We celebrated Palace’s win with two slices + garlic knots. | Photo by LALtoday
We were hungry for another installment of our “Eat Down the Street” series, so we asked readers which street is packed with must-visit restaurants. The most popular choice was Kentucky Avenue, one of the main roads through downtown Lakeland, where there’s an eatery up anyone’s alley.
Reader recommended
Grab a slice from Palace Pizza, the winner of our 2023 Lakeland pizza bracket voted on by thousands of readers. With garlic knots this good, we see why it came out on top.
When you need a quick bite, reader Robbin J. recommends The Purple Onion Deli & Grill, saying, “Love the chicken salad, best in town! Great ‘pick two’ options.” Follower @brettgarbs92 also shouted out the “burgers that rock” at the rockabilly-themed Chop Shop.
We’ll toast to starting the day with pancakes, mimosas, and piping hot coffee.
Coffee is the most important meal of the day, right? Grab an I Dream of Jeannie Latte from Mitchell’s Coffee House, the oldest coffee shop in Lakeland, and pair it with this week’s breakfast quesadilla special.
If the morning calls for something stronger, you can’t beat the bottomless mimosas at Frescos Southern Kitchen & Bar. We like ours with spicy chicken + waffles during weekend brunch before hitting the farmers market.
Feeling adventurous? Order your wings with “Trash Can” sauce, which blends all of Bedrock’s sauces.
Photo by LALtoday
Late nights
Most of Lakeland turns in pretty early, but a few spots keep the eats coming through the night. Visit Ax-Caliber for crispy Ax-fries + ax throwing until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For a quick bite, Bedrock Wings stays open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays slinging wings, burgers, and wraps — and we never skip a Bartender’s Choice nightcap at Revival.
Top rated
Finally, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille is a top spot for Cajun-inspired fare — it even has 8,200+ Google reviews, the most of any downtown restaurant. Enjoy the shrimp and grits on the outdoor patio to see why it has 4.6 stars.
Asked
Asked
Which restaurant should we go to for lunch?
A. Palace Pizza B. The Purple Onion C. Bedrock Wings D. The Chop Shop E. Somewhere else
Jellybean Jubilee | 4-7 p.m. | Simpson Park Community Center | Free+ | Hop on over to this community event featuring an egg hunt, crafts, games, bounce houses, and face painting.
AGB Thursdays | 4-8 p.m. | The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art | Free | The museum is staying open late every Thursday — this week, enjoy a concert by pianist Julián Pernett Castilla at 6 p.m.
Friday, April 18
Youth Empowerment Workshop | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Well | Free | School might be out for the day, but teens can still get their learn on with skill-building + career-exploration games, activities, and giveaways.
Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation Mural Unveiling | 3-6 p.m. | RP Funding Center | Free | After muralist Samara Ash reveals a wild new piece near Entrance 4, head inside for a panel discussion, artist meet-up, and short film screening.
80s Night | 6-9 p.m. | Brew Hub | Free+ | Don your best leg warmers and tease that hair — your first drink is on the house when you show up in costume to this 1980s-themed dance party.
Adventure Days | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | See trees from a new perspective by climbing with help from Pathfinder Outdoor Education — registration is first-come, first-served.
Could this wellness event change how you think about health?
Presented by Q1 Productions
The three-day event kicks off on Nov. 14. | Photos courtesy of Q1 Productions
Imagine diving into a world where you can learn the secrets of regenerative agriculture and how to nourish kids in a processed food jungle, all while rubbing elbows with your favorite authors.
Hack Your Health 2025 is bringing this excitement to Tampa this fall — and you’re invited. Featuring hands-on cheese making, yoga flows, and breathwork bliss, it’s a can’t-miss event.
Use code LALtoday for $100 off and see 70+ expert speakers covering topics from food addiction to sleep hacks.
Move over, Central Park. Bonnet Springs Park was voted USA Today’s “Best City Park,” topping parks from around the country. Celebrate the big win with a visit this weekend — our dream itinerary includes a stroll on the Canopy Walk before watching the sunset from the Rooftop Bar.
