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📚 Name a better combo — we’ll wait
Find everything from classics to contemporary novels and cozy mysteries. | Photo by LALtoday
A new page is turning on Frank Lloyd Wright Way, where The Bookish Flower is now open. This shop offers “bookish goods for the soul” — namely, new books at the front of the store and a selection of antiques in the back. That means you can buy the perfect read, a comfy chair to cozy up in, and a vintage lamp to read by all in one trip.
Once you’ve decided on a book (or two), cozy up in one of the reading nooks in each room.
Photo by LALtoday
Whimsy is tucked into every corner here. Each section of The Bookish Flower offers a distinct vibe and selection, from a dark academia-themed fantasy room to a Jane Austen-worthy romance room wallpapered with pages. There’s also a kids’ section reminiscent of “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
Venture into the back to shop for antique furniture, art, and decor curated by S&E Vintage. The Bookish Flower owner, Chelsea Rosas, said the inspiration behind selling antiques comes from readers, who often appreciate the story behind a rare piece.
Grievous Angel is celebrating its grand opening this Saturday, March 21, 6-9 p.m., but don’t expect any old party — it’ll be a Honky-Tonk Hootenanny. The first 25 in line + the guest with the best boots will win prizes, and drinks will be discounted.
Health
The third annual Conversations in Behavioral Health Summit is set for Thursday, May 7 at Polk State College’s Winter Haven campus. The free event will feature keynote speakers like Tony Hoffman and Kati Morton, educational breakout sessions, and local resources.
Lakelander
Part-time Lakeland resident Terry Richardson received the Medal of Honor, the US military’s highest award. Richardson joined the Army during the Vietnam War, and his heroic actions helped save 85 lives on a mission in 1968. (WFLA)
Learn
Let’s get this bread. Parkesdale Market will host Spellbound Sourdough for a beginner’s sourdough baking workshop on Saturday, April 25. Tickets are limited and include an active starter, tools, and recipes to take home, plus complimentary milkshakes.
Real Estate
$1.2 million. That’s the new price on this Bartow home with dramatic ceilings, outdoor living space, and 120 ft of uninterrupted lake views. Love what you see? Make an offer fast — this listing goes off the market tomorrow.
Plan Ahead
Concert season is just around the corner, and MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre has released this summer’s lineup. Start snagging tickets to see artists like Pitbull, Hilary Duff, The Pussycat Dolls, and Tim McGraw just a short drive from Lakeland.
Feel Good
Hoo else loves a happy ending? Last week, Polk County Fire Rescue saved a barred owl that was tangled in fishing line above the Peace River. After receiving treatment from the Raptor Center of Tampa Bay, the bird was safely released back into the wild. Watch the video.
Sports
Time for a buzzer-beater. There are only a few more hours to join LALtoday’s NCAA Tournament bracket challenges. The men’s brackets lock today at 12 p.m., and the women’s brackets lock tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. Winners will earn a shout-out in our newsletter.
Eat
When dinner turns into a staring contest with your fridge, Forkful meals save the night. They’re fully prepared and ready in minutes — with zero seed oils and high-quality proteins. Use code CMD50 to take 50% off your first order.*
Tech
If your computer overheats with a few tabs open or sounds ready for liftoff, the problem might not be your device — it’s likely your antivirus. Many big-name brands are bulky + full of pop-ups. Webroot’s antivirus protection uses 33 times less space and scans up to six times faster. Get protected.*
Learn
🍊 How art changed the citrus industry
This label is aptly found at Florida Southern College, home of the Moccasins. | Photo by LALtoday
In the early 1900s, one of Polk County’s main goals was to make fruit look as ap-peel-ing as possible. Enter: whimsical citrus labels, which adorned wooden crates shipped by growers, catching the eye of buyers and curious out-of-towners.
The label designs held meaning for buyers, with certain images, brand names, and colors indicating everything from fruit quality to origin.
To learn more about them, you can take a self-guided driving tour of vintage labels on 23 buildings and sites in Polk County, including three places in Lakeland — we even mapped them out for you.
Tonight at 5:30 p.m., squeeze in a trip to the Lakeland Public Library’s Main Branch for the next installment of the Lakeland History and Culture Center Lecture Series. Brenda Burnett will present “Crate Labels: Preserving and Promoting the Florida Citrus Industry.” It’s free to attend.
The best Easter eggs and decorations on sale ahead of the holiday. We recently shopped online party supply store Oriental Trading, and it’s got Easter covered — especially if you’re hosting an event on a budget. Check out our faves + use code BCFREESHIP for free shipping on any order:
Tucked into the back of The Bookish Flower’s antiques, I came across this portrait that reminded me of, well, me. If you’re looking for new art but aren’t into paintings that remind you of a certain beautiful newsletter editor, there are many oil paintings of beautiful landscapes instead.
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