The Lures of Lakeland

(Some of) The Lures of Lakeland, Florida

BeFly Bike Tours (Editor note/update: BeFly Bike Tours no longer in operation.)

Why not ride a bike? Don’t have one? No worries. BeFly Bike Tours — pedal power at its finest — has you covered.

Residents and visitors of Lakeland, Florida, have an opportunity to experience the beauty, culture, and any and all architecture of historical importance in downtown Lakeland and its historic districts, by way of bicycle rentals and guided educational tours given by BeFly Bike Tours seven days a week.

Dedicated to helping promote existing businesses and parks by way of offering convenient means of transportation through bicycle rentals and guided tours, BeFly is also educational. Information provided to renters help residents and visitors become more aware of existing resources in the community.

BeFly Bike Tours’ mission is to capture the beauty of the culture of Lakeland and Polk County by delivering the promise of recreation and outdoor exercise combined with education, culture, and history learning opportunities. For more info contact 863-899-1818 or visit BeFlyBikeTours.com.

Public Art: Swansation 

Lakeland’s magestic swans were memorialized in a 2003 public art project. Permanent sculptures like this one at the corner of E. Lemon St. and S. Kentucky Ave. in downtown dot the city. Often themed with with the company’s logo of the property they reside on, they are a delight for residents and visitors alike.

Downtown Lakeland Food Truck Rally

Head’s up, foodies: How does a grilled cheese sound? Wait, it’s not your average grilled cheese – try the “The Granny” from The Cheesery: caramelized apples, brie, and prosciutto ham on sourdough.

Or how about deep fried Brussels sprouts? Maybe some tator tots, drenched in melted queso tempts your tastebuds. Try the Running Duck Taco Classic by the Bem Bom truck, featuring duck confits, with orange dust, spring slaw, and Oregano vinaigrette.

If your mouth isn’t watering yet, it should be. Taste is king at this food truck rally and to the delight of hundreds of 863’ers, an array of culinary deliciousness lines the periphery of Munn Park every second Thursday in downtown Lakeland from 6 to 9 p.m. The people watching is at a premium, too, as the park fills up with eaters of all ages, enjoying their appetizing dishes. For more information visit Facebook.com/LakelandFoodTruckRally.

The General Store (Editor’s post-publication note: The General Store is now permanently closed.)

We love The General Store in downtown Lakeland. It’s a trip — a trip back in time, that is.

The Americana feel is evident from the nostalgic advertisements to the candies and sodas of yesteryear.

In the market for a sock monkey? Or have a hankering for some Zots, Chick-o-Sticks, or a MoonPie? The General Store has got you covered with those blasts from the past and many more.

Looking for local? From artists to authors, this is the place to shop. The store’s postcards of Lakeland make excellent souvenirs. And be sure to say hi to Sparky, the store’s mascot and (we hear) the unofficial Mayor of Lakeland.