Sparky's Lakeland Guidebook
Food scene
This place is excellent for a quick bite. They sell slices, whole pizzas, and a ton of other Italian cuisine. Get a canoli.
I also workout with the owners. They're a great family-run establishment.
31 locals recommend
Palace Pizza
114 S Kentucky AveThis place is excellent for a quick bite. They sell slices, whole pizzas, and a ton of other Italian cuisine. Get a canoli.
I also workout with the owners. They're a great family-run establishment.
A great place for a quick bite if you don't want to go far. It's been around since the 1960s. The food is delicious and the service is quick. It's only about a minute-drive from the house.
Jimbos Pit Bar BQ
1215 East Memorial BoulevardA great place for a quick bite if you don't want to go far. It's been around since the 1960s. The food is delicious and the service is quick. It's only about a minute-drive from the house.
My go-to when guests are in town. Good BBQ and fancy drinks. It's located in the old post office, so you'll see those references inside.
Try a Kentucky Mule to start. The onion rings are heavy, but they are delicious. The Nashville Hot Chicken though is not for the faint of heart....
17 locals recommend
MOJO Federal Swine & Spirits
130 S Tennessee AveMy go-to when guests are in town. Good BBQ and fancy drinks. It's located in the old post office, so you'll see those references inside.
Try a Kentucky Mule to start. The onion rings are heavy, but they are delicious. The Nashville Hot Chicken though is not for the faint of heart....
A great spot if you can't decide what you want. This is Lakeland's food hall, with about 7 different food options and a bar. I recommend Ava (pizza place) and the ice cream shop.
34 locals recommend
The Joinery
640 E Main StA great spot if you can't decide what you want. This is Lakeland's food hall, with about 7 different food options and a bar. I recommend Ava (pizza place) and the ice cream shop.
This place is all the rage in the Polk County online food communities, and it doesn't disappoint. Wood-fired pizzas. If no line, it'll be done in 5 minutes. It's a small gem in the middle of Lake Alfred (15-mile drive), but it's definitely delicious.
Calogero's Pizzeria
148A West Haines BoulevardThis place is all the rage in the Polk County online food communities, and it doesn't disappoint. Wood-fired pizzas. If no line, it'll be done in 5 minutes. It's a small gem in the middle of Lake Alfred (15-mile drive), but it's definitely delicious.
Sightseeing
Need a short hike (1-4 miles)? This place is great because of the wildlife. It's great for birdwatching, but it's also known for the abundance of alligators. It's a good place to picnic or to take a stroll. Hours are sunup to sundown.
98 locals recommend
Circle B Bar Reserve
4399 Winter Lake RdNeed a short hike (1-4 miles)? This place is great because of the wildlife. It's great for birdwatching, but it's also known for the abundance of alligators. It's a good place to picnic or to take a stroll. Hours are sunup to sundown.
Neighborhoods
This is a great place to drive or walk. The route around the lake is 3 miles long, and there's parking available if you want to stroll or have a run. Beautiful scenery and architecture. Perfect sunsets.
Lake Hollingsworth Drive
Lake Hollingsworth DriveThis is a great place to drive or walk. The route around the lake is 3 miles long, and there's parking available if you want to stroll or have a run. Beautiful scenery and architecture. Perfect sunsets.
The downtown area is just cute. It has plenty of unique shops and restaurants. Plus, it's located on Lake Mirror which offers a good .6 mile walking path around it. Go there, find a spot to park, and explore.
28 locals recommend
Downtown
The downtown area is just cute. It has plenty of unique shops and restaurants. Plus, it's located on Lake Mirror which offers a good .6 mile walking path around it. Go there, find a spot to park, and explore.