Will be vacationing in Lakeland soon, need suggestions for the non-golfing spouses to doin & around Lakeland. We'll have a car for day trips.

You will be halfway between Tampa and Orlando (about a 45 minute drive to each city). Not much to do in Lakeland that I know of. They used to be will known for shows at the civic center but since Tampa and Orlando have their own arena's now you don't hear much about Lakeland. Curious as to why you would want to vacation there?

The college there was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Florida Southern I believe is its name.

Plant City, on the way to Tampa, is famous for strawberries. Does that excite you?

I'm sure there must be some state parks around...

Lakeland, you're probably gathering by now, is not a particularly interesting vacation spot. I'd rather watch paint dry.

My son goes to college near Lakeland, and believe me, we have looked for things to do when we visit. There just isn't much to offer.

The guys picked the golf course, (Huntington Hills) & we got a good deal on a golf package. It doesn't take anything too exciting to entertain us....Any interesting parks near, or flea markets, outlet malls, unique shopping? The art museum looks like it would be worth a visit.

I thought of something! Lake Wales is maybe a half hour. Go there to see the Bok Tower and its gardens. Very lovely. Also, Haines City is in that general direction. It's known for its antiques and its historic downtown.

Thanks Cimbrone

I have heard that some of the hurricanes damaged Bok Sanctuary last year, but I do know it is open. We drove up to the gate last month just to see.
There is a large flea market open on Hwy 27 between Winter Haven and Lake Wales. I think it is open only on Saturdays and not all day at that.

Lakeland has a small jewel of an art museum, the Polk. You can find out about it at its website:

http://www.polkmuseumofart.org/content/

They have activities and events all year 'round, and it is a vital part of the community. There's a darling children's museum/ exploration center, but it doesn't sound like you'll be needing that! (I had fundraising/ junior league contact with these museums when we lived in Florida.)

Not very far away is Winter Park, FL, which is golf spouse HEAVEN. Beautiful, upscale shops in a nice downtown, with sidewalk cafes everywhere. There is a choice, small museum of Louis Tiffany's stained glass art which you will enjoy even if you don't much like stained glass---promise!

If you travel towards Winter Park, stop in the Auburndale/ Lake Alfred area and try The Barn for antiques (State Road 557). I haven't been there in a few years, but it is a very nice, family-owned business. The ladies buy all summer in Europe and the U.S., and the husbands refinish, re-work, or fix their finds. They have all the usual decorative accessories as well as a very cute, picnic style cafe for lunch. I believe they can arrange to ship your treasures home.

If you are interested in aviation, Fantasy of Flight is a small museum dedicated to it. They have replicas of Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and many artifacts from aviation history. It is nice and small, and has a restaurant (The Compass Rose) on site.

Plant City is indeed the Winter Strawberry Capitol of the World, but strawberry season and its festivities are not until late Feb./early March. The downtown area of Plant City will fill an afternoon, perhaps. You can check at Walden Lake Country Club to see if polo games have started yet (if not, sometimes they have practices you can watch) which is fun with a picnic.

I find that, everywhere I go, there is something worthwhile to see and do. The trick is to find it! You may want to check the chambers of commerce for all three locations: Lakeland, Plant City and Winter Park.

ttt for chastensGMa

kswl, I have to admit I'm new at this cybertalk. What is ttt? I agree with you, there is always somthing worthwhile to see or do whereever you go. Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! It's one thing to read about it but another to hear from someone who's been there. I think Winter Park sounds like a good day trip.

ttt or topping for <name>

means that someone is just posting as a courtesy to bring the post back up to the top of the queue on the left menu.

New posters often don't realize they can click on their name and bring up the threads in which they have posted, which all appear in the left rolling menu. I didn't know if you had seen the suggestions and didn't want you to take off for Lakeland without them!

The town is not really known for anything, but it's pleasant. There's a large lake right in the middle of downtown that's fun to see and walk around, too, near the Polk. Have fun!

Leave plenty of time to slowly go through the Tiffany Museum in Winter Park. Read everything as you go, it is so wonderful.

Their site:
http://www.morsemuseum.org/exhibitio...xhibitions.htm

Since you're going to Winter Park, I can add a few suggestions.

There used to be a boat tour on the chain of lakes, and it is quite pleasant. I'm guessing it's still around.

Also, walking around the mediterranean, lakeside campus of Rollins College (my alma mater) is very worthwhile. The Cornell museum of art can be found there, if you're interested in a good little collection, and Rollins' Knowles Memorial Chapel/Annie Russel Theater Complex has been called the most beautiful building in Florida.

My favorite thing about Winter Park is the residential neighborhoods with gorgeous old homes, brick streets, and Spanish moss hanging from the oaks.

If you drive down Interlochen Avenue, it will take you to Kraft Azalea Gardens on Lake Maitland, which is quite lovely.

Have fun!

Cimbrone, yes , as of last year, the boats are still there..going under the little bridges, so charming.
My favorite thing about Winter Park is the residential neighborhoods with gorgeous old homes, brick streets, and Spanish moss hanging from the oaks.
My favorie thing about Winter Park also

Cimbrone, Fiat Lux! Always nice to come across another Rollins grad.

chastensGMa, Most of what the Morse usually displays has gone to NYC for the Met's Tiffany exhibit opening this fall. But their holdings are so extensive that that means they are currently exhibiting things that visitors normally don't get to see. And the chapel is still there and not to be missed! It's a gem of a museum. The gift shop is a shoppers delight. Enjoy!