The best thing about a Lakeland day trip is that there is usually something new to check out every time I go. The worst thing is having to take I-4 to get there.

Here is the itinerary from my most recent day trip along with a few others from past trips.

BORN AND BREAD

Regardless of how many times you have made the trek to Lakeland, Born and Bread should always be stop one. That is if your day trip falls on a Wednesday or Saturday (their two open days). It’s the ideal spot for breakfast or lunch, and you can load up on pastries to take home. 

Yes, they have coffee, but it’s just iced or hot coffee, not lattes, but it’s still decent to grab along with your food. I suggest over ordering because once you get a taste, you will wish you had gotten more. Ordering ahead on a Saturday is ideal because if you get there later in the morning, pickings will be slim. 

coffee + eats

You have a couple of options for local coffee in Lakeland. My top choice would be Concord Coffee (it’s also within walking distance from Born and Bread).  

Hillcrest Coffee is another spot in the Dixieland neighborhood. It's a cute restored home. It's a good option if you feel like hanging out for a while, but I’m usually hitting spots pretty quickly on my trips. 

Unfiltered Lakeland

If you are familiar with Poor Porker/801 Main, it has changed hands and now is a second location for Unfiltered, who also have a spot in Bartow. It was pretty empty on the Saturday afternoon I visited, and the adjacent shops on the property didn’t appear open. However, there is plenty of outdoor/indoor seating if you are looking for a spot to chill for a little bit. The coffee was just ok, a little weak for me, but not bad. I wouldn't come here just for coffee but more when the entire area is open or for an event or live music.

BLACK AND BREW

There are three locations for Black and Brew, but I think my favorite is the one attached to the Lakeland Library. This is a solid lunch spot for a sandwich or salad that is affordable and delicious, and it will leave you room for more eats throughout the day.

Lovebird

Lovebird is Lakeland’s Hot Chicken option, and while I’ve only been once and shared my sandwich, I would go back for more. Excellent heat level, good spices, crispy and juicy chicken, and the lemonade slushie on a hot day is perfect! We went around 3pm thinking it would be dead and it was packed with a line! They had both indoor and covered outdoor seating.

The Joinery

This is Lakeland’s food hall which offers 7 different food stalls and a large bar that overlooks a brewing room. I’ve had their ramen vendor (Sābu) and MayDay Ice Cream which is a local company out of St. Augustine. There used to be a King State which I was so excited about, but it left, which was such a bummer as I love their coffee. Other offerings include BBQ, pizza, tacos, and burgers, and a floral vendor has some cute gift items.

The indoor and outdoor seating is plentiful, and if you sit out front, you can view the sparkling Lake Mirror. 

sweet cup

Sweet Cup is a small Mexican cafe that is female-owned. From tacos, churros, esquite, fruit cups and more this is a darling little spot to get some authentic and affordable eats. I really enjoyed my lunch here and would definitely recommend if you are in the mood for Mexican food.

PALACE PIZZA

If you've been to Planet Pizza in downtown Orlando, imagine Palace Pizza as its larger more grown up cousin.  The pizza isn't life changing, but it's worth a seat on the patio watching the crowds from the very large farmer's market roll by if you have a pizza craving.

REVIVAL LAKELAND

This craft cocktail bar is in the heart of the downtown area. The vibe is chill and not pretentious. I love the decor of books, many of which are the owner's personal collection. The drinks are well made, and they do offer mocktails. Unfortunately, they were closed for a private event on my last trip, so if you are making the trek specifically to go here, I would call ahead and ensure they are open to the public that day.

FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE

Florida Southern College is well-known for the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. You can walk the campus on your visit and take an up-close look at the architecture yourself, and for photographers, it’s a popular spot to play and capture some excellent angles. They offer several types of tours, including free and self-guided or a range of $7-$35 guided tours. That afternoon we took a brief self-guided walk in and around a few buildings, leaving me wanting to go back and see more on a cooler day in the fall.

Bonnet Springs Park

Bonnet Springs is a privately developed public park consisting of 168 acres conveniently located just outside of downtown. On my most recent trip, we headed there right after grabbing breakfast at Born and Bread, about 15 minutes away. The size of the park (coming from Orlando parks) was something to behold. The fact that it holds a Children’s Museum alone was impressive. From botanical gardens, a canopy walk, multiple playgrounds, and it's very own Starbucks, this is a must-visit, especially if you have little ones needing energy.

If the size overwhelms you, there are two parking areas, so in the brutal Florida heat, feel free to explore half the park and then drive to the other side and park again. There is also a tram you can hop on with a designated stops. Because the park is so new, many trees are small and provide little shade, so stay hydrated and wear sunscreen and take advantage of the indoor areas.

SILVER MOON DRIVE-IN

Silver Moon has been open since 1948 and continues to show first-run movies on not one screen but two! Movies play seven nights a week, and the cost is affordable, with kids under 4 getting free admission, ages 4-9 $3, and everyone else $8. You listen to the movie through your FM radio, and it’s pet-friendly. On Saturday and Sunday, there is also a swap shop from 5 AM until noon if you like to search for treasures. The fee is $10 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday.

Lakeland Antique Mall

This vast antique mall will take you hours to get through. It's become a popular destination due to the host of vendors with items that appeal to the younger antique mall enthusiasts. This isn't an antique mall filled with grandma's furniture. There is a lot of Disney and theme park memorabilia (most too expensive to purchase, but fun to look at. However, there are more affordable items, including housewares, games, and collectibles, and it's truly a feast for the millennial senses.

Lloyd’s of lakeland

Lloyd’s is more of your traditional antique mall. The bottom floor is a mix of vendors, and the top is a lot of furniture. I have found a few cool items here, so I always go on my visits, but it’s a quicker walk-through than the large Lakeland Antique Mall.

Pressed Books + Coffee

What was once the creative shop and cafe owned by Jenna O’Brien is now a bookstore. I’m glad they left some markings of her creative space intact. If anything was going to replace Twenty Seven, I’m so happy it was an independent bookstore. They have new and used books, and it’s a great spot to work, read, or catch up with a friend in their seating area with a cute coffee bar in the back.

Cyber Sage + Game Attic

There are two spots to check out for video game enthusiasts and collectors. Cyber Sage has a nice assortment of retro games at reasonable prices. Game Attic, which is inside the Lakeland Square Mall but is locally owned, is a large store with not just current and retro video games but a wide assortment of collectibles from anime, pop culture, and more.

murals

Lakeland has more murals than what are featured here, but this can start you off as you explore.

1. Lakeland Murals by Various Artists Lakeland Mural Address: 1035 S. Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803—located across from Union Hall Artist: @charlymalapass

2. Welcome to Lakeland, FL Address: 110 W Highland St, Lakeland, FL 33803—located at The Shop Across The Street Artist: Jenna O’Brien of Twenty Seven

3. Oranges at The Yard on Mass Address: 802 N Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801—located at The Yard on Mass Artist: Gillian Fazio

4. Haus 820 Color Wall Address: 822 N. Massachusetts Ave.—located at Haus 820

5. Magnolia Mural Address: 229 Traders Alley Artist: Carroll Design Co.

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

A stop at Polytechnic is more for photographer or lovers of photography or architecture. You will pass it as you drive on I-4, and it’s a truly stunning building to see up close. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, not only is the outside skeletal design interesting and satisfying with arches and shadows, that double as a hydraulic shading system, but the inside feels like a pristine all white spaceship. You have to go explore for yourself.

All explorations are not sponsored or hosted. Everything is paid for personally.