Just plane fun | There are two days left to enjoy the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, which draws more than 200,000 to Lakeland each year. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Here’s a bright idea | Anyone up for ice cream? Bright Ice Scoop Shop is now open for business, and we have the inside scoop.
Bloom at BSP | Saturday, April 5-Sunday, April 6 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | Celebrate nature, creativity, and horticulture with floral installations and entertainment throughout the park.
Blueberry Festival | Saturday, April 5-Sunday, April 27 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Keel Farms, Plant City | Free+ | Don’t be blue — this berry fest includes U-pick, shortcake eating contests, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Recycle the Runway Fashion Show | 6-9 p.m. | Historic Ritz Theatre, Winter Haven | $50 | Local designers have created dresses out of 100% recycled materials — now, you get to choose your favorite.
“Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele” | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Lake Mirror Auditorium | $35+ | “Rumor has it” a string quartet will perform Adele’s biggest hits under the glow of candlelight.
Sunday, April 6
Songkran Thai Festival & Thai Food Market | 12-6 p.m. | Grove Roots Brewery, Winter Haven | Free+ | The beer garden will come alive with food vendors, dancing exhibitions, and karaoke performances.
“The Wiz 2.0" | 5-8 p.m. | Tenoroc High School | $38+ | This Broadway-style stage show by Demetrius Haynes is back for another performance.
The “Roast Me” Sunday Show | 8-10 p.m. | Laugh Out Lounge, Winter Haven | $7.50+ | Things get heated as a panel of comics play games, roast each other, and battle for prizes.
Friday, April 11
“Piano Men: Generations” | 7 p.m. | Polk Theatre | $25+ | Pianists Terry + Nick Davies will celebrate the music of Elton John and Billy Joel together.
Good news for brunch-goers: the price of eggs is finally declining. The wholesale price of a dozen eggs is down by 63% from its record high in February. But that’s just the wholesale price — we’ll believe it when we see it on the shelves. (Axios)
The Word
Over 40 words from around the world have been added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) last month. From Ireland, the OED added “class” which is a general way of expressing approval. As in, “Today’s LALtoday newsletter was class — you should subscribe.”
Travel
Mom, Airbnb and VRBO are fighting. The beef between the two popular accommodation platforms is thanks to a sarcastic advertisement from the latter — but we don’t like to get involved. That’s why our guide on unique places to stay in Lakeland features listings from both. (Business Insider)
Holiday
Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs or Cadbury Creme Eggs? It seems like Florida has chosen Reese’s, based on a nationwide candy study conducted by DoorDash. If you still need to fill your Easter baskets, stock up by hopping over to the newly opened PALS Candy Shop downtown.
Pets
Get your paws moving, because April is Canine Fitness Month. If your four-legged friend has felt cooped up all winter, use this as an excuse to go for a long walk and check out some dog-friendly spots in Swan City.
This grassy, padded hike boasts cool breeze and shade if you catch it at the right time. The land was once home to rock mining, timber harvesting, citrus production, and even turpentining.
This water treatment area-turned-nature park is a must-see for locals. Wear proper shoes and bring enough water to stay hydrated — but leave your furry friends at home.
Experience various terrains like sandy soils, grassy trails, marshland, swamps, and open dry prairies; trails range from an average of 30 minutes to two hours.
I’ve been living it up all week at SUN ‘n FUN, but today I’ll be going back to my roots at Bloom at BSP. This is Bonnet Springs Park’s first flower festival, and I can’t wait to take photos in front of all the flower installations around the park — and enjoy some much-needed shade. If you go to either event, tag us in your photos so I can see.
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