Polk County’s Agritourism

U-Pick Farms

Polk County’s fertile soil and favorable climate have led to a thriving community of groves and u-pick farms. Imagine strolling through endless rows of fruit-laden trees, handpicking your own juicy oranges and peaches or delicious blueberries. At Ridge Island Groves, you can experience the joy of gathering your own citrus fruits and indulge in homemade orange juice or soft serve ice cream. Meanwhile, Whitehead’s Blueberry Farm offers the unique opportunity to pluck blueberries right off the bush. Check out our U-Pick blog for more information!

Farmers Markets

For a taste of authentic local flavor, don’t miss out on Polk County’s vibrant farmer’s markets. These bustling hubs of community showcase a variety of fresh produce, artisanal products, and crafts. The Winter Haven Farmers Market and the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market are just a few examples where you can sample fresh, farm-to-table delights and interact with the farmers who put their hearts and hands into every product. Check out our events calendar for upcoming markets throughout Polk County!

Agritourism Events and Festivals

Throughout the year, Polk County comes alive with a plethora of agritourism events and festivals. From celebrating the citrus heritage, at the Orange Blossom Festival to indulging in mouthwatering BBQ in the BBQ Capital of Florida at the many BBQ festivals, these events offer a unique blend of entertainment, education, and delectable treats. Bok Tower Gardens also hosts many agritourism events in their outdoor kitchen throughout the year. 

Farm Tours and Animal Encounters

For those eager to get up close and personal with farm life, Polk County’s agritourism scene has something in store for you. Take a guided safari tour at Safari Wilderness Ranch and interact with animals in their natural habitat, or visit Bok Tower Gardens to experience the serenity of a historic garden that perfectly blends nature and art. For animal enthusiasts, visit Circle B Bar Reserve for an opportunity to spot wildlife, including alligators, birds, and other native species in their natural habitat.

Culinary Experiences

Indulge in the culinary wonders of Polk County by exploring the farm-to-table and locally made dining options. Many restaurants in the area take pride in sourcing their ingredients locally, ensuring that every dish is bursting with freshness and flavor. From classic Southern comfort food to innovative gourmet creations, Polk County’s dining scene is a testament to the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Check out our A-Z Dining Guide for some of Polk County’s great dining options!

Polk County’s agritourism offerings provide a refreshing escape from the usual tourist attractions, allowing visitors to embrace the beauty of nature, connect with the land, and savor the flavors of the region. Whether you’re picking your own fruits, strolling through farmer’s markets, or engaging in hands-on workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, if you’re seeking an authentic Central Florida experience that combines the charm of rural life with the comforts of modern amenities, Polk County’s rich agritourism is calling your name.

Use #GoodFoodPolk on Instagram for a chance to be featured!

The post From Citrus Groves to Craft Breweries: Exploring Polk County’s Rich Agritourism appeared first on Visit Central Florida.

Experience The Chain at Streamsong Resort

“The Bucket,” a two and a half acre putting course that is part of the new concept also steps from the Lodge entrance, is open for resort guest play daily at noon.

The Chain is designed to dial up the fun factor for Streamsong guests, with match play and walking at the heart of the experience.  Each hole has teeing areas (instead of tee markers) with dragline chains (the course namesake) in the ground to mark the beginning and end of each teeing area.  The idea here is for guests to choose where they’d like to play each hole in a match play format with the winner of each hole choosing the tee location on the following hole.  The scorecard has no reference to par although most of the holes are one shot holes with a range of yardages from 109 – 293 from the farthest teeing area.  The course includes a six hole loop that plays around a grove of Oaks with holes that vary in length from 110 – 153 yards from the farthest teeing areas or as short as 50 – 88 yards from the most forward teeing area.  From the six hole loop, guests venture into the 13 hole loop where holes measure up to 293 yards with more forced carries in play depending on the tee you choose.

Designed by Coore & Crenshaw Design

The team from Coore and Crenshaw Design have created another masterpiece on the roughly 36 acre site taking advantage of every opportunity to showcase the unexpected elevation changes and live oak groves, water features, and sandscapes throughout to create a compelling layout. The legendary duo who also designed Streamsong Red, which opened in 2012 with “Best New U.S. Course” honors and is perennially ranked among the top 30 courses in the U.S. by Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Golfweek, have made several changes and additions to the original routing. Most notably, the 3,000 yard walking layout now includes 19 holes ranging from 109 to over 293 yards, with a six- and 13- hole loop.

Large dragline chain links similar to those used in the mining process on the Streamsong site will mark the beginning and end of each tee box, however specified tee markers and a score relative to par are thoughtfully and purposefully absent from the concept. Players will be encouraged to tee off from whichever teeing area they like on each hole, with a nod toward match play. Now marking the middle of the site is a 22,000 pound dragline bucket, also the namesake for The Bucket putting course, that was installed in early January 2023 and will serve as a constant reminder of the history of its location.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Streamsong today and be among the first to experience The Chain. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice player, this newest addition is sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Get ready to elevate your game and discover why Streamsong is the ultimate golfing paradise.

The post Streamsong Resort’s The Chain is Now Open! appeared first on Visit Central Florida.

Avelo Airlines has announced exclusive nonstop service from Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) to Southern Connecticut’s most convenient airport, Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) – the gateway to the New England and New York regions. Avelo’s new service ushers in a new era of affordable, convenient and reliable air travel at LAL, becoming the airport’s only commercial airline and first to serve the market in over a decade.

Conveniently located between Tampa and Orlando, LAL offers travelers a refreshingly small, easy, and fast alternative hometown airport experience to the much larger and busier airports in the region. LAL’s location along the I-4 corridor makes it the most travel-friendly gateway to and from Central Florida.

Avelo’s nonstop service begins on June 13 with twice-weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays. The route will be operated by Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Introductory one-way fares between LAL and HVN start at $72*. Customers can make reservations at AveloAir.com.

New Haven, CT (HVN) – The New Haven Way to New England and New York

Tweed-New Haven Airport is located on Connecticut’s coast and is a convenient gateway to all 15 towns that make up Greater New Haven. HVN’s adjacency to multiple major highways and commuter railways makes visiting the New England and New York regions easier than ever. The airport is a refreshingly smooth and simple alternative hometown airport experience that will make visiting Southern Connecticut faster, easier, and more relaxing than ever.

Best known as the home of Yale University, New Haven is the second largest city in Connecticut and is part of the New York metropolitan area. The coastal city has experienced—and continues to enjoy—a renaissance. Within an easy stroll from the New Haven Green are more than 100 distinctive restaurants, offering something for every palate, and the city abounds with theaters, museums, and shopping destinations to satisfy all interests and tastes. Last year, New Haven joined iconic cities like Auckland, London, and Istanbul to make the prestigious New York Times 2023 “52 Places to Go” list. Whether visiting family and friends or just looking for a vacation, there is a wealth of things to explore in The Cultural Capital of Connecticut.

America’s Affordable and Convenient Airline

Avelo was founded to Inspire Travel by saving its Customers time and money. Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown more than 4.3 million Customers on over 33,000 flights. Today, Avelo serves 51 destinations in 23 states and Puerto Rico.

Along the way, Avelo has unlocked a new era of convenience, choice and competition by flying unserved routes to primarily underserved communities across the country. On almost every route, at least one airport is a small, easy to use airport – making every Avelo journey easier and more enjoyable.

Avelo Customers can always change or cancel their itineraries with no extra fees. Additionally, families can travel with ease knowing every child 13 and under will always be automatically seated with an accompanying adult at no additional cost.

Additionally, Avelo offers advanced seat assignments for sale. One third of its seats are extra leg room seats, ranging from 32 inches to more than 36 inches, offering a more comfortable experience for Customers who value more space. In addition to advance seat assignments, Avelo offers several unbundled travel-enhancing options that give Customers the flexibility to pay only for what they value, including priority boarding, checked bags, carry-on overhead bags, and bringing a pet in the cabin.

Avelo is distinguished by its industry-leading reliability. In 2023, the airline achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate in the U.S. airline industry and ranked #2 in on-time reliability. These results are based on Anuvu’s third-party data platform (the same company and platform utilized by The Wall Street Journal for the publication’s annual best and worst airline ranking, which excluded Avelo as well as other airlines in its coverage that did not meet the publication’s size threshold).

About Avelo Airlines

Avelo Airlines was founded with a simple purpose — to Inspire Travel. The airline offers Customers time and money-saving convenience, low everyday fares, and a refreshingly smooth and caring experience through its Soul of Service culture. Operating a fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, Avelo serves 51 popular destinations across the U.S., including its five bases at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), Orlando International Airport (MCO), the Delaware Valley’s Wilmington Airport (ILG) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). 

The post Avelo Airlines Announces Routes to Lakeland, FL appeared first on Visit Central Florida.

The 2024 MLB season will be here before we know it and TigerTown in Lakeland, Florida, is gearing up for the Detroit Tigers Spring Training against some of the biggest hitters in baseball.

Detroit Tigers Spring Training 2024

Located between Orlando and Tampa, about an hour from each, Lakeland is the perfect place to catch a Spring Training game. So grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks and cheer on your favorite MLB team.

The Best Stadium in the Grapefuit League

With 190,000 square feet of fun and excitement mixed with America’s favorite pastime, Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium is a must-see Central Florida landmark with activities that everyone will enjoy.

The 9,000 person seating capacity stadium, voted the best of the Grapefruit League Ballparks is ready to host the anticipated Detroit Tigers spring training games against the Yankees, Braves, Rays, Red Sox, and more.

Multiple Seating Options

There are multiple seating options, including traditional stadium seating, grass and picnic areas, and premium indoor accommodations. Since Florida offers plenty of beautiful sunshine, 41% of the seats are covered, with the option of a roof extender for additional shade.

• A unique seating option, perfect for large groups is the Berm, a 45-foot sloped hill with a capacity of 400 people that encompasses all of left field.
• If you’re looking for more upscale seating, The 34 Club, presented by Miller Lite, offers 203 air-conditioned indoor and covered outdoor seat options with an all-you-can-eat buffet.
• The Hooters Dugout is the hotspot for meeting players and snagging autographs while partaking in an all-you-can-eat Hooters and ballpark food selection.
• The Margaritaville Deck and the Pepsi Pavilion are the perfect spots to take in the game with all your friends.

Classic Eats

You will definitely not leave the game hungry. Of course they’re serving up traditional stadium eats such as hotdogs and hamburgers, brats with sauerkraut, turkey burgers, and grilled chicken sandwiches. However, at the back of the main concourse, you’ll find delicious, unconventional food options such as big turkey legs, pulled pork sandwiches, BBQ nachos, and a Flint-style Coney Island dog. Beer lovers – be sure to check out the craft beer bar on the first base side concourse and sip on some creative Florida brews and other popular draft selections.

All About Lakeland

Experience all Lakeland has to offer when planning your spring training trip. Relax and soak up the serene downtown atmosphere by shopping unique local boutiques, taking a stroll around iconic Lake Mirror, and enjoying exclusive Lakeland dining like Nineteen61, Fresco’s, Black and Brew, and Palace Pizza.

Explore your adventurous side and take in the beauty of Central Florida’s nature scene by hiking the trails of Circle B Bar Reserve or Colt Creek State Park and immerse yourself in the native habitat of some of Florida’s most awe-inspiring views and wildlife.

For all you thrill seekers, take on the challenge of the Loyce E. Harpe Park (a.k.a Carter Road) 13-mile single-track mountain biking trail with adventure for all skill levels, or schedule your paintball experience at Off The Wall Adventures & Outfitters.

Check out the Detroit Tigers Spring Training schedule below and catch a game at TigerTown this season! Also, visit our events page for special happenings in Central Florida and start planning your getaway today.

2024 Spring Training Home Schedule

• Saturday, February 24 vs. New York Yankees, 1:05
• Monday, February 26 vs. Houston Astros, 1:05
• Tuesday, February 27 vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 1:05
• Friday, March 1 vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 1:05
• Saturday, March 2 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 1:05
• Monday, March 4 vs. Boston Red Sox, 1:05
• Thursday, March 7 vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 1:05
• Saturday, March 9 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 1:05
• Tuesday, March 12 vs. Minnesota Twins, 1:05
• Thursday, March 14 vs. New York Yankees, 1:05
• Friday, March 15 vs. Atlanta Braves, 1:05
• Sunday, March 17 vs. Baltimore Orioles, 1:05
• Tuesday, March 19, vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 1:05
• Thursday, March 21 vs. New York Mets, 1:05
• Saturday, March 23 vs. New York Yankees, 1:05
• Sunday March 24, vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 1:05

Tickets

The Tigers are now accepting deposits towards the purchase of NEW season tickets for the 2024 Spring Training season in sunny Lakeland, FL. Secure your spot with a $100 per seat deposit to catch the action!

Individual game tickets are NOW available for purchase at the TigerTown box office and online. For additional ticket information and special group pricing, call the Lakeland ticket office at (866) 668-4437 or visit the link below.

Get Your Tickets Now!

Get all the details for the Detroit Tigers Spring Training 2024 season, and where to stay, where to eat, and what to see nearby on our dedicated Tigers page.

