Be sew in the know with this guide to getting crafty. | Screenshot via Google Maps
With the news of all Joann Fabrics and Crafts stores being closed, many Lakelanders are wondering where they’ll find supplies. Never fear, crafters — these locally owned craft shops in the Lakeland area have everything you need to finish your next projects.
Fabric Warehouse
Get everything you need to start sewing here, from sewing and embroidery machines to tools and materials. Plus, if you’re new to the craft, there are often classes to introduce you to the tools of the trade.
Four Purls Yarn Shop
Here’s a purl of wisdom: head to Winter Haven to shop yarn, fiber, needles, and more. Can’t figure out your latest knitting project? The experts are here to help with advice + classes.
The Crafted Butterfly
Scrapbookers will feel at home at this Plant City store. Purchase everything from beautifully designed paper to embellishments and stamps in every color.
Parking upgrades were announced at LAL this week. Does paying for parking impact your travel plans?
A. A little — I’ll rideshare or get dropped off. B. Not at all — I’ll pay for parking. C. Somewhat — I may travel less. D. A lot — I won’t fly from LAL.
Central Park Art Festival | Saturday, March 8-Sunday, March 9 | Times vary | Central Park, Winter Haven | Free+ | Fine artists will show off their paintings, sculptures, and more as they compete in this juried festival.
Florida Strawberry Festival | Saturday, March 8-Sunday, March 9 | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, Plant City | $4+ | It’s the final weekend to enjoy all things strawberry, from food to headliner entertainment and midway rides.
Yarn Addicts | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Kitty Cat Lounge | Free | Bring your yarn-related project work on while chatting with fellow crafters — just don’t let the cats get ahold of it.
“Greater Lakeland” Season Finale Screening | 7 p.m. | Silver Moon Drive-In | $8 | Watch every episode of WEDU’s “Greater Lakeland” series, plus two additional movies afterward.
Absolute Queen | 7-10 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $31+ | Don’t stop them now — this tribute band will perform the greatest hits of Queen just like in the 1980s, costume changes and all.
Sunday, March 9
Detroit Tigers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates | 1:05 p.m. | Joker Marchant Stadium | $15+ | Have some Major League fun at this Spring Training game — don’t forget to leave early due to construction near the ballpark.
Almost There Duo + The Cultivated Pig | 2-5 p.m. | Swan Brewing | Free+ | Start your week with live music on the patio as The Cultivated Pig debuts a brunch menu.
Musical Moments in Ragtime Piano | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | Winter Haven History Museum, Winter Haven | Free | Explore the origins of ragtime music with a performance by Ashton Scott Shira-Phen.
Tuesday, March 11
Evening with the Queens | 6 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | $250+ | Meet current and former Miss America and Miss Florida titleholders in this intimate dinner + dessert reception featuring live entertainment.
Thursday, March 13
Around the World in a Day | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Medulla Resource Center | Free | Older adults will explore iconic landmarks, diverse cultures, and global traditions — no passport required.
Don’t forget to spring forward this Sunday, March 9 — daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m., so turn your clocks forward one hour. This means the sun will start setting ~7:30 p.m. in Lakeland next week, giving you more time to play around our city.
Kids
Reminder: Spring Break for Polk County Public Schools is Monday, March 17-Friday, March 21. If you need help planning, check out our list of local kid-friendly activities.
Wellness
Posture check — this is your weekly reminder to straighten your back. If that felt good, imagine how nice a stretch with goats at The Cloven Hoof Farm would feel. Find your flow at these Lakeland yoga studios.
Eat
Broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat, according to a recent scientific review. Consider this your sign to stock up on the veggie at farmers + flea markets in Polk County and beyond this weekend. (Vogue)
City Guide
City Guide
The ultimate Lakelander initiation
If you need us this weekend, we’ll be picking up Pub Subs at the deli. | Photo by @ehgg
Having a Florida driver’s license and an 863 area code may qualify you on paper, but you’re not officially a Lakelander until you’ve taken part in some hyper-local fun. How many of these have you checked off?
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
Head to Kentucky Avenue to shop from dozens of local vendors selling fresh produce, ready-to-eat bites, artisan items, and homemade crafts. It’s open today from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Feed the swans
Leave the bread at home and bring quarters to buy handfuls of food from dispensers around the lake.
Order a Pub Sub
Hit the deli to order a sandwich, affectionately known as a “Pub Sub.” Not sure what to order? Get ideas from the local experts. Pro tip: Real ones know the line does not move fast — save time by ordering ahead online.
Lake Morton may be known for its swans, but more feathered friends can be found calling it home as well. Reader Eva L. sent us this photo by Bert L. of a bald eagle perched above Lake Morton Community Church. Hey, if we could get a bird’s eye view of the lake, we would too.
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