Support Us Button Widget

Tourism and Hospitality

St. Augustine - Great Escapes 2
Experience
The ultimate road trip to St. Augustine
Hit the road and head to St. Augustine — we’re sharing all the details about what to do and eat, plus where to stay.
December 11, 2024 02:18 PM
 · 
Staff
A side-by-side image showing an old lakeshore view of Lake Morton next to a current one.
City
How Lakeland has changed: Then and now in photos
We dug through Florida’s archived photos and postcards to see how much Lakeland has changed since it was first founded in 1885 — you might be surprised.
December 9, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A Christmas parade float is decorated with red and white glitter, realistic looking reindeer, and a sleigh. Santa and Mrs. Claus sit in the sleigh, waving to guests above and below the float.
Events
Our Lakeland Christmas Parade pro tips
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Check out what you can expect for the annual parade taking place Thursday, Dec. 5.
December 3, 2024
 · 
Staff
A hotel lobby with two orange velvet chairs and a tall, skinny Christmas tree decorated with ornaments sitting in front of a big window.
Sponsored
Upcoming events at The Terrace to brighten your holidays
Sponsored by
Screen Shot 2020-05-05 at 4.28.47 PM
Experience
Museums in Lakeland
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or aviation fan, these nine museums around Lakeland have it all.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Staff
Overhead shot of five pumpkin pies with whipped cream dollops
Food
Preorder your prized pies ahead of Thanksgiving
Whether you’re an annual customer or looking for the first time, check out these pies you can bring to Thanksgiving made fresh by Lakeland bakers.
November 11, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
marble arcade
City
What’s that Lakeland landmark named after?
We’ve all wondered about the names behind some of our local parks and places of interest. Pull back the curtain on the history behind their monikers.
November 1, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An artist paints an abstract design on a large canvas at Art Crawl. The artist wears a bandana, glasses, and lanyard.
Events
Brush up on Lakeland’s Art Crawl festival
Here’s everything you need to know about Art Crawl, Lakeland’s free outdoor art festival for the whole family.
October 31, 2024
 · 
Staff
Exterior view of The Joinery decorated with fake skeletons climbing the walls
Culture
Lakeland’s most haunting Halloween stories
Get into the Halloween spirit with these terrifying tales from around Central Florida.
October 30, 2024
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An exterior shot of a white house with a pink door.
New to Lakeland
Staycation in style at these Lakeland Airbnb and Vrbo rentals
Whether you’re looking for a charming bungalow or a stylish mid-century modern stay, Lakeland’s short-term rentals offer something for everyone looking for a staycation.
October 28, 2024
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Three people judge archery results at the Polk Senior Games. They stand around a large target pointing at the arrows around the bullseye.
Culture
18+ activities for retirees in Lakeland
If you’re recently retired and looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Lakeland.
October 21, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Load More
Good news for Lakeland.
Get the best local news & events sent to your inbox each morning, for free.
The Buy

Shop The Buy
Latest News
More from LALtoday
The exterior of the AGB Museum of Art's new expansion wing, which features high glass walls and a stone facade
Business
8 additions you can’t miss at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art
The AGB will reveal its new expansion to the public on Jan. 18. Here’s what Museum Director Dr. Alexander Rich says you can’t miss — plus a few editors’ picks.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A group in Star Wars costumes posing with R2-D2
Events
Get nerdy with it at Central Florida Comic Con
Prep for the convention with events, guests, and exhibitions we wouldn’t miss.
January 14, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Member at Sewing Station copy
Culture
Hobby Town, USA: Where to try these 5 creative hobbies in Lakeland
Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or simply want to try something new, here’s where you can engage in creative hobbies in and around Swan City.
January 13, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Cleveland Heights Boulevard
Live
Neighborhood Guide: Cleveland Heights
From a flurry of new shops to Lakeland’s public golf course, there are plenty of spots to explore in the Cleveland Heights neighborhood.
January 10, 2025
 · 
Staff
A hand holding a paper cup that reads "Ethos Roasters" on the sleeve
Food
Asked: What coffee blend would Lakeland be?
We want your caffeine concepts for a coffee blend that represents Swan City.
January 10, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A family consisting of a father, mother, and four daughters clothed in fall-themed and muted colors stands in front of a rustic backdrop.
Culture
Meet the Lakeland family featured on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
The Hutson family will be featured on the show’s Thursday, Jan. 9 episode.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A swan swimming across Lake Morton at sunset
Culture
TGIF: Spend a perfect weekend in Swan City
Night life, live performances, happy hours, and more — You can’t go wrong with a Lakeland weekend.
January 9, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Governor Farris Bryant and Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture Doyle E. Conner examine frozen bean vines.
Travel and Outdoors
Remembering Lakeland’s coldest days on record
Lakeland’s coldest day on record was on Dec. 13, 1962 when Swan City hit 20º — it would go on to reach it twice more in 1985.
January 8, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
A girl sits outside of a bookstore at a patio table while reading a book.
Culture
Best places to read a book around Lakeland
If reading is your activity of choice, try one of these Swan City spots the next time you crack open your favorite novel.
January 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
An exterior photo of Lakeland Linder International Airport with three flags and palm trees blowing in the wind.
Travel and Outdoors
What you need to know about flying out of Lakeland Linder International Airport
With LAL now offering commercial flights through Avelo, here’s what you need to know before you take off.
January 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms