The Crystal Lake Plaza is a medium-sized strip mall that is jammed with-packed with a wide variety…read moreof businesses. And when I say wide variety, I'm talking completely across the spectrum. I stop here every so often to visit Shine Bright Nutrition, a cure nutrition place tucked into the corner where you can get energy teas and protein shakes. As far as food goes, the Egg Factory is a pretty popular breakfast place, Crazy by Rasel is a drive through convenience shop at the very end of the plaza, and there's even an Indian grocery shop you can stop by. There's a pawn shop on the opposite end from the drive thru, a phone carrier store, an insurance company, a new store that I believe mostly sells legos and/or toys, and a boutique that I'm definitely going to check out at some point. There's even more than this but just to rattle off a few offerings. One downside is the plaza is definitely not taken care of. The individual businesses keep their units clean and nice, but from the outside the plaza as a whole looks dirty and a bit run down. The parking lot can also be a little chaotic and unorganized at times.

Southgate Shopping Center is a little "strip mall" located in South Lakeland. It stands out from…read moremost, because of it's lovely vintage arch still standing from when the little mall was first built in 1957. Interestingly enough, to many locals, it's biggest claim to fame is a cameo in the locally filmed 1990 movie "Edward Scissorhands" (you can see the arch leg from the beauty salon scene). Right now it holds a nice variety of stores: Publix, Office Depot, Hallmark, Babe's Shoes & Apparel, Beall's Outlet (just opened last month), Tuesday Morning, and Crowder Brothers Ace Hardware. There are a few empty stores, but it's not noticeable. There is also a stand alone Five Guys Burgers and a Starbucks in the front of the parking lot. The parking lot is quite large and maintained nicely.

Somehow I've lived in Central FL for 8-9 years now, visiting Tampa several times a month and never…read morehad even heard of the Grove. It's a fantastic shopping spot! They have such a wide variety of businesses here- TJ Maxx, Dicks, Old Navy, World Market, PetSmart, Best Buy, Ross, Five Below, Dollar Tree, Ulta, Planet Fitness and across the street the brand new massive Target. Along with this, there are tons of dining options now that Krate is open within the Grove. Krate is a little fenced in area that has about 3 rows of small businesses, mostly food and literally every variety you could want. Outside of this, there is Macondo which is a coffee shop, there's ice cream and Indian food, pizza, and more. For being such a large shopping area, I do wish the pedestrian walking paths were a little bit more interconnected. There are sidewalks in some places but other areas it's a little scary to walk to and from because there's so much traffic in and out of here.

This place is brand new and has everything! Great hotels, lots of shopping and restaurants, a car…read morewash, Starbucks and close proximity to Tampa! I spent the weekend in a hotel here and decided to explore the various shops and restaurants. What a treat! Even the Target which is brand new has that "never been shopped in" feel! You think you are at a grand opening and you are the only guests. The place was empty but it was a Friday early afternoon. By the evening the place was crazy busy. Parking is amazing and every place we went into is fully accessible. So much fun! I can't wait to come back!!

Palm Center is most easily passed by and ignored. There are tons of strip mall/ centers in Lakeland…read morelike mostly any city, so this one doesn't particularly stick out upon first glance. But recently I've found myself visiting Palm Center a lot more often. It's actually got quite a lot going for it. At this strip you can get in a workout (Plant Fitness), eat some sushi or sandwiches (New Moon Sushi & Subway), get car essentials (NAPA), office & house essentials (Staples & Big Lots), get your haircut (Lakeland Barber), go to church (Access Church), or get your alcohol restock (ABC Liquors). You can also get a nice pre or post workout, church or shopping juice or smoothie from Juice Box, go shopping at the Christian Bookstore, get your taxes taken care of at H&R Block, or hit up the consignment store. Oh, and there's a Cici's Pizza if you don't want sushi or a sub. I still haven't named all of the businesses in this complex, but you can see my point right? The only unfortunate thing is that despite the range of Palm Center, it's really not well maintained. A lot of it seems to be nearly falling apart and dirty especially on the outside. Thus, why the strip is also so easily passed by. It's not nice on the outside, so many know that equates to being looked over a lot. But don't! Because Palm Center has much to offer!