The Visit Central Florida Welcome Center is now a Certified Autism Center (CAC), which is a designation granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). IBCCES awards this credential to organizations whose staff have completed specialized training and a certification process to better understand and accommodate autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors and their families.

“As the prevalence of autism rises, we at the Welcome Center feel that certification is more than just good for business, it is simply the right thing to do,” said Justin Laferriere, Senior Visitor Service Manager for Visit Central Florida. “Autistic individuals have every right to enjoy our services as anyone else. By learning more about this community, we hope to not only improve their lives but gain wisdom from the experience.”

Welcome Center Joins Other Local Attractions as a Certified Autism Center

Staffed by local experts passionate about visitor services, the Welcome Center serves not only as a hub for information and assistance but also houses the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Notably, the Welcome Center joins LEGOLAND Florida Resort and the Peppa Pig Theme Park as Certified Autism Centers, all of which are located in Polk County.

“More visitors and their families need to feel welcomed and understood so they can create memories and feel comfortable traveling. We are thrilled to partner with Visit Central Florida Welcome Center as the team enhances its focus on accessibility and ensures that more travelers can have a fantastic experience,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.

For over two decades, IBCCES has stood at the forefront of cognitive disorder training and certification for professionals across various sectors worldwide. The programs offered by IBCCES include evidence-based content that incorporates the perspectives of autistic individuals, alongside other resources, ongoing support, and renewal requirements to ensure sustained learning and a meaningful impact.

Additionally, IBCCES manages AutismTravel.com, a complimentary online resource for families that lists certified locations and resources to plan their leisure experiences. Each destination featured on the site has met the stringent requirements of the Certified Autism Center (CAC) program.

About IBCCES

Delivering The Global Standard for Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders – IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.

About Visit Central Florida

Visit Central Florida is the official destination marketing organization for Central Florida’s Polk County. At the heart of it is the Welcome Center, a destination for information, discount attraction tickets, Polk-flavored souvenirs, free orange juice samples and more. Staffed by local experts passionate about visitor service, the Welcome Center is also home to the USA Water Ski and Wake Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Both LEGOLAND Florida Resort, and the Peppa Pig Theme Park, both located in Polk County, have previously received the CAC certification.

The number one theme park for little kids is opening new attractions and hosting lots of great seasonal events throughout 2024, so check out our list of Top reasons to visit LEGOLAND® Florida in 2024, and get ready for some brick-tacular fun!

2023 shaped up to be a fantastic year at LEGOLAND Florida. Between the Pirate River Quest, a new and improved Miniland, and an even more spook-tacular Brick-or-Treat, you won’t want to miss out. Find special discounted tickets though the Visit Central Florida Welcome Center, or if you’re looking for year round LEGO® fun buy a great value annual pass through LEGOLAND.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit LEGOLAND Florida in 2024

1. NEW! LEGO Ferrari Build and Race – Coming Spring 2024

From your imagination to the racetrack… It’s race time at the new LEGO® Ferrari Build & Race Experience opening Spring 2024 at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. See a life-sized LEGO Ferrari and create your own Ferrari race car in interactive play zones before you test drive it through three extreme test tracks. Then digitally build and race on a virtual track to the finish line! Plus, the youngest drivers will design their own Ferrari with bigger bricks in the LEGO DUPLO® build zone.

2. NEW! SEA LIFE Florida Resort – Coming Fall 2024

Discover the amazing wonders of the underwater world at SEA LIFE Florida Resort, an all-new aquarium opening this Fall 2024 at LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Here, at this family-friendly aquarium, guests will marvel at a diverse range of marine life, interact with captivating exhibits, and embark on a voyage of oceanic exploration, ending in the ultimate final seascape—The Theme Park Under the Sea! Swim along with SEA LIFE with waves of updates on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube @SEALIFEFlorida!

3. ALL-NEW Passholder Exclusive Benefits

With an amazing new attraction and all-new aquarium coming, there’s no better time to become an Annual Passholder. In 2024, The Resort is offering more Passholder benefits than ever before, including a new “Make-and-Take” workshop series. Passholders will be encouraged to sign up to reserve their spot for this special, themed workshop series throughout the year.

4. LEGO NINJAGO Weekends Return

Unlock your inner ninja with the return of LEGO NINJAGO Weekends, select Saturdays and Sundays, January 20 – February 19, including Presidents’ Day. Master the elemental powers with action-packed entertainment and activities and reach ninja potential. Show-off your LEGO ninja skills with special themed activities, ride the Ninjago ride, and meet your favorite Ninjago character.

