Along the Lemon Street Promenade you can find the 24th annual Florida Outdoor Sculpture…read moreCompetition. Out of 60 sculptures submitted for review, 11 were chosen for display by a committee of community members and Polk Museum of Art staff. The Lemon Street Sculpture project is a part of the Parks & Recreation budget. Each artist chosen receives a $1,500 honorarium which they use to get their pieces to Lakeland and for the installation costs. A crane is made available through Lakeland Electric for installing larger pieces. The app Otocast will give you mor information on the art as each artist describes their piece. All of the art pieces will be on display until the end of 2024. Lakeland residents are able to vote on a People's Choice Award and this year the winner selected was Live Large by local Lakeland resident Keith Williams. The sculpture is based on a smaller piece the artist made in 2017. Keith welds and fabricates his art pieces out of recycled metal. His art studio is called 4th Dimension Art & Fab which offers public art and custom fabrication and welding services for the public. As soon as I saw this delightful piece I had no trouble understanding why it won because it was my favorite sculpture too. The piece features a hiker with his faithful dog at his side. The dog has so much personality I couldn't help but fall in love with him. Live Large will be on display in Lemon Street Promenade until the end of this year. Hopefully Lakeland finds a permanent home for him nearby.

The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art, "The AGB" for short, is formerly known as the Polk Museum…read moreof Art (and probably what I'll always think of it as). The name change came with a huge expansion which allowed the museum to nearly thrills its exhibition and learning spaces. And let me tell you, going there pre- & post-expansion the difference is mind boggling. Polk County & Lakeland truly have something to be proud of with this museum. And the best part? Free admission!! I wasn't sure if it'd remain this way after their buildout but they are striving to keep it free for all to visit and enjoy. They have a really impressive collection for being a still smaller museum compared to the Met, Chicago Museum of Art or places like that. First, you walk into to see several Auguste Rodin sculptures, starting off strong. You can see Andy Warhol, an incredible mix of diverse artists from all over the world, and even a few Dale Chihuly blown glass pieces. It is all absolutely stunning. The AGB is a Smithsonian affiliate so they definitely have high standards. It's also located in such a great spot right off of Lake Morton next to the library & Lake Morton Black & Brew, the Peach House, Misterfish, and the newer MooTown Scoops. Whether you're feeling coffee, ice cream, drinks or actual food, it's all with a 3-4 minute walk right there. A great museum to visit!

Security was a little rude towards the end but really really nice museum its cute not crowded on…read moreweekends very quiet.

As a fan of history and architecture I was delighted to spot the Munn Park Historic District while…read moreexploring downtown Lakeland. The City of Lakeland has seven local historic districts with a combined area of 1.42 square miles. The districts protect more than 1,600 historic buildings and 13 individual landmarks. The Munn Park Historic District was designated a U.S. historic district on November 3, 1997 in Lakeland, Florida. It is named in honor of the city's founder, Louisville, Kentucky businessman Abraham Munn. Munn purchased 80 acres of land that now comprises the Lakeland downtown business district. The Munn Park Historic District is bounded by Bay Street to the north, Lemon Street to the South, Florida Avenue to the west, and extends around Lake Mirror to the East. The grand entrance to the district is the Lake Mirror Promenade designed by noted landscape architect Charles W. Leavitt. This historic district covers the main business area of Lakeland and includes many original buildings dating from as early as 1902. It contains 48 historic buildings and Munn Park which was the first open space in the city. Dedicated in 1884, it is the town square in the city. The Munn Historic District is an almost exclusively commercial district. Today you can enjoy historic buildings, dining, shopping, parks, and public art in this beautiful historic district It is very pedestrian friendly. Fun fact, Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County. Last year more people moved to Polk County than any other county in the United States. The future is looking bright for this stately, historic city.

This is downtown Lakeland. It's lovely!!!…read more There are nice restaurants, a lovely walk around Lake Mirror with some landscape architecture, Hollis Gardens and the newish and fun architecturally inviting Lakeland Brewery as well as the Amtrak Station. Closer in around Munn Park there are great public art works, lots of fun and fine restaurants including Harry's, Black and Brew and Delivicious coffee spots, a Mexican place, Palace Pizza, and Fresco's bar and cafe place next to Palace Pizza. Lots to explore and enjoy. Architecture. Natahan's clothing store. Old school Gaines Geo Jeweler with retro signage. This is the all-American downtown you've been searching for. Art. Food. Architecture. Banks. It's alive. Come take a look and enjoy. Walkable.

No cookies or small snacks allowed, but people can paint and sand cosplay materials in the middle…read moreof the library unrelated to any library hosted event. Good for cosplaying prep I suppose, poor if you need a snack while studying and don't want to leave to do so.

The employees at this library are incredibly friendly and helpful. When we asked Nickie where a…read moresection of books could be found she not only walked back there with us, and helped us find the section, but then looked up a couple of books from that section, and told us what their status was, and when they were expected back, after which she showed us another section we were interested in. And when we went to the counter to have some photos from our phone printed, the lady there thoroughly explained how to use the phone app to get our photos print. Very pleased with the employees at this library.

