Try This: Stroll-shopping + supporting local at Lakeside Second Sunday Market

We visited Lakeside Village’s monthly Lakeside Second Sunday Market — and experienced a world of discoveries while strolling the 80+ local vendors.

rotating images of scenes from the lakeside second sunday market including a view of the market, a vendor holding a plate, and plants on a table — Where will your shopping trip take you? We loved talking with vendors and exploring the variety of market items.

Table of Contents

What we tried

What not to miss

What we’re still talking about

How you can experience this

Things to know if you go

City editor Connor here. I know Lakeland loves its markets — and here’s one you should mark on your calendar each month. The Lakeside Second Sunday Market at Lakeside Village brings together 80+ vendors in a serene setting every month. It’s the perfect place to find a unique item you won’t find anywhere else while supporting local small business owners.

I recently visited the market for myself — here’s what I discovered:

A musician sings and strums an acoustic guitar under a pergola as people listen on the Lakeside Village lawn's brick pathway. Behind the lawn, market tents are set up for shoppers, and palm trees sway overhead. — Take a break from browsing to enjoy the soundtrack to the market.

What we tried

I started my shopping at one end of the market, working my way by each booth. The booths are spaced out so you have plenty of room to browse at your leisure. Each month, a different artist performs on the Lawn, giving the market an easygoing vibe.

Many vendors offer product samples, so I tried the blueberry iced tea by RoyalTea Shoppe — then I just had to order a full glass. It was the perfect way to cool off while I soaked up the sunshine, shopping under the palm trees.

Booths set up for Lakeside Village's Second Sunday Market. Shoppers walk past tents filled with tables of handmade products set up on a closed street outside of storefronts. — Vendors are just steps away from your favorite Lakeside Village shops and restaurants.

What not to miss

I like to make a day of shopping, and Lakeside Village makes it convenient. After browsing the market, you’re steps away from the shopping center’s retailers + restaurants, so you can cross off everything on your shopping list or grab a bite. I refueled with lunch at Gaskins Barbecue BBQ & Lobster.

A hand holds a cup of iced tea in front of a vendor at their booth. There is a table with stacks of tea packages and a cooler of iced tea. — Stop into each booth to get to know the vendors — many are locals, so they could even be your neighbor.

What we’re still talking about

The vendors here are incredibly friendly. Each one welcomed me in, telling the story behind their products. This market caters to artisans, and I saw everything from painted pet portraits to homemade pumpkin butter crafted from a family recipe.

A photo of a small terrier dog in a stroller at an outdoor market. Vendors line the street around him in small tents. The dog wears a collar with a necktie. — You’ll run into all types of shoppers here — it’s family and pet-friendly.

How you can experience this

The Lakeside Second Sunday Market happens on — you guessed it — the second Sunday of each month, September-May (no markets in summer).

Mark your calendar for the next one on March 10. It’s completely free to enter, parking is easy to find, and you can spend as long as you want meandering through Lakeside Village.

Things to know if you go

Experience: Second Sunday Market at Lakeside Village
Price: Free to enter (plus price of purchases)
Website: shoplakesidevillage.com
Address: 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland
Hours: Second Sunday of each month, 12-5 p.m., September-May
Social: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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