Environment
Polk County is under a burn ban due to dry conditions following a lack of rain. The ban went into effect on Wednesday, April 15, and prohibits bonfires, campfires, fireworks, and yard waste burning. Officials may repeal the ban when the potential for wildfires is lowered.
Traffic
Several road closures are planned for the area around Publix’s future technology campus, starting as early as Monday, April 28, and running through mid-August. Expect full and partial closures of roadways + sidewalks from Lime Street to Lemon Street and Tennessee Avenue to Massachusetts Avenue. See the full schedule.
Number
$21.43 million. That’s how much Polk County approved to construct a new facility at the North Central Landfill to treat septage + leachate (read: waste that accumulates in landfills). The County says it’s a step toward sustainability in waste treatment, plus a more cost-effective option for local haulers.
Sports
University of Florida basketball player Walton Clayton Jr. honed his skills at Albert Kirkland Gymnasium in his hometown of Lake Wales. Fresh off a national championship win, he’ll return to cut the ribbon on the newly restored gym tomorrow at 5 p.m. The public is invited to watch the ceremony.
Health
Lakeland Regional Health’s Kathleen Campus Family Medicine Practice has been named an Age-Friendly Health System Participant by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement. It earned the title due to its commitment to older adults + the 4 Ms: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility.
Family
On the hunt for eggs this weekend? Our events calendar is stacked with egg hunts, Easter Bunny photo ops, brunches, and festivals. Bookmark the calendar so you don’t miss the festivities, or submit your own event.
Development
Meet Carl — or The Carl, to be exact. That’s the name of an eight-story, 81-unit apartment building coming to downtown Winter Haven. This week, city commissioners approved ~$4.1 million in tax rebates for the $26+ million project located near Haven Coffee Roasters. (The Ledger)
Shop
The Just Between Friends Sale is back at the RP Funding Center this week, with plenty of gently used kids’ clothing, toys, and gear. Admission + parking are free for today’s First Time Parents presale, regular Friday-Saturday shopping days, plus Sunday’s half-price Eggstravaganza — see the schedule.
Holiday
Earth Day is coming up on Tuesday, April 22, but you can start the celebrations early with The Nectary. Visit the nursery today through Saturday, April 19 for 10% off all Florida native plants. Check out what’s been blooming this season.
Arts
Mayfaire by-the-Lake, one of the oldest arts festivals in Central Florida, returns on Mother’s Day weekend. Plan your festival weekend to see why Mayfaire landed among Sunshine Artist Magazine’s “200 Best Art Shows” for a decade straight.*
Calling all small business owners. Features in our 2025 Parents Gift Guide are now 20% off. Secure a spot for your business’s product or service by using code PGG2025 at checkout.
Category
Try This
🔍 Get a clue
A Southgate Sign clue would have been a dead giveaway for “Edward Scissorhands” fans. | Photo by Joe Castagno
Lakeland is home to some pretty remarkable landmarks, from art installations to iconic buildings that anyone can recognize. We’ve given you clues about three of them — when you think you know what they are, click the button below to see if you guessed right + see more of our landmarks.
Clue 1
This spinning neon art piece was designed by Warren Milks between 1961 and 1970. It got its local nickname because it looks like the satellites that were launched in the 1950s.
Clue 2
Esteemed architect Frank Lloyd Wright put his stamp on Lakeland through his work at Florida Southern College, the largest single-site collection of his designs. Perhaps its most recognizable building is this one that rises above the campus.
Clue 3
It’s been more than a century since this luxury spot first opened its doors downtown and cemented itself as an icon of the city’s skyline. Pop in for a Lakeland Manhattan during happy hour.
Really cute waterdrop earrings, with one pair of gold and one pair of silver for $12.99. The minimalist earrings hug ears + look heavy while feeling surprisingly lightweight.
Want to see where I’m off to for lunch today? Be sure to follow along on Instagram where I’ll post the results of our poll above — don’t forget to vote.
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