Earlier this week, we asked you to share your top Lakeland restaurants for when you’re looking to celebrate. See which spots made the list and what folks recommend ordering — plus a few picks of our own.
The Peach House
City Editor Connor recommends this Lake Morton gem for its flexibility. Cozy up inside for an intimate gathering, or be loud and proud on the patio. Order: Passionfruit Aperol Spritz with oysters + Cajun fries for the table to share
Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
This downtown staple is reader Meredith T.'s go-to thanks to its large back room that can be rented out for private events. Order: Shrimp & Scallop Orleans or Chicken Jolie Blonde
Ax-Caliber Axe Venue & Restaurant
Reader Carolyn G. praised this spot for its extensive spaces that are perfect for those larger events. Plus, what event couldn’t be made better by axe throwing? Order: Buffalo chicken flatbread
Adventure Day | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bonnet Springs Park | Free | Kids can literally get their hands dirty by combining their imaginations with mud to create, dig, and build.
Vegan Food Truck Pop-Up | 3-9 p.m. | Botanical Brewing Taproom | Price of purchase | My V Spot and Vegan Gator will serve up plant-based comfort food, from loaded fries to rice bowls — don’t forget to pair with a brew from the taproom.
Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles | 6:30 p.m. | Lake Mirror Auditorium | $35+ | Candles will be “Here, There, and Everywhere” at this multi-sensory musical experience featuring string renditions of the Beatles’ hits.
Historic Bartow Ghost Stroll | 7-10 p.m. | Unfiltered Coffee House, Bartow | $20 | Reserve your spot to see if grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize during this paranormal-themed walking tour of downtown Bartow.
Saturday, May 31
Repticon | Saturday, May 31-Sunday, June 1 | Times vary | RP Funding Center | $10+ | Sssslither to this exhibition to get up close with reptiles and exotic animals from around the world, plus purchase pets + supplies directly from experts.
Summer Kick-Off Touch-a-Truck | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Larry R. Jackson Branch Library | Free | Pick up a kid’s summer reading log, then head outside to see a fire truck, ambulance, SWAT bearcat, bus, and garbage truck.
Dungeons & Dragons | 12-4 p.m. | Rose Dynasty Center | Free+ | Seasoned adventurers and curious newcomers ages 16 and up can embark on a quest at this beginner-friendly tabletop role-playing game session.
Christian Singles Mixer | 5-8 p.m. | J. Burns’ Pizza Shop | Price of purchase | Connect with singles ages 28-36 over a slice before heading up the street to Adventures in Archery for a night of fun.
Sunday, June 1
Cleveland Heights Mini Market | 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Pour Bear Coffee | Price of purchase | Kick off the month by fueling up with a coffee from Pour Bear before browsing the wares of local vendors like The Wolfshop, Lkld Luxe, and Meraki Bakehouse.
Tuesday, June 3
Advancements in Surgical Oncology | 6-8 p.m. | Watson Clinic Main Library | Free | Join Watson Clinic General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist Dr. Dany Barrak as he discusses the minimally invasive techniques that are revolutionizing cancer care.*
Something new is rising at Meraki Bakehouse — the bakery’s last day in Market on Kentucky will be this Saturday. While Meraki has not yet announced what’s next, we have a feeling it’s going to be something sweet.
Health
Lakeland Regional Health’s newest Center for Behavioral Wellness is now open. The new office on Missouri Avenue will be the fourth LRH location to offer behavioral health services, housing 17 providers offering therapy + psychiatry care for both children and adults, plus a Psychiatry Resident Clinic.
Closing
Lakeland is leaving the orange zone. Orange Theory Fitness in Lakeside Village has announced it will close its doors on Sunday, June 29. While the studio’s closure will leave a splat-sized hole in Swan City’s fitness scene, consider finding your next exercise community at one of these 28 gyms.
Biz
June Taylor Shop is moving out, relocating back to its original location in Dixieland at 1216 S. Florida Ave. Stop by the downtown space before its last day on Sunday, June 8 to snag 25% off most items — the shop will reopen in its new spot in August.
Edu
Dr. Chris Kelley, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Florida Poly, has been selected as a Fulbright Specialist by the US State Department. Kelley will travel to Canada this August to collaborate on building a curriculum that blends biomedical and mechatronics systems at the University of Windsor in Ontario.
Coming Soon
This is home. Ashley Furniture Industries is expanding its Lakeland presence with the purchase of a 705,000-sqft industrial facility at Lakeland Central Park for $70.54 million. No specific plans for the space have been announced by the retailer + manufacturer, butwe’re crossing our fingers for an outlet store. (Business Observer)
Plan Ahead
Dance your heart out at Bonnet Springs Park’s Sunset Dance Series, returning this summer. Kick off your shoes and kick up your heels at the series’ first event on Wednesday, June 11 at the Event Center — LKLD Lindy Hop will teach swing dancing from 7 to 10 p.m.
Try This
An afternoon of snuggling + selfies with farm animals awaits at Rescue Pets of Florida Farm’s Summer Barnyard Bash Farmiversary on Sunday, June 1 in Plant City. Tickets are $5, and rumor has it there will also be a bounce house, splash pad, and refreshments. Say less, we’re in. (Creative Loafing Tampa Bay)
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Category
History
What’s in a name?
Lakes of Lakeland + sunsets = a match made in heaven. | Photo via @discoverlkld
We all know Lakeland is famous for (and got its name from) its 38 lakes around town — but how did those lakes get their names?
According to early newspaper + historical records, lakes were often named after notable Lakeland pioneers and settlers. However, there are a few that broke this tradition.
Take a figurative dive into the history behind some of Swan City’s most iconic lakes to learn how they earned their monikers.
Lake Beulah
Lake Beulah was supposedly named after an attractive local woman with whom young men in Lakeland became infatuated. However, other historians argue it was named after the daughter of a notable civil engineer. Other reported original names for this lake included Deep Lake and Swimming Lake.
The moral of the story: If you’re not naming a body of water after the person of your affection, do you even like them?
A great find in Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale. Get up to 60% off dresses, shoes, tees, and beauty before the sale ends this weekend. Here’s what we’re eyeing:
I wanted to give a shout-out to reader Irma C., who sent in several great recommendations for vacation spots after asking earlier this week. A few of her suggestions included areas like St. Augustine, Longboat Key, and Treasure Island — all places we already have guides for. I guess my planning just got even easier.
Answered
Answered
How many pets’ lives did SPCA Florida save from 2018 to 2023?
The correct answer was 23,584. That’s ~19% of Lakeland’s total population.
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