Lakeland is just an exit off of I4 between Orlando and Tampa, to most people. The next time you are in the area, you should take a few hours and check this gem out.

You can start with a trip to The Polk Museum of Art, is a small, non-profit museum. There is always an exhibition worth checking out. They recently had Chagall and Degas on display.

If you are into architecture Lakeland is a dream come true. Florida Southern College is home to the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. The campus has twice been chosen Most Beautiful Campus in the Country, by The Princeton Review.

The group of buildings designed by Wright are called, Child of the Sun. On March 2, 2012 they were designated a National Historic Landmark. You can tour this collection, which Wright called one of his favorites, daily. Check the website for times.

You can also drive around and admire the many 1920’s Arts and Crafts Bungalows and Mediterranean Revival homes.

Lakeland is also unofficially known as, “Swan City”. Lake Morton is home to descendants of The Royal Flock of Swans on the Thames and were gifted to Lakeland in1957 by Queen Elizabeth II. Make sure to bring change so you can feed the many White Mute swans, Australian Black Swans, White Coscorba Swans, Black Neck Swans, pelicans, ducks, and geese.

There is also a fabulous farmer’s market on Saturday mornings, in their thriving downtown area. Pick up your veggies, cheese and kombucha then grab lunch and a drink at on of the many restaurants and bars.

If you are still around in the evening pull into one of the last drive in theatres in the U.S., Silver Moon. They have 2 screens and show first run movies. During the day on Saturday and Sunday, they also have a Flea Market.

As you can see there is plenty to do in this land of lakes.