5. An Even Awesummer Summer Block Party

Join the Summer Block Party and capture those vacation vibes with lively entertainment May 24 through August 8. Plus, celebrate the triumphant return of Red, White & BOOM! July 4 – 6, including a brick-tastic fireworks spectacular.

6. Pirate River Quest

Pirate River Quest opened in 2023 is LEGOLAND Florida’s newest water attraction. This pirate adventure allows you to set sail through the historic waters of Cypress Gardens and go on an exciting journey searching for treasure!

7. An Even More Spooktacular Brick-or-Treat

The biggest ever Halloween Brick-or-Treat comes to LEGOLAND Florida this year! Presenting an all new show lineup, new LEGO characters, and a new cinematic adventure. Bring your costume for simply the best non-scary Halloween celebration ever!

8. Holidays at LEGOLAND

The most wonderful time of year brings a special holiday celebration to LEGOLAND. With spectacular light show, giant Christmas tree, seasonal shenanigans, special treats and lots more!

Stay at LEGOLAND for even more FUN!

Looking to extend the fun past the theme park? A bonus reason to visit LEGOLAND Florida in 2024 is to have the best vacation by staying at one of the on-site properties like the LEGOLAND Hotel or Pirate Island Hotel, which are both just 130 kid steps away from the park entrance. Looking for even more space? Check out LEGOLAND Florida’s Beach Retreat which is less than one mile from the park’s entrance.

You may also be interested in 5 Things to do Near LEGOLAND Florida for kids.

Avelo Airlines Soars into Lakeland

Avelo Airlines recently announced its expansion into the vibrant city of Lakeland, Florida. The airline, known for its commitment to affordable and convenient air travel, is set to commence its services in mid-2024. This will allow a new way of travel into Lakeland. While the specific routes have not been determined, the anticipation surrounding Avelo’s arrival is notable, promising new opportunities for both locals and visitors.

Avelo Airlines: A Game-Changer in Affordable Travel

Avelo Airlines has made a name for itself by prioritizing affordability without compromising on quality service. The airline, founded in 2020, quickly became a favorite for budget-conscious travelers seeking an alternative to traditional carriers. They focus on connecting underserved markets and providing direct flights to smaller airports, making air travel more accessible and convenient for a broader audience.

Lakeland’s Rising Profile:

Lakeland, nestled in the heart of Central Florida, is already a popular destination for its charming atmosphere, cultural events, and proximity to major attractions like LEGOLAND Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park. Lakeland is also home of the Detroit Tigers Spring Training and SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo. With the arrival of Avelo Airlines, the city is poised to continue to be an attractive hub for both leisure and business travelers.

Avelo’s Impact on Lakeland’s Economy:

The introduction of Avelo Airlines to Lakeland is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. Increased air connectivity can stimulate tourism, attract businesses, and create job opportunities. Avelo’s commitment to serving underserved markets aligns with Lakeland’s goal to enhance its connectivity, offering residents and businesses more travel options.

Excitement Builds as Routes Remain a Mystery:

One of the most intriguing aspects of Avelo’s announcement is the anticipation surrounding the unveiling of its routes. While the specific destinations are yet to be determined, Avelo’s track record suggests that it will strategically choose routes that cater to the needs of Lakeland’s residents and align with the airline’s mission of connecting underserved markets.

Avelo Airlines’ decision to expand its services to Lakeland, FL, marks an exciting chapter for both the airline and the city. As the countdown to mid-2024 begins, residents and travelers alike eagerly await the announcement of Avelo’s routes, anticipating the new opportunities and adventures that will unfold with this partnership. With its commitment to affordability and community engagement, Avelo is set to make a lasting impact on Lakeland’s air travel landscape, providing a welcome boost to the local economy and making the skies more accessible to all.

America’s Most Convenient Airline

Avelo was founded to Inspire Travel by saving its Customers time and money. Since taking flight on April 28, 2021, Avelo has flown more than 3.5 million Customers on over 27,000 flights. Today, Avelo serves 44 destinations in 23 states and Puerto Rico with a fleet of 16 Boeing 737 aircraft.

The airline prides itself on its reliability. Through the first 10 months of 2023, Avelo has achieved the lowest flight cancellation rate and the best on-time performance in the U.S. airline industry with 83.3% of all flights arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time.

For more information visit AveloAir.com, Avelo Newsroom at AveloAir.com/Newsroom, or the Lakeland Linder International Airport at FlyLakeland.com