Go see a movie where Elvis took the stage! This historic theater plays new, and old, movies - and still has an organist entertain before the show starts! Jared took Emily here to see "Christmas Vacation" for the first time. Emily's favorite story about this theater, though, involves her grandma rushing to the stage at Elvis' show :)
Grab a loaf of bread and take a stroll around Lake Morton. Feeding the swans and ducks around this lake is a must do for all the kiddos and families! Be careful of the geese, though; they aren't nearly as nice.
This is a fantastic childrens museum right in the middle of downtown! It's not pricy, and the kiddos will love getting to try out some careers that are common in Florida (including a meteorologist and Publix cashier). The adults usually love it just as much as the kiddos do ;)
One of the best playgrounds EVER! Highly recommend taking the kiddos to play. If you're a tennis player or racquetball player, make sure to grab a racket and check this spot out, too.
Jared and Emily's favorite bar in the city. No TVs here! It's an Irish pub perfect for chit chatting with friends, and shooting pool. Go grab a Guinness if you are nearby.
If you're competitive, like food, and a good beer then check out this restaurant/bar! You can throw axes, play massive jenga, and have great food while doing it! Full disclosure: Emily and Jared haven't ever thrown axes here, but they have watched people throw axes and its just as much fun!
Jared and Emily's favorite spot to grab a beer. Outside seating, kid and pet friendly, and they occasionally have live music. They always have a new food truck there for yummy snacks, and do trivia often, too!
Check out Emily's old stomping grounds - where she used to grind coffee and plate up yummy sandwiches. Her favorite drinks at Mitchells: the frozen I Dream of Jeanie, Iced Dirty Chai, or a hot coffee (particularly the graham cracker roasted blend, if they have it as a special that day ;))
Not sure where to eat? This fancy cafeteria has sushi burritos, delicious pizza, and some of the best burgers you'll ever have. Make sure to try Mayday ice cream - everything is airplane themed, and oh so yummy.
Best place to grab a slice (or two). Jareds favorite is meat lovers, Emily's is the rustica, but they both agree that you can't go to Palace without getting a garlic knot!
FANTASTIC BBQ right downtown! Make sure to try the burnt ends, and the onion rings.
Great drinks, great food, fun outdoor games (when its not too hot). Make sure to check out this historic home turned restaurant/bar that was named after Lakeland's first two swans.
Feeling like a date night? This restaraunt is where Emily's family has gone for free steaks on birthdays for as long as she can remember! The steaks are amazing, and totally worth checking out.
Go grab a lunch special (half of a cuban, cup of soup, and a drink) for a ridiculously cheap price! The sandwiches are amazing, but their deviled crab is even better! It may not look like much and the wait staff may not be the friendliest, but for a delicious, quick meal: it's perfect.
This place is a Lakeland staple! Think "My Cousin Vinny" style diner - they definitely have grits on the menu! If you like corned beef, open faced sandiwches, or anything breakfast for cheap then you'll love this greasy spoon.
Another Lakeland great! Seems like they have been around forever! Go grab a slice of pie, a cobb salad, or club sandwich.
Take a walk around this gorgeous lake and check out Florida Southern College's gorgeous campus, too! This 3 mile walk is all paved, and you can get some extra steps in if you walk the campus. Its definitely worth checking out on a pretty day.