Thanksgiving break is upon us! Time to trade in the textbooks for turkey legs and school runs for family runs (literally, check out our suggestions!). Whether you’re a seasoned Lakeland resident or just visiting Polk County for the holidays, this guide offers a cornucopia of ideas to keep your family entertained and create lasting memories.
Planning Your Lakeland & Polk County Thanksgiving Break Adventure:
- Travel Tips: Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) offers convenient connections for families flying in. If you’re driving, major highways like I-4 make getting around Polk County a breeze. Consider exploring public transportation options provided by Lakeland Area Mass Transit (LAMT) to navigate the city efficiently.
- Accommodation: From cozy bed-and- breakfasts to spacious vacation rentals, there’s something for every family’s needs. Book your stay early, especially during peak season!
- Weather: Expect warm days with highs in the low to mid-70s (F) and cooler nights. Pack comfortable clothing with layers for potential temperature changes. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat for those sunny Florida days!
Thanksgiving Feasts and Treats:
- Pre-Order Your Thanksgiving Feast: Don’t have time to cook? Many Lakeland restaurants offer delicious Thanksgiving meals to-go. Lakeland Mom recommends places like:
- Publix: Their Thanksgiving feast packages are perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille: Enjoy a seafood twist on Thanksgiving with their special holiday offerings.
- More restaurants reported by The Ledger.
Get Your Gobble On! Family Activities:
Outdoor Adventures
- Hit the Trails: Explore Lakeland’s scenic trails like the challenging Tenoroc Trails. Rent bikes for a family adventure or simply enjoy a leisurely walk through nature.
- Lake Mirror: Lakeland’s namesake landmark offers a plethora of activities. Rent swan-shaped paddle boats, take a boat tour on the historic Joker Marchant, or simply pack a picnic basket and enjoy the peaceful lakefront scenery.
- Bok Tower Gardens: Immerse yourselves in the beauty of Bok Tower Gardens. Explore the lush botanical gardens, climb the iconic Singing Tower, and admire the breathtaking views.
Splashing Fun
- Water Parks: Beat the Florida heat with a visit to a water park. Check out LEGOLAND Water Park for thrilling rides, or enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Joker Marchant Stadium’s Splash Pad.
- Springs: Take a refreshing dip in Florida’s natural springs. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park offers pristine waters, manatee sightings, and mermaid shows (perfect for the little ones!).
History and Culture
- Florida Children’s Museum: Spark your children’s curiosity at this interactive museum. Engage in hands-on exhibits, explore different cultures, and ignite a love for learning through play.
- The Polk Museum of Art: Immerse yourselves in the diverse art collections at the Polk Museum of Art. Explore historical and contemporary art, participate in family-friendly workshops, and appreciate the power of art.
- Mulberry Phosphate Museum: Delve into the history of Polk County’s phosphate industry. Learn about mining techniques, see vintage mining equipment, and even pan for “shark teeth” (fossilized megalodon teeth).
Creative Delights
- Paint and Sip Studios: Unleash your inner artist at a local paint and sip studio. Many studios offer Thanksgiving-themed classes, making it a fun family activity with a personalized touch.
- Ceramic Cafes: Create lasting memories by painting your own pottery at a ceramic cafe. Your personalized creations will be a constant reminder of your fun family break.
- DIY Craft Workshops: Channel your creativity at local craft workshops. Lakeland offers various workshops for families, allowing you to learn new skills and make something unique together.
Real Estate Activities (you know I had to add this):
Activities for BUYERS - when you have some time off, it is a great chance to look at homes if you are thinking about buying.
- Buyers LOVE my home search app because we do not sell your data like the “FREE” commercial apps on the market. Learn more about the secure app.
- Check out homes that have an open house coming up here.
- What about homes that just dropped their price? Yep, we have that too. Look here.
- Search all different types of properties to purchase, whether for yourself, or an investment now.
- Are you a little uncertain about the whole home buying process? You are not alone. Request a “coffee date” with me to discuss the process - I am in town on Thanksgiving week and would be glad to sit down for a few minutes (no obligation).
Activities for SELLERS - when you get a break from Thanksgiving preparations, or digesting your feast, here are a few activities that may help you in your plans to sell now, or in the near future.
- What is your house worth in today’s market? Have a peak!
- Organize a deep clean. It’s amazing how much a thorough clean out can make to your space - plus you’ll enjoy everything being sparkly again.
- Check out the Top 10 reasons people renovate their homes.
- What are the Top 20 reasons people sell and move? Read the blog now.
- I haven’t heard about the “Focus Home Swap” program before, what is that?
How about a “decluttering party”? Most people do not take all their stuff with them when they move, why not have a party and sort your stuff into “buckets”?
- Things I am keeping.
- Things I will donate to charity (perfect timing right before Christmas).
- Things I can throw away.
- Chill out and watch some YouTube. Check out the Weekly Real Estate Roundup and subscribe to see regular updates on everything that is going on in the local market - it’s fun to follow the trends.
Alright, that’s probably enough. If you do all of this, you’re going to need a break after your Thanksgiving break! If you don’t already follow them, check out blogs or social media by Lakeland Mom, Polk County Moms, LKLD Now or Downtown Lakeland to stay “in the know” about what’s happening around us in our awesome community.
Happy Thanksgiving! We are so blessed.
Jared Weggeland
Realtor
863.640.2246
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