Any place in Lakeland can be romantic with a little creativity. | Photo by @carlycashman3
Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to LALtoday.
Okay, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but that’s neither here nor there. Whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 20+ local date night ideas just in time for Valentine’s Day that are legen — wait for it — dary.
You can’t go wrong with dinner and a show when it comes to date night.
Show off your axe-pertise with a round of axe throwing at Ax-Caliber while enjoying craft cocktails and fresh bites.
Reserve a free tour of Lugo’s Craft Distillery to sample premium craft rums, or try your hand at one of the distillery’s mixology classes — the “Valentine’s Day Martinis” class still has spots available.
Collectorama | Friday, Feb. 7-Saturday, Feb. 8 | Times vary | RP Funding Center | Free+ | Tickets + parking are free for this show featuring collectible money, gold, and jewelry — coin you believe it?
“Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding” | Friday, Feb. 7-Saturday, Feb. 8 | Times vary | Historic Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | $45 | Say “I do” to this immersive dinner theater experience that will have you mingling with a wedding party like one of the guests.
Turn Up and Tone: Fall in Love with Yourself | 7-8 p.m. | Uno Dos Tres Studio | $15 | Blend dance with HIIT and strength training to take your fitness to the next level in this Valentine’s-themed class.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Wings ‘n Waffles | 9 a.m. | SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus | $10 | Love is literally in the air at this event where you can learn about the life of Hollywood playboy Howard Hughes + tour memorabilia over breakfast.
Se7en Wetlands Guided Hike | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Se7en Wetlands via Gopher Tortoise Gate, Mulberry | Free | Grab your hiking shoes and water bottle for a guided exploration of some of Polk County’s wetlands.
Community Day | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | Guests of all ages can explore what’s new at the museum with tours, scavenger hunts, and art activities — plus, there’ll be exclusive giveaways for new + existing members.
Annual Galentine’s Day Celebration | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Green House | Free+ | Create bouquets or paint new pots for your plants, grab a bite, and snap selfies at the photo op.
Sunday, Feb. 9
Goats & Brews | 10 a.m. | Cob & Pen | $45 | The Little Yogi will guide you through a beginner-friendly yoga practice while surrounded by cuddly goats — one beverage is included with your ticket.
Silent Book Club | 2-3:30 p.m. | Pour Bear Coffee | Free | Head to this coffee shop after hours to read in silence + connect with other book lovers.
Yelp’s Elite Squad is the place for local movers and shakers. | Photos provided by Yelp
Meet your new favorite club.
If you love food, Lakeland, and meeting people who also love both, get to know Yelp’s Elite Squad.
As a member, you’ll be invited to special events, get to know more Lakeland businesses, and have a genuinely good time with other Elites who write “chef’s kiss” reviews.
Here’s the best part — you can nominate yourself (or a friend) to join the Yelp Lakeland Elite Squad. We’re cheering you on.
Traviss Technical College is taking to the skies with the launch of its new Air Traffic Control Academy on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Students enrolled in the 10-month program will receive hands-on learning experience at the Bartow Executive Airport to help them qualify for certificates from the Federal Aviation Administration. (Bay News 9)
Award
There’s nothing curious about this news. Tampa Bay Business Journal has named Lora Kellogg, president and CEO of Lakeland-based marketing agency Curious Jane, on its 2025 BusinessWoman of the Year list. Kellogg will be honored alongside 31 other women at a March ceremony in Tampa.
Pets
SPCA Florida volunteer Alan Hawkins and his adopted therapy cat Monster are a purr-fect pair — in fact, Petco selected their Love Story as one of the country’s top 25. As a reward, SPCA Florida received a grant from Petco, and Monster received a shopping spree.
Try This
While Collectorama takes over the RP Funding Center this weekend, a different kind of collector event will be taking over the SUN ‘n FUN campus. The Lakeland Winter Collector Car Auction returns today and tomorrow, Feb. 8, with 400+ classic cars going up for bid. Tickets are $10.
Cause
This is flipping awesome. The Citrus Center Kiwanis Club will host its 66th annual “Flipping for Charities” fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 22 at SUN ‘n FUN’s Sunset Grill. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, plus you can choose a charity to support at checkout.
Edu
Florida Southern College has appointed a new Deputy Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President for Inclusive Excellence. Dr. Shameka Shelby, a veteran of FSC faculty, will step into the newly created role in September, collaborating on strategic initiatives that enhance the college’s mission + foster an inclusive culture.
Active
Sign up to pound the pavement for the annual Fallen Heroes Memorial 5K benefitting the Lakeland Police Foundation on Saturday, May 17 at the Bob Adams Family Community YMCA. Kick your training into gear with one of Lakeland’s running clubs before race day.
Mailbag
Shout out to our reader who wrote in to share their go-to U-pick spot, Three Sons Farms in Dover. After picking your berries + sunflowers, make sure to stop by the farm’s barn — in their words, there’s “lots on the menu, but our favorites are their strawberry milkshakes and strawberry pizza.” Yum.
Ready to connect with the best local talent in 2025? We created our community job board just for you. Give it a try + post your first listing for free.
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This one even offers 5% cash back on your purchases, helping you save even more while you pay down your debt.*
Health
Weight Loss by Hims & Hers makes hitting your goals simple and personalized. Answer a few questions online, and a medical provider will design a plan just for you — medications, follow-ups, and all. Plus, it’s the least expensive 12-month GLP-1 plan around†. Ready to get started?Take the free assessment.*
†Please note: Comparison based on 12-month plan prices for compounded semaglutide from 12 leading competitors as of December 2024.
Category
Sports
What are Swan City’s Super Bowl plans?
Beer + football go hand-in-hand. | Photo by @foodand.beer
Survey says: Lakeland might just be here for the commercials and half-time show, with nearly 58% of respondents telling us they’re not planning to tune in to Super Bowl LIX on Sunday — but that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on the fun.
Consider heading to one of these local spots to get in on the action — even if that action is just filling up on buffalo wings.
Cob + Pen
This Dixieland staple is pulling out the projector to stream the match-up. Head there from 6 to 10 p.m. for drink specials and $25 all-you-can-eat wings.
Glory Days Grill
Call or stop by this Lakeside Village restaurant to reserve your own table for game day. Each seat costs $35 and includes unlimited food, drink specials, and entries into giveaways.
Gator’s Dockside
Visit this Highland City sports bar before Sunday to reserve your game day table — for $60, diners can partake in the all-you-can-eat buffet featuring wings, sliders, pasta, and more.
A corner bathroom counter organizer. Elegant and functional, its three tiers are perfect for housing toiletries and cosmetics while saving precious bathroom counter space.
When it comes to date nights, I’ll always have a soft spot for The Joinery since that’s the spot where I first met my husband. What can I say, you can’t go wrong with grabbing a cup of ice cream from Mayday before taking a walk around Lake Mirror.
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