It was a bit of a drive, but it was well worth it. They have a multitude of products to choose…read morefrom. I purchased quite a few items trying to make a change to the front of my house that's bright, pleasant fun and appealing on curbside. I'm just starting but here's some of the photos. Trying to determine what additional plants but I really like the variety you can obtain from succulents. I think I'm going to focus just on all succulents. Never know. But here's how some of the parts look so far. The people were very pleasant kind helpful they help me pack everything into the van, so nothing is damaged. Not pushy at all. This is a great place to go for planter pots. All different types.

Very nice selection of larger pottery for plants and trees. Reasonable prices, near Lakeland…read more Highly recommended.

This place is massive, great prices and quality. A little Spanish language would help at times but…read morethey are very friendly and knowledgeable. You will find plants, produce, tools, clothing..etc. towards the back you have food .. but I didn't have time to get there next time for sure. There are two parking areas. There are two parts to this flea market one for wholesale and the other for retail. Easy to locate and a great starter to your day.

I like it! But! Now that i process the moderate time i spent there? It's massive n hooot! Like i do…read morerecommend u bring a drink n some bags or cart to carry your stuff. I got confused from the gps taking me to the Farmers market side. But both parkings connect. My map picture shows u which is which. Left is flea market n right is hidden behind business for the farmers market. Huge heads up!; although they open from 3AM to 6PM? 75% leaves before 11am! Its crazy how we just got there around 10:45ish? N immidietly they started packing! I seriously missed outa some good bargains. More on their loss, cuz we buy n help local shops hard! We found so much good things on the first building on the left if u look at our map near my car location. I cant judge the rest of the vendors but i plan on coming back since they open daily ish. Heres the bad: A lot of prepackaged food products under the sun without covering. Stay away from that. Melted vitamins n candies. No fda approval anywhere. So many vendors buy from good will or any drift stores, don't even remove the tags. For example. Guy bought poor looking cups at $1.98 n tried to up price it at $20. I ell him he bought for $1.98 and they weren't even polished just heavy damaged. No price negotiations i left it. (Important notes: i know the value of metals in the current economy, the value of items n got a phone on hand to do research on the spot to come into a fair price. I do not support gaugers) A lot of products on the mud! Holy crap! It's crazy how much clothes n toys on the. Mud! Place is hella huge! Some vendors in the mud, there is a paved road in main areas but like i said nit every vendor in pavement. Did i mentioned hot as hell? Bring umbrella and some snacks n drinks. Farmers side parking closes at 4pm, park on flea side. But i think u can just drive across. Since i like to end in good notes; Its huge!! Lol Can find anything Has bathrooms, some vendors offer food n drinks. BRING A SPANISH SPEAKING FRIEND!! (Im bi lingual mom knows like 4, kindness is your go to card no matter what) Mostly wheelchair friendly, i say that with the notion that the pavement ends at the entrance at most the vendors i saw. Just a fyi, bring a buddy. FREEE PARKING. And to end this, place isn't for fancy types. I grew up with these types of markets n i love adventure! So i blend in just fine. Next time im coming full camo n no cute dresses or shoes lol and a cane! My legs kept getting really tired counter balancing the uneven floor. Its a 4/5 for me but ill update after i come back n hit it full with proper gear and backup plan.

Highland City Town Center has so much to offer! It's much bigger than you'd realize just driving by…read moreit on 98, and you kind of have to literally drive through it to see all that is there. There's one main bigger building where the Publix is, a Dairy Queen and some other restaurants as well as a physical therapy place and other things. Then there are probably about 5-6 other sub buildings with even more stuff. Something I really like about this plaza is the food offerings. Hibachi Express is a great hibachi/ sushi place with reasonable prices, Savory Thai has splendid thai food, and Gators dockside has an awesome all you can eat wings night. There are more fast food options as well, like Sonic and Subway (I guess it's fast?). There's a bar, a car wash, a bank/ credit union, Advance Auto Parts and Mavis, a post office, a dentist and more. It really has so much!

Definitely a cool shopping plaza with a stronger emphasis on dining and drinking than retail. I am…read morenot saying that this is a bad thing. In fact, I am digging this business model. I would definitely recommend a visit here.

The Village at Causeway, formerly "Village Inn" is a very nice quiet casual restaurant located in…read morethe busy Brandon area serving traditional breakfast, lunch and dinners with extended hours. It's an older casual style restaurant with comfy booths offering some privacy and attentive table service. The restaurant is impeccably maintained, and my breakfast with coffee was excellent with very generous portions. If you are interested in a nice quiet restaurant to have conversations with good food at just about anytime of the day, good service, and very clean, then, this is it for you. Prices are reasonable. Bring a big appetite because portions are very generous.