Support Us Button Widget

Tourism and Hospitality

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 local bakers.
November 06, 2025 10:51 AM
 · 
Rilee Delgado
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
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
Lightning in dark cloudy sky over trees and streetlights on a rainy day in Lakeland, FL
City
Last minute tips to make sure you’re hurricane ready
Don’t forget these steps on your hurricane prep checklist.
October 7, 2024
 · 
Staff
Add a heading (46)
New to Lakeland
Unwritten rules of Lakeland
Tell us you’re from Lakeland without telling us you’re from Lakeland.
September 17, 2024
 · 
Staff
two rotating photos depicting an old black and white photo of the terrace hotel and their 100 year anniversary emblem
Sponsored
Party like it’s 1924 with this once-in-a-century celebration
Sponsored by
Load More
The Buy

Shop The Buy
Latest News
More from LALtoday
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
What we “unfortunately do love” in Lakeland
From guilty pleasures to unexpected favorites, the “unfortunately do love” social media trend is taking over the internet — and we want your input.
September 18, 2025
 · 
Maria Adnado
Two pumpkin spice lattes in mugs on table with a pumpkin muffin
Food
Where to find all things pumpkin spice in Lakeland
From coffee to baked goods to cocktails, there’s a pumpkin spice or fall-flavored treat for everyone in Lakeland to enjoy this fall.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial satellite image above Lakeland. Green land and lakes surround the city, which is labeled with a blue arrow. There are blue lines heading in each direction — north, east, south, and west_ stretching out beyond the edges of the map.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Lakeland’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of LAL, cities across the world await.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
An aerial view of the Eaglebrooke Golf Course in Lakeland, FL. There is a green in the foreground and sand traps, water hazards, and trees in the background.
Experience
Tee it up at these Lakeland golf courses
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or the next Tiger Woods, these 13 golf courses in Lakeland are sure to make for a good round.
September 16, 2025
 · 
Cat George
Four runners sprint quickly on a track as a spectator watches from behind a fence. The runners are wearing athletic gear and competitor number bibs.
City
3 interesting facts from the Polk County Community Health Assessment
Polk Vision published the assessment in June 2025 after 18 months of data collection.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bright, sunny photo of the Subs 'n Such restaurant sign, a local business with an old-fashioned feel.
Food
Dine on history at Lakeland’s oldest restaurants
Take a bite of Lakeland’s past at these restaurants that have stood the test of time.
September 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A hand holding a container of ice cream in front of a Publix Super Markets sign
Tourism and Hospitality
Celebrate your birthday with Lakeland deals and freebies
It’s your party and you’ll enjoy these deals if you want to.
September 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A green historical marker from the State of Florida detailing the history of the Acton Community on a grass lawn
City
Here’s your sign: Learn about Lakeland’s historical markers
Dive into how nearly a century and a half of history is kept alive with historical markers around town.
September 11, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A photo of an Enhydritherium terraenovae fossil on display, a tall skeleton that looks like an otter.
Travel and Outdoors
Meet 5 prehistoric creatures who once roamed Polk County
Millions of years ago, marine animals, mammals, and reptiles called Florida home. Learn about five whose fossils have been found in the Bone Valley area of Polk County.
September 8, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
LAL-downtown-kentucky-ave-lakeland-walfaro30-SEPT2022.jpeg
Weather
Fall weather forecast for Lakeland
Prepare for fall weather in Lakeland, Florida with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
September 8, 2025
 · 
Staff