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Travel and Outdoors

A silhouetted runner on Lake Hollingsworth at sunset
Travel and Outdoors
Turkey Trots and Thanksgiving runs around Lakeland
You won’t find an official Turkey Trot in Lakeland, but there are plenty of fun runs and nearby races to break a seasonal sweat.
November 20, 2025 10:13 AM
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A heap of tomatoes and vegetation in a dark brown wooden bin outside.
Travel and Outdoors
The beginner’s guide to composting in Lakeland
We’re answering questions like “What is composting?” and “How do I compost in an apartment?”
February 17, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
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City
$635 million for I-4 lanes in Polk
From possible new interstate lanes to local road repavings, check out this quick breakdown of recent traffic news in Lakeland, FL.
February 1, 2023
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A girl sitting beside Lake Mirror looking at the lake and moon at night
Travel and Outdoors
The 2023 celestial calendar for Lakeland, FL
Don’t miss any of this year’s meteor showers, supermoons, or solar eclipses.
January 10, 2023
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
Interior of Green House Garden Store with plants on shelves and couch
Real Estate
Winter gardening tips for Lakeland, FL
How to prepare your garden and what to plant in the winter months.
January 4, 2023
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
St. Augustine - Great Escapes 2
Travel and Outdoors
Great Escapes: Our Guide to St. Augustine, FL
Get away to explore America’s oldest city and fall in love with its Spanish roots.
December 13, 2022
 · 
Victoria Bardega
A side-by-side image featuring a daytime skyline photo of downtown Lakeland and a nighttime skyline photo of downtown Tampa
Travel and Outdoors
A Lakelander’s guide to Tampa Bay
Here’s how we would plan a weekend getaway to TBAY.
December 8, 2022
 · 
Brad Haft
An island off of Key West, FL with a clear sea and blue sky
Travel and Outdoors
Great Escapes: Our guide to Key West, FL
Planning a getaway? Check out Key West, Florida, an island paradise full of creativity, history, and sunshine.
December 6, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
RV campsite with tropical trees, tiki hut, and outdoor living area
Travel and Outdoors
Unique camping destinations around Lakeland, FL
Celebrate National Camping Day with a stay at one of these camping sites off the beaten path.
November 14, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
A view from the summit of Black Elk Peak in South Dakota
Travel and Outdoors
Great Escapes: Our guide to Rapid City, SD
Planning a getaway? Check out Rapid City, South Dakota, a destination for hikers, historians, and everything in between.
October 26, 2022
 · 
Rilee Delgado
A view of a lake and mountains in the Lake District in England
Travel and Outdoors
Other places named Lakeland around the world
Venture beyond Swan City to visit one of these other places named Lakeland all over the globe.
October 17, 2022
 · 
Connor Jacobson
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Shoppers browse fine art at an outdoor art festival. Each artist is set up in a small white tent with a domed top set up in the grass by a road.
Events
Headed to Mayfaire by-the-Lake? Save these pro tips.
From where to park to must-do activities, here are the top things you need to know if you’re planning to attend the Mayfaire by-the-Lake art festival.
May 7, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
A service business worker wearing a Help(her) shirt and a yellow purse holds three white paper boxes wrapped with string.
Sponsored
Lakeland small service businesses to cover every part of life
These 25+ businesses are at your service with everything from beauty to events to professional development.
Sponsored by
A photographer takes a photo of a mother and child in front of a Mother's Day photo backdrop at Lakeside Village
Events
A Mother’s Day event for every type of mom in Lakeland
No matter what type of moms we have, they deserve to be celebrated this Mother’s Day. Check out these nine events and deals around Lakeland just for mother figures.
May 6, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson
Vendor tents line a downtown street filled with pedestrians at First Friday.
Experience
14 of the top free things to do in Lakeland
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Lakeland, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
May 5, 2025
 · 
Staff
Laptop on a blue table with iced tea beside it, displaying small business Whimsy & Stars Paperie's website.
Sponsored
5 Lakeland small bizzes you can support from your couch
Who says you have to leave home to support Lakeland’s small businesses?
Sponsored by
RV campsite with tropical trees, tiki hut, and outdoor living area
Experience
Plan a vacation you’ll never forget at one of these unique stays in Polk County
Polk is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels — check out our favorites in and around Lakeland, Florida.
May 2, 2025
 · 
Cambrie Juarez
A spread of Southern dishes, including fried fish and shrimp, collard greens, mashed potatoes, onion rings, and mac and cheese.
Sponsored
Small business, big flavor: Try 12 local restaurant owners’ recommendations
Here’s how owners say you can support local restaurants, cafes, and food trucks during Small Business Week powered by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
Sponsored by
A neon sign says "Pizza by the slice"
Live
Dig in to the best pizza in Lakeland
Grab a slice or a pie at one of these 18 must-try pizza shops around Swan City.
May 1, 2025
 · 
Staff
A swan glides near lily pads on a lake in Lakeland, Florida, with city buildings and trees visible in the background.
Culture
Catch Phrase: Our readers’ Lakeland-isms
We’re calling on our readers to tell us the phrases they say as a Lakelander that others simply don’t get.
May 1, 2025
 · 
Amelia Grooms
Hand holding a rose-patterned Dubai chocolate bar from Rogue Coffee, partially unwrapped with a green filling inside.
Food
Trending treats: Where to try Dubai chocolate in Lakeland
These filled chocolate bars have taken over our social media feeds — now they’re taking on Swan City. Here’s where you can find Dubai chocolate bars + inspired treats around Lakeland.
April 30, 2025
 · 
Connor Jacobson