9 meilleures choses à faire à Lakeland, Floride

Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, finely curated antique art, and flakey French-style croissants—these aren’t the kinds of things you’d think you’d find in a sleepy Florida college town between Orlando and Tampa. But the small community of Lakeland is making a name for itself with local businesses that fill it with life, character, and travel-worthy appeal.

If you ever find yourself stuck in traffic between

Orlando

and Tampa (and you will), then slow down the journey and peel off to reroute through Lakeland, Florida. Take a stroll around botanical gardens and wildlife preserves. Sit back with a beer or a cone of

locally churned ice cream

. If it’s Saturday, spend a long morning strolling the many blocks of local artists, farmers, and crafters that draw a crowd each weekend. No matter how you like to spend your time, the best things to do in Lakeland, Florida offer a little something for everyone.

What To Do

Go Antiquing And Discover Art

Lakeland’s charming downtown between Lake Mirror and Lake Wire is lined with captivating boutiques, record shops, and cafes. Antiquers looking for unique collections should pin Lakeland on the map as a bountiful destination for found treasure. Embark on a two-story antique hunt at

Lloyd’s of Lakeland

, an antique mall filled with everything from midcentury barware to European stained glass. For a well-curated experience, stop in

June Taylor

. Make conversation with Lakeland local and boutique owner, Kelly Riley. Then peruse her finds which include everything from Florida Highwaymen art, to Peter Kiel paintings, to marble pedestals. But it’s her abstract artwork sold in vintage frames that have developed a coveted following. If you’re not in the mood to buy art, observe and enjoy the latest exhibition at the

Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art.

Catch A Performance Or Movie

Since Lakeland’s early 20th-century beginnings, when its population was just 15,000, it was a community that was built around entertainment. The

Polk Theatre

, an ornate 1928 Italianate venue, has been screening films in Lakeland’s downtown square since before moving pictures had sound. Today, it is a marvel of Mediterreanean architecture with a hand-painted ceiling, showing films and hosting live performances. If you prefer to stay in your car, swing through

Silver Moon Drive-In Theater

, a midcentury mainstay that shows contemporary films with a side of classic movie-going snacks. On certain weekends, it hosts a local swap meet.

Settle In With A Book

As a

college town

, home to Florida Southern College, Lakeland has many bookshops and cafes where you can spend an ideal afternoon, passing the day with a good read. Browse a selection of new and used books at

Pressed LKDL

, a cafe and bookstore. The women-owned bookshop,

Unbound Bookery

, beckons readers into a cheery Florida bungalow cottage with the promise of rare and antique books. Like stepping into a well-read neighbor’s home, you’re sure to walk out with a personally curated stack of reads from the staff.

Get Outside

There are many ways to experience natural Florida in Lakeland. At

Circle B Bar Reserve

, a former cattle ranch has found new life as a 1,200-acre wildlife reserve. See Florida animals in their natural habitat while hiking the reserve’s well-marked trails among oak hammocks, wetlands, and marshes. At

Bonnet Springs Park

, bring the family and explore the Florida Children’s Museum. Then let the kids get their energy out as you explore the sprawling park’s playgrounds, botanical gardens, butterfly house, and canopy walk. Cool off when you need to at a sneaky rooftop garden bar.

When you’re in Lakeland’s historic downtown, take time to amble along Lake Mirror and walk through

Hollis Garden

, a botanical garden blooming with tropical flora that give off an intoxicating scent.

Lakeland is a community-oriented town, which is evident in the highly attended

Saturday Farmer’s Markets

. Another popular community event is

First Fridays

when the town gathers for a car show and maker market.

Take in the Architecture

Lakeland is home to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture in the world. The famous American architect designed 10 buildings for Florida Southern College. Today, you can go inside and see the creations as part of educational tours hosted by the

Frank Lloyd Wright Visitor’s Center

. The experience highlights Wright’s distinctive style and educates visitors about the history and design methodology behind each building.

Where To Eat

Enjoy Coffee And Croissants

A college town is nothing without a steady drip of caffeine. Find students and locals at

Hillcrest Coffee

, a cafe inside a Florida bungalow serving Florida-based bean roasters Buddy Brew and Patriot Coffee, and featuring Florida latte concoctions like Strawberry Honey.

Concord Coffee

is a serene place to work with white walls, wood paneling, and avocado toast when you get hungry. If you like your coffee with a flakey pastry, then visit

Born & Bread

. Only open Wednesday through Saturday, the frequently sold-out bakery specializes in naturally-leavened sourdough loaves and French-style croissants, baked fresh daily.

Indulge In Southern Eats

Southern chicken platters get spicy upgrades at

LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken

. Accompany your chicken platter or salad with house-made sides like gouda mac, collard greens, and bourbon baked beans. For more southern comfort dishes, head to

Fred’s Market Restaurant

, which you can spot by looking for a sign lit up with the words “Slow Food, Fast.”  Inside a renovated Tudor home in Lakeland’s historic district, you’ll find the cozy

Cob & Pen

, an American bistro with a British pub personality.

Mingle With Locals

Many Lakeland locals are brought there by Florida Southern College or the corporate headquarters of Publix, the popular Southern grocery chain. You can find these denizens grabbing a drink at

The Joinery,

a food hall where you can feast on wood-fired pizza, ramen, and locally-made ice cream. For a hand-crafted cocktail, head to

Revival

, Lakeland’s spot for inventive drinks and bar classics.

Where To Stay

The Terrace Hotel Lakeland

is a well-located choice for being within walking distance of Lakeland’s main street action. Upper-level rooms showcase views of Lake Mirror. An onsite bar and restaurant, The Terrace Grille, offers American eats in a dining room naturally lit with arched bay windows.