I've spent 10 amazing years in the central Florida town of Lakeland. If not for my husband's job I would most definitely still be residing there. It took moving away to a hole-in-the-wall town up north for me to truly appreciate all that Lakeland is and has to offer. It's a growing city that is literally changing by the day and I highly recommend you stop in while on your Florida vacation.

Located in Polk County, Lakeland(pop.80,000+)is a convenient 30-35 minute drive to both Orlando and Tampa. Its centralized location ,with easy access to major interstates, makes it a prime vacation spot when visiting all of the central Florida attractions, including Walt Disney World, Sea World, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens. Lakeland, FL combines big city conveniences with smaller town flare to create a perfect travel experience. Whether you're interested in a round of golf followed by an elegant dinner and a luxurious soak in your jacuzzi suite or a day of family fun followed by a quick and inexpensive meal and a rejuvenating dip in the pool, Lakeland can fulfill your desire, and almost always at a price that is much less expensive than its neighboring tourist-trap cities.

Will I find a place to stay in Lakeland?
Among the 50+ hotels, motels and inns in Lakeland are the grand Four Points Sheraton Hotel and Amersuites as well as the wallet friendly Days Inns and Motel 8's. If your preferences lean more towards the quieter, non-commercialized establishments, you'll be happy to know that Lakeland includes an array of 'mom and pop' style motels and bed and breakfast resting spots. Depending on the time of year, you're almost always sure to find a clean room available where and how you'd like it in Lakeland.

Are there many places to eat in Lakeland?
If you're a picky eater like me, you'll probably appreciate the assortment of eateries that Lakeland has to offer. If you can't find something you like among the 170+ restaurants and fast food establishments within the city then you win the award for being harder to please than my 4 year old at dinner time! Your cravings will be fulfilled in restaurants offering up everything from good ole' American dining and exquisite seafood platters, to hearty Italian dishes and exotic Oriental cuisine. Whatever your budget, you're sure to find 'good eats' within Lakeland, FL. I couldn't make this section complete without offering up my personal recommendations. We all know that restaurants change hands frequently nowadays but as of my last dining experience at the following places (2000), they were still tops on my list. So, without further ado, I recommend to you:

C.D.B. Italian Restaurant,804 Memorial Blvd.E.-a rather small, plain looking building tucked away on a busy stretch of road. Don't dare let that appearance fool you! The atmosphere and the food (there's plenty of that!)are highly addictive!

Don Pablo's Mexican Restaurant, 3750 US Hwy 98N - Fabuloso! What can I say, I have a weakness for margaritas and spicy food!

Brother's BBQ, 1046 MLK Jr. Ave- this place does not get the attention it deserves. Family owned and operated and just plain old good BBQ!

So what's there to do while I'm in Lakeland?
When you're not frolicking around Central Florida's major attractions, emptying your wallet/pocketbook in the process, then I suggest you spend some time exploring the many sites Lakeland has to offer. Contrary to popular belief(hehehe), Lakeland is not just for rednecks and retirees, though I have no problem with either of them!

If you visit Lakeland in April, be sure to drop in on the 2nd largest fly-in in the world, the Sun N Fun Fly-In. You can take your love of aviation a step further and also visit the Sun N Fun museum located near the Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport.

For the sports minded individuals, catch the Detroit Tigers in a spring training game at Joker Marchant Stadium or ,during regular season, come down and cheer on the minor league Lakeland Tigers.

If golf is your passion, you'll find yourself presented with atleast 7 (more on the way) major courses in the city. Three of Florida's most highly acclaimed courses are also located in nearby Haines City for your enjoyment.

For the racing fans, a must visit is USA International Speedway, the largest and most modern special events short track in the southeast and home to one leg of the Hooters USA Pro Cup series.

If you're really in the mood for some purely southern entertainment then you may want to stop by the Lakeland Mud Hole located in North Lakeland on Saturday nights. If lots of mud, big trucks, country music and rowdy (but very friendly) beer drinking rednecks sound like fun to you then bring your pick-up, (pay a fee), drop your tailgate and sit back and enjoy.

For the artistic minded individuals in the group, you are sure to enjoy the world's largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture located at the Florida Southern College campus. If that doesn't spark your interest, you can always enjoy a free stroll through the beautiful Polk Museum of Art or let the kids have a great hands on experience at the Explorations V Children's Museum.

If you prefer the great indoors, you'll appreciate what Lakeland has to offer. In the mood for a good movie? Catch one at any one of the 3 major cinemas. Prefer a more refined performing arts event? Visit the beautiful Mediterranean villa style Polk Theatre located in downtown Lakeland. While in the downtown area be sure to stroll the quaint Antique's District shops and stop for a cool drink and some spirited entertainment at the Irish pub.

Whatever your taste may be, Lakeland,Florida is sure to serve up a great travel experience for you -and save you some money along the way! For more information on the Lakeland, Florida area I suggest visiting the Tourism bureau of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce at their website, www.lakelandchamber.com

Thank you for reading and happy traveling!


Please take a moment to visit the reviews of these other participants in the Home Town Write Off sponsored
by Phineaskc:

fallyn96 | mom2tyzick | imames | debbie26 | tazzyfoxy | jro26 |
tchoate | disartain | marytara | kuuleimomi | mom2girlz | jo.com | ggrimes1221
phineaskc | mshooterville | ainsleyjo | elzora | bmcnichol | whitty | fostrmom2mny





Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb