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
Clear waters in the Weeki Wachee River surrounded by trees on the banks
Travel and Outdoors
Cool down at these natural springs within 2.5 hours of Lakeland
Take a break from the pool + dive in to one of these springs that are less than 2.5 hours away from Swan City.
June 25, 2024
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A hand holding a very large hamburger
Food
Big, juicy, and sometimes Impossible: Polk County’s best burgers
Sink your teeth into this list to find your next triple meat, plant-based, or classic diner burger.
May 29, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Blinky the alligator statue formerly on Lake Mirror
History
Blinky — Lakeland’s unofficial mascot
Warning: This story has a bit of a sad ending.
May 28, 2024
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A hand holds a non-alcoholic Paloma topped with a slice of grapefruit
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Lakeland, FL from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 22, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
a man barbecues ribs on an open grill outside with people in the background
Sponsored
We’re fired up about Ribs on the Ridge happening this weekend
Get the juicy details on the third + final leg of the Florida Triple Crown of BBQ’s three-event competition.
Sponsored by
20190227_Hagerty-440-Pano-Edit-12x4
Sports
The Detroit Tigers will train in Lakeland through 2044
The Detroit Tigers will continue spring training for the next 20+ years, and the City of Lakeland will help fund a new team facility. We break it down by the numbers.
November 21, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Santa and Mrs. Claus wave from atop a parade float.
City
Your questions about the 2023 Lakeland Christmas Parade, answered
Wondering how the city plans to protect its swans, where you can sit, or when you can place your chairs? Keep reading to learn how this year’s parade will work and ask us your additional questions.
October 19, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
LAL_ghost_kitchen_mr_beast_burger_oct_2023
Food
Order from one of Lakeland’s ghost kitchens
The only thing scary about these kitchens is how good they are.
October 17, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
Bowls of pho noodle soup from Pho Tan in Lakeland, FL
Food
Lakeland soups for every day
No matter your mood, there’s a soup for you.
October 16, 2023
 · 
Connor Jacobson
hut on a beach in Dominican Republic
Sponsored
17 best places to visit this fall and winter
Pack your bags, because we’re giving recs on where to go + what to do this fall and winter.
Sponsored by
Load More
The Buy

Shop The Buy
Latest News
More from LALtoday
The downtown Lakeland skyline and businesses as seen from East Main Street
Work
The who’s who and what’s what of Lakeland’s economy: Meet the top employers and industries
Explore the leading economic drivers in Lakeland — from exciting, new technology to top leaders in growing and distributing delicious eats.
August 20, 2025
 · 
Staff
A person holds up an iced coffee drink with a Dutch Bros logo, next to a blue drive-thru menu board.
Food
So close, but so far: Chains readers wish were in Lakeland
Sure, you could take an hour drive to your favorite chain restaurants — but wouldn’t it be better if they were right down the road?
August 19, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Women work out in an outdoors yoga class.
New to Lakeland
Get your sweat on at these gyms around Lakeland
From lifting weights and personal training to dance fitness and spin classes — we’ve rounded up 25+ gyms and fitness offerings around Swan City.
August 19, 2025
 · 
Staff
The front entrance and hallway of a Sola Salons studio, with a wood-slat feature wall and a modern light fixture.
Business
Get a new look at Lakeside Village this summer
Change things up with a new outfit, facial, or hairstyle from these new businesses that recently opened in the open-air shopping center.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An aerial view of Market Plaza in Lake Wales, with people walking on the brick and concrete paths surrounded by greenery.
City
Lake Wales is adding a social district — should Lakeland?
The city will be the first in Polk County to allow for open containers of alcohol to be enjoyed between businesses in its Arts, Culture and Entertainment District. Now, we want to know if Lakeland be next to add a social district.
August 18, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A bright living room with white couches, a large circular chandelier, and a view of a lanai through sliding glass doors.
Real Estate
This Lakeland home combines contemporary style with country club living
Spend every day on the greens — if you can get yourself to leave the comfort of home.
August 15, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
An interior shot of a wedding in Haus820
Experience
Rentable venues in Lakeland
Check out this list of local spots to host your next party, reunion, or reception.
August 13, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A group of five cartoon animals — an alligator, an otter, a butterfly, a turtle, and a swan — and the "Learning Lakeland" logo.
City
Learning Lakeland is here to make civic education fun
The new program by the City of Lakeland offers activities for kids ages 4-11 that will teach them all about how life in Lakeland works.
August 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A black-and-white photo of two people moving into Florida Southern College by a car with the trunk and passenger door open.
City
Lakeland college move-in dates to know
Whether you’re a student, a family member, or just a driver looking to avoid traffic, keep these college move-in dates in mind.
August 12, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
aerial-view-atmosphere-clouds-cold-front-76969
City
Here’s what you need to have in your hurricane kit
It’s important to be prepared — here’s our list of hurricane season essentials.
August 11, 2025
 · 
Rilee Delgado