Now that you've moved into your new home and are settled in, it’s time to explore and see what’s out there in Lakeland. Luckily, there's plenty to do, and we've compiled a list of a few of the coolest spots to hit up where you'll have a blast.
Frank Lloyd Wright, Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center
If you and your family are interested in learning something new, take a tour at the Frank Lloyd Wright Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center in the Florida Southern College.
Frank Lloyd Wright was an iconic American architect who perfected a style known as the Prairie school, also known as an “organic” architecture style that involved creating structures keeping the natural surroundings in mind. He created around 1,000 of these stunning designs, and this center is recognized for being the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world.
There are group tours, daily self-guided tours, and guided basic tours as well as an in-depth tour which takes visitors inside some of the structures. This is their most popular tour costing $45 per person. Who knows, maybe you can take some notes on design for that new home you just moved into!
Lakeland’s Live Music Thursdays
Who doesn’t love live music and beer? It’s the perfect combination! Every Thursday, you can enjoy this combo at The Brass Tap from 8 p.m. to midnight. The Brass Tap located on Lakeside Village has an extensive selection of craft beer as well as great craft cocktails and amazing food.
The Brass Tap also has great specials and fun events going on all the time like their Harry Potter Trivia Night and their Annual Lakeland Craft Beer and Food Festival. You’ll definitely want to keep this place in mind when looking for a fun place to grab a drink with friends or a special someone.
Hollis Garden is perfect if you have a significant other or if you simply like going on walks with a nice view. It's a 1.2-acre botanical park that displays beautiful neo-classical architecture, flower beds, public art, and ornamental fountains.
The garden is located inside Lake Mirror Park, which is as historic park. Soak in all the air while you’re there with the huge variety in plant species; they have over 10,000 different flowers, shrubs, and trees. It’s a place to come, walk, sit, breathe, relax, and contemplate. Bring your camera!
The Lakeland Community Theatre has been entertaining its community for over 30 years and providing local volunteering opportunities for everyone to get involved. Now, in its 33rd season, the theater will be showing “Annie Get Your Gun,” a musical about the life of Annie Oakley. It will run on the weekends through February 22 through March 10.
They also have camps, classes, workshops, special events, and, if you’re interested in getting your feet wet a little in the theater world, they hold auditions, too! If you have a family, this is a great way to get involved with your local community.
Aerospace Discovery at The Florida Air Museum
This fun, interactive museum is jam-packed with activities for the whole family to enjoy. There are displays of just about everything having to do with aviation: vintage aircraft, air racers, experimental aircraft, and more!
With collections dating back to 1909, they have some awesome exhibits to check out including the Amelia Earhart Artifacts, Rockets and High-Speed Flight, and various flight simulators. The museum is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. except on Sundays, one which they're open from 12-4 p.m.
Wildwood Antique Mall of Lakeland
Even if you’re not an antiques person, it’s still a great idea to get out of the house and do something you don’t usually think about when leaving your front door. Wildwood Antique Mall is located on US Hwy 98 N, and here you can find everything: furniture, home décor, kitchen accessories, to outdoor accessories, beautiful jewelry, art designs, clothing, and more. Any little bit or bob you want in your new home, you’ll probably find it here!
The antique mall is a great place to keep in mind when deciding what to get that special someone for their birthday or a family member on a special event. Think about it: it’s Saturday, you go out to brunch, and then you come to the Wildwood Antique Mall to spend hours looking at all its unique pieces.
This is the place where you'll find it all: movie theater, apparel stores, sporting goods, home furnishing, entertainment, and food, so much food! For the sweets lovers, there’s a Cold Stone creamery, Smallcakes, and Starbucks!
To relax, there’s the Daydreams Day Spa and the Lee Spa Nails as well as a gym and a Hair Cuttery. This massive center is located in Lakeland’s Grassland area which has a beautiful landscape to enjoy. It's a great place to bring the family and enjoy a stroll that will last probably the entire day as there is something for everyone to enjoy!
If you're looking for more things to do in Lakeland, register on 863areas for your free guide to the Lakeland area.
Cover photo courtesy of Adobe Stock Images
