Over the past 3 years, Lakeland, Florida has become my second home. It is filled with luscious gardens, quaint mom and pop shops, a wide variety of restaurants and some of the most interesting people you will ever meet. Lakeland's eclectic style and personality make it the perfect place for families, college students, young adults and older folk alike. I have had the pleasure of exploring this city during my time in college and have stumbled upon some very unique destinations.
Here are my 10 favorite places in Lakeland, Florida:
10) Southside Cleaners
I have never actually set foot inside Southside Cleaners. I just really like their "pun-ny" signs. There will never be a laundromat that makes you laugh more.
9) Harry's Restaurant
Harry's Restaurant is located in Downtown Lakeland and features an authentic New Orleans style menu. Harry's was one of the first places I ate at when I came to Lakeland and it surely never disappoints. The food is always rich, spicy, creamy and fresh. They know how to "Let the good times roll"!
8) Black and Brew
Where I come from, there are not many cafés where you can just sit down, hang out and drink coffee. Black and Brew Café and Bistro has a wide array of options for the coffee lover and non coffee lover alike and a bistro style menu filled with different salads, flatbreads and sandwiches. Everything is fresh and always made in-house!
7) The Shops in Downtown
My favorite shopping to do in Lakeland will always be at the shops Downtown. You can find new or used items, pieces with stories attached, handmade goods, and homemade food. When you shop at a local mom and pop store, you build a relationship with the owner and you get to support their small business. It is a small town experience in a large and diverse city.
6) Boots and Buckles Saloon
My favorite place to go for a night out is Boots and Buckles Saloon on the North Side of Lakeland. If you want a night full of country line dancing and a good time, this is where you need to go!
5) Concord Coffee
If you are in the mood for a hand made latte with a special swirl on the top and a calming atmosphere, Concord Coffee is the place for you! You will definitely feel the relaxing vibes and the need to snap your fingers when you are at this hip coffee shop.
4) Holloway Park
Holloway Park is one of favorite places in Lakeland because it makes you forget that you are in a city. You are surrounded by open fields, trails and nature's beauty! It is the perfect place to bring your furry friends!
3) Silver Moon Drive In
Ever since I was little, I have dreamed of what it would be like to grow up in the 1950's. I love pulling into the drive in theatre and snuggling in the trunk to watch a movie. There truly is nothing quite like watching your favorite film underneath the stars.
2) The Poor Porker
If you are ever in Lakeland, this is one spot that you have to see and will always be one of my favorites. It brings the words "one of a kind" into perspective. The Poor Porker is located on East Main Street and it is truly an oasis for Lakelanders and visitors. The Poor Porker food truck will only sell you beignets and coffee. That's it. They have grown to include other vendors that sell items like alcoholic beverages, barbecue and clothes. You can enjoy your piping hot beignets in the warehouse that is decorated with colorful curtains and pillows or in the tipi outside! Its up to you. But, when you see Mama Bones at the counter, be sure that you don't order "the donuts." You might never get your beignets.
1) Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College is located on Lake Hollingsworth and contains the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture in the United States. My reasons for why I love this place could go on for eternity. But, I do know that no matter how far I go, I will always be a Florida Southern College Moccasin and I will always have FSC to go home to.
So, if you are on your way through Central Florida, make sure you stop in Lakeland. We won't disappoint you.