I love discovering interesting public art pieces across the state but this is the first time I have…read morefound one dedicated to the unsung heroes of Florida, the linemen. You can find this art piece between Lake Mirror and the Lakeland Electric headquarters. Besides the subject matter another cool feature of this piece was that it was designed by three Lakeland High School students who won a competition sponsored by Platform Art, a Lakeland-based nonprofit group that links regional artists with public art projects. Six high schools and one middle school entered the contest. The idea for the sculpture was germinated after Hurricane Irma wrecked devastation through Polk County in 2017. Linemen from several power companies worked day and night in hazardous conditions to restore power to thousands of homes. First on the scene after a weather disaster, they often go unrecognized for their important service. The linemen are certainly deserving of this recognition and it is nice to see them get their due.

Whenever we have company to come stay with us, we always make sure to take them to Hollis Gardens…read more The team here are constantly rotating the flora. After the freeze this year, I was concerned that there would be not much left, but I can tell a lot of care was put into surviving this past freeze. The grotto did take a little bit of damage, but I know it'll be back. The fish are super big and thriving as usual. The fountains are always running. It's always so beautiful. Kudos to the team that keep it epic!

I visited while in town and it is a cute little garden by the lake. A lot of people walk around,…read moresit, read and some even come to take pictures for an event. It is a nice little place to chill and enjoy the garden, fountain and view.

My first visit to Plant City was just about 20 years ago, I was working in the northeast and doing…read morebusiness with a company located here, my first impression wasn't the best being it was mid summer. It was 95 degrees and at least that same percentage of humidity and the vendor I was visiting had no air conditioning in his shop, needless to say it was a very short visit, but I did have the chance to kick around the town a little and got a little history of the area. Originally, Plant City was a large cotton center, but after changing its primary crop to strawberries it gained recognition as the winter strawberry capital of the world and now that I live in Florida I can say without a doubt they grow some of the most succulent strawberries that will ever touch your lips. Plant City's original name was Ichepucksassa (also known as Idasukshed) after the Indian village that once occupied the territory. Its name caused so much confusion besides being difficult to pronounce that the city was renamed Cork, ( LOL) after the postmaster's Irish hometown. It was finally given the name Plant City in commemoration of Henry B. Plant and his railroad, which significantly boosted the commerce in this primarily agricultural community by incorporating it with the South Florida Railroad. I thought it was because of all the plants they grew here, oh well so much for assumptions. I'd say most people recognize the city's name because Plant City was also the spring training home of the Cincinnati Reds who played at Plant City Stadium from 1988 to 1997. In case you're wondering Pete Rose never played pre-season baseball here but he did manage here for two years before "agreeing to" and "accepting" a permanent ban from baseball for betting on games he participated in with no appeal, what was he thinking? It appears that "Charlie Hustle" got shang·haied by his legal counsel in to believing the truth will set you free. Well I respect the honesty of the man but can never agree that the punishment fit the crime. So it's okay to be convicted of drugs possession, domestic violent, rape, murder and child abuse and continue to participate, make millions of dollars and even be inducted into the Hall of Fame but don't bet on yourself to win because that's unforgivable. Pete Rose is alright by me as is Plant City....

This shop was a great first tarot card reading experience! I did a 30 minute reading with Jasmine…read morefor $45. I went in thinking a tarot card reading was three cards but was pleasantly surprised that it was a lot more! You have an opportunity to take a picture of all the cards featured in your reading at the end. Jasmine really knows her stuff and is able to walk through all the cards with ease. The store itself has many cool nooks to explore and tons to shop for. If you are allergic to cats, you absolutely will want to take allergy meds. There are two cats and one sheds a lot. Highly recommend if you are looking for a spot for tarot readings and crystals.

Amazing array of crystals and herbs. Knowledgeable proprietor. Books on a variety of metaphysical…read moretopics. Parking available.

What an outstanding experience to tour this campus! The…read moreguide Jack C is simply amazing. Me & Barby took the one & one half hour tour & really enjoyed it. We found free parking on College St one block away. It cost about $30 & you can get a AAA discount. They give you a small audio ear piece & you can hear Jack in your ear as you walk from building to building. If you're a FLW fan, this is a singular experience.

I'm just here to add to the chorus of voices offering praise for this comprehensive and enjoyable…read moreFLW extended tour. The guide we had was knowledgeable and a great storyteller. I also appreciated some of her strong opinions about the architecture and the architect. Our tour had many delights along our walking/exploring journey. We went a little long, which everyone appreciated, and I was not tempted to look at my watch once. (Pro Tip: The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art (The AGB) at Florida Southern College is extraordinary, and you will find several local-flavor restaurants nearby.)

I was a walk-in and was greeted warmly when I arrived. I was grateful to have walked in. I chose to…read moredesign and paint a mug, as a remembrance for the loss of my three siblings. The music that came through the speakers, mixed with the chatter of those working on their own masterpieces, along with the scents of food and hot beverages in the connected cafe, made me feel comfortable and calm. I was able to finish painting my mug. Thank you to the staff.

I have been twice and I can't wait to go again ! the nicest most affordable Art good time you can…read morefind in lakeland . highly recommend