Wow, I would have never thought that I say this, "I love living in Lakeland, Florida". I have been living in this beautiful town for over 20 years now. When we first arrived from Germany I thought oh my is this the town where my children will grow up, where my husband and I grow old and what does this town has to offer?
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| Lake Mirror - Lakeland Florida |
When I reflect back 20 years ago, going downtown Lakeland was tabu. There were no restaurants, few boutiques and a lot of vacant buildings. I must give kudos to the City of Lakeland, businesses leaders, and to the citizens of Lakeland who have helped revamped not just downtown, but the city as a whole.
Moving forward
Lakeland, Florida – The City of 38 Lakes
Lakeland is located between Tampa and Orlando, close to white sandy beaches and world renowned parks, i.e. Disney, Bush Gardens, Seaworld, Universal Studios and much more.
Lakeland has 38 named lakes – the most visited lakes near downtown Lakeland are Lake Hollingsworth, Lake Mirror, Lake Morton and Lake Wire providing visitors and residents great recreational opportunities. Despite the increasing number of population, which is estimated at 100,000 Lakeland has the appeal of small town flair with its big city sophistication.
The downtown Lakeland location including the Dixieland neighborhood and various districts such as Lake Morton District has undergone extensive renovation influenced by its own charm, constructing pedestrian friendly walking areas. Moreover, predominantly enhancements were completed with gorgeous manicured lawn around Munn Park and the Antique District.
A fine collection of specialty shops, such as art galleries, boutiques, antique stores and a General Store, as well as exceptional dining facilities and cafes that enhances the quality of the City of Lakeland are all within leisurely strolling distance of Munn Park.
Annually, the city of Lakeland in conjunction with local sponsors hosts a number of fairs and festivals throughout the year. Each spring, one of the nation’s largest conventions, the Sun n’Fun Fly-In is held in Lakeland, drawing nearly 150,000 aviation enthusiasts from around the world, making Lakeland’s Regional Linder Airport one of the busiest airports in the world during this event. The downtown area is the site of many of the town’s activities, such as First Fridays, Farmer’s Market, Spring Obsession, Food Truck Rallye's, Mayfaire by the Lake, the Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival, Lakeland Red, White & Kaboom – 4th July celebration, annual Christmas parade in December and much more.
There are many things to love about Lakeland, Florida. The City of Lakeland’s financial stability, along with many local contributors and philanthropists providing support for its citizens quality health care, convenient public transportation, and its established public school system are just the tip of the iceberg.
Lakeland also boasts great inexpensive tourist attractions, such as the beautiful Hollis Botanical Garden and the adjacent Barnett Park, the Polk Museum of Arts, the world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright at Florida Southern College, and the Florida Air Museum, just to name a few.
The downtown Lakeland location including the Dixieland neighborhood and various districts such as Lake Morton District has undergone extensive renovation influenced by its own charm, constructing pedestrian friendly walking areas. Moreover, predominantly enhancements were completed with gorgeous manicured lawn around Munn Park and the Antique District.
A fine collection of specialty shops, such as art galleries, boutiques, antique stores and a General Store, as well as exceptional dining facilities and cafes that enhances the quality of the City of Lakeland are all within leisurely strolling distance of Munn Park.
Annually, the city of Lakeland in conjunction with local sponsors hosts a number of fairs and festivals throughout the year. Each spring, one of the nation’s largest conventions, the Sun n’Fun Fly-In is held in Lakeland, drawing nearly 150,000 aviation enthusiasts from around the world, making Lakeland’s Regional Linder Airport one of the busiest airports in the world during this event. The downtown area is the site of many of the town’s activities, such as First Fridays, Farmer’s Market, Spring Obsession, Food Truck Rallye's, Mayfaire by the Lake, the Lake Mirror Classic Auto Festival, Lakeland Red, White & Kaboom – 4th July celebration, annual Christmas parade in December and much more.
There are many things to love about Lakeland, Florida. The City of Lakeland’s financial stability, along with many local contributors and philanthropists providing support for its citizens quality health care, convenient public transportation, and its established public school system are just the tip of the iceberg.
Lakeland also boasts great inexpensive tourist attractions, such as the beautiful Hollis Botanical Garden and the adjacent Barnett Park, the Polk Museum of Arts, the world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright at Florida Southern College, and the Florida Air Museum, just to name a few.
Lakeland's citizens are very talented, as we take pride in the art. From the Imperial Symphony Orchestra, the Lakeland Community Theater, the Polk Theater, the Florida Southern Theater program and not to forget our Harrison School for the Arts talented High School students.
