Located southwest of Orlando and Kissimmee’s Walt Disney World entertainment complex, Lakeland is surrounded by many lakes, but Lake Morton is its largest in the center of town. The Munn Park Historic District preserves some of the oldest buildings and commercial center from the city’s early days. Lakeland is in Polk County, and is the home of Florida Southern College, University of South Florida, and Southeastern University. Cities within a few miles of Lakeland include Winter Haven, Plant City, Winston, Cypress Gardens, Bartow and Lake Wales.
Comfortable accommodations can be found at Amerisuites Lakeland Exhibition Center, Baymont Inn & Suites, Best Western Diplomat, Bradley Motel, La Quinta, Scottish Inn, Budget Inn, Terrace Hotel, and Comfort Inn & Suites.
From pizzas to fine dining, Lakeland offers The Grill Room at Eaglebrook Golf Club, Bonefish Grill Restaurant, Antonio’s Ristorante, Blue Nile, Beef O’Brady’s, Bennigan’s, Bob Evans, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and Olive Garden Café.
Things to do and see—Downtown Farmers Curb Market, Florida Air Museum, Explorations V Children's Museum, Historic Bok Sanctuary, and the Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre (opened in 1948) that continues to show the latest movies (although it has been renovated many times). It’s also a swap-shop and flea market on weekends.
Annual events include the Lakeland Pig Festival, Sun ‘n Fun Fly In, Founder’s Day Celebration, Kumquat Festival, Lemon Street Celebration, Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival, Holiday Walk-About, American Rodeo Classic, Christmas Parade and Snowfest at Lake Mirror. Another entertainment venue is The Lakeland Center and the George Jenkins Arena (with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus).
Lakeland is Home of the Lakeland Tigers Minor League Baseball Club (affiliated with the Detroit Tigers) and play in the Joker Marchant Stadium.
Golf enthusiasts will find ample opportunities to enjoy the sport at Eaglebrook Golf & Country Club, Cleveland Heights Golf Club, Bramble Ridge Golf Course & Driving Range, Big Cypress Golf & Country Club, and Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club.
