’s beloved birds.
Creative Writing Event | 7 p.m. | Harrison School for the Arts | $9+ | Head to the Black Box Theatre to hear live readings of original works from talented students.
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Celebrate Florida Arbor Day | 10-11:30 a.m. | The Nectary | Free | This timely discussion will plant the seed in your brain when it comes to all things tree care + maintenance.
Thursday, Jan. 16
Board Game Night | 5:30-9 p.m. | HP Guild Games | Free | Borrow a game from the collection to play with others, or BYOB — bring your own board (game.)
Music Mayhem Mutts | 6-10 p.m. | United Women’s Club of Lakeland | $50+ | Raise money for Polk County Bully Project at this soiree featuring dinner, live music, and a silent auction — just to name a few.
Friday, Jan. 17
MLK Week Unity Luncheon | 10 a.m. | Nora Mayo Hall, Winter Haven | $20 | Celebrate unity + community at this catered lunch featuring performances by local students, plus a keynote address from Elder Jimmy Thompson.
“The Light in the Piazza” | Friday, Jan. 17-Sunday, Jan. 26 | Times vary | Lakeland Community Theatre | $30 | You’ll be transported to the Tuscan countryside as local actors perform this Tony Award-winning musical.
Explore the flavors of Polk County through Taco Week
Presented by Visit Central Florida
Keep an eye out for drink deals, because what pairs with tacos better than a fresh margarita? | Photos provided by Visit Central Florida
Good news, LAL.
Polk County Taco Week is in full swing, which means from now until Sunday, Jan. 19, we’re treating every day like Taco Tuesday.
Enjoy creative specials from 40+ local restaurants including delicious pairings like Korean tacos with spicy kimchi noodles, or mango habanero chicken tacos with avocado lime crema.
Prices and offerings vary, so there’s something for everyone. Indulge in Polk County’s vibrant flavors while supporting local businesses. Now that’s something worth shell-ebrating.
The long-anticipated Dr. Anne B. Kerr Wing at the AGB is nearly ready to welcome the public. Thanks to the expansion, the art museum now boasts triple the gallery space it once held, allowing it to display around 10% more of its ~3,400 art pieces. (The Ledger)
Edu
Polk County Public Schools’ school choice application window is open until Friday, Feb. 21. Get the lowdown on what school choice means with our guide, or attend the Lakeland showcase event on Thursday, Jan. 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lakeland Square Mall.
Opening
Polk State College is rolling out the red carpet to celebrate its newly renovated Winter Haven Fine Arts Building, featuring updated classrooms, music + practice rooms, a revamped theater, and more. RSVP to join the ribbon cutting on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Sports
He shoots, he scores. Polk County resident-turned-pro-basketball-player Dazeran Jones is back on the court after a brief hiatus due to an injury. This summer, Jones will play pro ball as a member of “The Killer 3s,” a team in the Big3 league owned by rapper Ice Cube. (Bay News 9)
Try This
Gaming and racing simulation lounge Sim Boss is hosting its first Car Meet this Friday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. Head to the lounge’s parking lot to connect with fellow car enthusiasts and browse custom, classic, and modern rides — both car registration + general event entry are free.
Outdoors
Loyce E. Harpe Park in Mulberry is back in business, with the majority of the park now open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The soccer parking area will continue to remain closed while it serves as a debris management site. Find even more parks to explore.
Plan Ahead
Get ready to berry. Fancy Farms will host its annual U-Pick Strawberry Fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 22 at its Plant City patch, just two miles down the road from the Lakeland market. All proceeds will go to 4H youth programming — times + prices are TBA.
Biz
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Try This
🧶 Get your hobby on
Let’s get creative, Lakeland. | Photo via Catapult
It’s never too late (or early) to pick up a new hobby — and with January being National Hobby Month, there’s no time like the present to let your creativity loose.
Not sure where to start your creative journey? Check out this list of a few of our favorite Martha Stewart-approved hobbies for 2025 and where you can participate in them around Swan City.
Sewing + embroidery
Keep an eye on Fabric Warehouse’s calendar to attend classes like Basic Machine Operations and Learn to Sew before jumping into a project-based workshop. Classes start at just $5.
If you’re already sew in the know + want to bolster your skills, head to Winter Haven’s Heartfelt Quilting & Sewing for classes and clubs focused solely on embroidery.
Speaking of hobbies, a favorite that my husband and I picked up last year was crocheting, which also made the Martha Stewart list. Guess we were ahead of the curve. While one day I hope to branch out and make things like hats or blankets, for now, I’m loving making these adorable animals — try one for yourself.
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