The city of Lakeland is located right in the heart of central Florida (about a 2 hour drive to either the Gulf or Atlantic coast).  Surrounded by Florida's legendary attractions, Lakeland is a growing community conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa just off of Interstate 4.

In the heart of downtown, Lake Mirror Park offers a historic promenade, amphitheatre and pedestrian walkways. Hollis Garden (pictured left), located around the walkway, is a breathtaking formal garden overlooking Lake Mirror and showcasing more than 10,000 flowers and Florida indigenous plants. A grand staircase connects the park and the garden.

History comes alive in Lakeland's legendary downtown Historic and Antiques district. More than sixty antiques dealers, specialty shops, art galleries and restaurants can be found here, in the heart of downtown.  Also located in the downtown area, the historic Polk Theatre (pictured right), built in 1927, and restored to its original splendor, provides a wonderful venue for special performances . Nearby, Exploration V Children's Museum offers fun-filled adventures in learning for kids of all ages. The Polk Museum of Art exhibits a collection of pre-Colombian artwork, a unique sculpture garden and other traveling collections. Also check out what's happening at The Lakeland Center, a top-rated entertainment, sporting and convention complex.

Speaking of sports, Lakeland has been the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers since 1934. See them play at Joker Marchant Stadium.  As a part of their farm league, Lakeland also is home to the minor league Lakeland Tigers.  Also, the boys and girls high school basketball championship tournament is hosted by the Lakeland Center.

Other popular items throughout the year include Mayfaire-By-The-Lake, a juried outdoor art festival held Mother's Day weekend and the week-long Sun 'n Fun Fly-In at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. The Florida Air Museum at Sun 'n Fun displays a rich variety of aircraft and aviation artifacts year ‘round for lovers of flight.

Lakeland is also home to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture anywhere in the world; it is on the campus of Florida Southern College (pictured right).  

                                                                                          (Text adapted from visitflorida.com)