Perhaps you’ve already been to Lakeland for the annual Sun ‘n’ Fun Fly-In, held in April. Haven’t been yet? Well then you’ve already got a reason to head over to Lakeland – the six-day convention is a must-do for aviation enthusiasts. After all, Lakeland Linder Regional Airpark is a mere 30 statute miles away from Ridge Landing Airpark. Land in Lakeland on your next off day, and prepare for a day full of festivities, because Lakeland holds a host of activities to entertain every type of person.
For those unfamiliar with the city, it is located in Polk County just outside of Tampa. So when you’re looking for a change of scenery but don’t want the busyness of a big city, make touchdown just a bit east of Tampa in Lakeland. This smaller city is home to the largest on-site collection of Frank Wright architecture. What else is there to do in Lakeland during a day trip from Ridge Landing? Let us enlighten you…
Visit the Florida Air Museum
You’re not an aviation enthusiast if you don’t stop in at the State of Florida’s Official Aviation and Aerospace Education Center. Here, there are demonstration and learning centers, but some of the notable and most popular features of interest are the Howard Hughes Archives, Air Racing Simulators, Florida Aviation Hall of Fame, Innovations in Propulsion Exhibit, Pilot Briefing Station. Gaze at the historical aircraft on display – there are over 20 models – and envision what it’d be like to be an aviator in the old days!
Image via TripAdvisor.com
Catch A Ball Game
Whether you’re a Detroit Tigers fan or just an avid sports fan, perhaps you’d like to catch a spring training game? Joker Marchant Stadium is the ballpark in Lakeland that has been home to the MLB Detriot Tigers for 80 straight spring training seasons. You can plan your trip around the possibility of catching a game, or simply check the schedule here when it becomes available and head to an impromptu game while in town during the spring.
Image via milb.com
Get A Taste of Theatre
If you’re looking for some performing arts action, head over to Polk Theatre for enriching shows. Look to visit on a Sunday if you want to see a matinee, otherwise you can catch screenings, musicals and concerts at around 8 p.m. One thing is for sure: This theatre will transport you back in time and provide quite the elegant experience. It should also be mentioned that wine, beer and water can be purchased for “pocket-friendly” prices, as one TripAdvisor reviewer commented.
Image via cfrpc.org
Relax in Lake Mirror Park
If leisure is on the itinerary for your Lakeland day-cation, why not enjoy the fresh outdoors at Lake Mirror? With walking paths and benches, you can take a nice stroll and relax with nature. The area is known for its copious amount of ducks, so if you’re an animal lover, you’ll enjoy hanging with the birds.
Image via flickr.com
