Lakeland, FL
We stopped here for lunch @ Nineteen 61, and found a lovely New England quaint little town that worth to spend a night or two here.
… more pix vid of the farmers curb market.
Population 112,641 (2020), 725k metro. Swan City is their nickname, “due to its sizeable population of swans, all of whom are descendants of two mute swans given to Lakeland by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957.” (Why would she do that – here is the reason.)
Latin restaurant Nineteen 61 is solid five star. Couple of doors away is their Saturday market on N Kentucky Ave (the Ave has many cute shops) since 2004, four blocks long; opens 8am-2pm. They also run old car shows (Lake Mirror Classic Concours and Car Show). A couple of other restaurants nearby are popular: Harry’s (is basic) and Terrace Grill (is a little stuffy … it’s hotel rooms run $140 now to $500 during the winter months.) 1961 is lively and a scene. A few steps east, is Kryger Park on Lake Mirror.
Around the corner is a cigar bar Loft that has dress code: shirt and pants.
