Call us corny, but we’ve been waiting for these corn mazes, fall farms, and haunted events to return all year — and they’re now open for the season.
Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, Plant City | Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 27-Oct. 26
Start with a walk through the maze with caramel apples in hand, and end with a game of cornhole or a camel ride. Pro tip: Some vendors are cash only, so keep some bills on hand.
Harvest Holler, Polk City | Friday-Sunday, Sept. 19-Nov. 16
Ride down the Big Frank-n-Slide, jump in the corn tubs, or take a ride around the farm to feed animals — and don’t skip the cobbler.
Dinosaur World Jurassic Haunt, Plant City | Friday-Sunday, Sept. 27-Nov. 1
Join the “Mammoth Mayhem” to explore this prehistoric park after dark through glowing paths + scare zones.
Bienvenido a BSP - Hispanic Heritage Celebration | Friday, Sept. 26-Saturday, Sept. 27 | Times vary | Bonnet Springs Park | Free+ | This event is expanding to two days of family activities and live entertainment with headliner Cortadito, plus new $10 preferred parking inside the park.*
Money.com’s car insurance comparison tool could save you up to 19%. | Photo via Shutterstock
There’s a lot we don’t know. But we do know that “15 minutes could save you 15% or more” by switching car insurance providers.
Why? This marketing campaign works because the numbers speak for themselves — and the claim is true.
Comparing car insurance really can save you 10% to 19% more money. And Money.com has an easy-to-use (and free) car insurance tool to help you find providers in Lakeland. Check it out.
Candidates for mayor and the city commission answered questions in their first community forum last night. If you missed it, learn more about their platforms in the next forums, starting with the Political Latin Hob Nob at Union Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 30. (LkldNow)
Biz
Five finalists can win up to $10,000 by pitching their businesses at Catapult’s next Launch Pitch Night. Secure a seat to watch as small local companies like By the Chef Pizza and Studio61 Productions vie for Launch Micro-Grants on Thursday, Oct. 9.
Ranked
Pub subs for the win. Publix Super Markets earned a spot on USA Today’s 10BEST list of best grocery store delis, coming in at No. 5. It also ranked in the top 10 for best grocery store bakeries, produce, prepared foods, and best grocery store overall.
Arts
The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art has two new must-see limited time exhibits this season: “Shrouded in Mystery: Photographs by Steven Althouse,” on display now through Jan. 18, 2026, and “Medici Dynasty: Renaissance in Florence” coming Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Get all the details.*
Try This
You may have seen world champion pitmaster Richard Fergola on Food Network — now you can learn his “Fergolicious” barbecuing tips in Bartow. White Oak BBQ Supply & Mercantile will host a workshop with him on Sunday, Nov. 2, featuring turkey, ribs, and brisket barbecue. Seats are limited.
Family
Prepare for liftoff. Legoland Florida announced the name of its space-themed rollercoaster coming early next year: Galacticoaster. If you can’t wait until then, plan a visit to Brick-or-Treat.
Feel Good
Dawn Wolff of Polk City is honoring her late husband Frederick’s memory and love of animals by donating his pacemaker to BluePearl Pet Hospital in Tampa. The hospital will now use the pacemaker to give a dog or cat a new leash on life. Talk about heartwarming. (Fox 13 News)
Festival
Central Florida Food Fest is coming to Bonnet Springs Park on Saturday, Oct. 18, 5-9 p.m. Grab tickets for this 21+ event to indulge in sublime flavors from savory to sweet to spicy.*
Join the 10th Annual Puttin’ On The Pink happening Friday, Oct. 10, 5:30-10 p.m. at Winter Haven Moose Lodge 1023. Enjoy a prime rib dinner or a reserved table, or come free for the silent auction, live music, fashion show, and games. Learn more + snag tickets.*
At Warby Parker, every pair of glasses starts at $95. Pick your perfect pair and experience eye care that’s simple, convenient, and delightful.*
Category
Seasonal
👻 Get a shriek peek of Sir Henry’s
The creepy characters aren’t so bad — I bonded with this one over our love of Sir Henry’s apple cider floats. | Photo by LALtoday
A Halloween-season staple has returned from the dead for its 12th year, with fun for both thrill seekers and scaredy-cats alike. Editor Connor here — I’m one of the latter, but I previewed Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail before it opens tonight over in Plant City. Here’s what to know before you go.
The three haunted trails (“City of Slaughter,” “Ravensgate Asylum,” and “Skinwalker’s Hex”) are the main attraction here. These outdoor, wooded trails take a few minutes to walk through, and they’re packed with terror around every corner.
I pushed myself to brave “City of Slaughter,” where I maxed out my scream quota for the night. Pro tip: Wear shoes you can really walk in, because those dark forest trails are no joke.
Want to haunt? You must purchase tickets online in advance and choose a timeslot to enter. Keep reading to see what else lurks at Sir Henry’s.
Swap this summer’s top trending beaded bags for something a little more seasonally appropriate: rich hues of leather + luxurious suede. These are our top five bags for fall:
👜 We’re calling it now: This softly-brushed, chocolate-hued suede purse will be the bag of the season.
👜 Lucky Brand’s full-grain leather mini tote features top handles and a removable crossbody strap for added versatility.
👜 Level up any autumn outfit with this elegant satchel bag that’s on sale for under $40.
👜 This stadium-approved clear handbag is the perfect game day accessory.
👜 Luxuriously soft handfeel and rugged durability are two standout features of this fun heart-shaped leather purse.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
It looks like we may be in for some rain this weekend. Need family-friendly plans that will keep you dry? Catch a showing of “The Incredibles” tonight at the Polk Theatre or the “Frozen” musical at Theatre Winter Haven.
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