1. Lakeland’s Swans Are True Royalty
Lakeland's most famous residents are the swans floating on Lake Morton and other city lakes. The swans moved in back in 1923, but predators and diseases wiped out the native population by 1954. A former Lakeland resident living in England heard about it and wrote to Queen Elizabeth II for help. She allowed the city to import two royal swans, and the 80 or so living here today are descendants of that pair.
2. “Edward Scissorhands” Was Filmed At Southgate Shopping Center
Watch the shopping scene from “Edward Scissorhands” and keep your eyes peeled for the Southgate Shopping Center’s famous arch entrance. The storefront of the shop where Edward gets his hands sharpened belonged to an actual hardware store called the Crowder Brothers.
3. Frank Lloyd Wright Designed Our College’s Campus
Lakeland's Florida Southern College is home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in one location anywhere in the world. In 1938, the college commissioned Wright to create an aesthetically stunning education center. Today, the college is an important facet of Lakeland life and the 12 Wright-designed structures are there for all to appreciate.
4. Lakeland Will Take Good Care Of Your Karma
The Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Lakeland is one of only two temples in the U.S. devoted to the Swaminarayan sect of Hinduism. It serves adherents in and around Central Florida, though some venture from even further away in the state.
5. And Hey, Did We Mention Swans?
To celebrate its unofficial mascot, the city began a public arts campaign, oh-so-cleverly titled “Swansation,” to beautify the city with swan-related art. Pictures, murals and uniquely painted large swan sculptures are all around town. In 2009, the swans got some company from 35 colorful butterfly sculptures with wingspans of 5 to 7 feet as part of the “Kaleidoscope” project.
6. Get Ready For A Shocker: There Are A Lot Of Lakes In Lakeland
Lakeland was incorporated on January 1, 1885, and some possible names they threw around back then included Red Bug, Munnville and Rome City. But then they took a look around and drew inspiration from the city's 38 lakes, the largest of which is Lake Parker. When someone asks you where you live, you just say which lake you’re closest to.
7. Lake Mirror Is A Little Slice Of Paradise
Speaking of lakes, let’s talk about Lakeland’s scenic oasis Lake Mirror, which is surrounded by more than 10,000 flowers, shrubs and botanical attractions, ornamental fountains, public art installations, neoclassical architecture, playgrounds and picnic areas. The Frances Langford Promenade and adjoining amphitheater host festivals, concerts and other community events year-round.
8. Let The Kids Tantalize Their Five Senses
Along Munn park in the center of downtown, you'll find the Explorations V Children's Museum (the “V” refers to the five senses). Young children love these three floors of fun educational exhibits, but make sure not to miss the basement, which features a massive play area dedicated to Lakeland's citrusy history.
9. And If They’re Still Hyper, Take Them To CommonGround Playground
CommonGround Playground is hands-down one of the coolest playgrounds you'll find. Designed to be “an inclusive play experience” for children of all abilities, this expansive, diverse and creative playground is always a big hit. The kids are guaranteed to get a good night's sleep and so are you.
10. Orlando Is Right Up The Road
Flickr user Matthew Simantov
No matter how great home is, sometimes you need to hop in the car for an adventure. It's less than an hour drive from downtown Lakeland to downtown Orlando, where you can sample new restaurants, visit world-class cultural institutions and catch an Orlando Magic game or a nationally touring music act. And, of course, you're only about 40 minutes away from Disney, Universal and other theme parks.
11. And Tampa Bay Is Only A 40 Minute Drive Away
Wikimedia user Christopher Hollis
And it's just another half hour on I-4 to Clearwater and Clearwater Beach, one of the best-rated beaches in the state, or to St. Petersburg. With all the amenities, attractions, businesses and other offerings in the Tampa Bay Area and Orlando, you can’t possibly run out of stuff to do when you feel like a quick trip out of town.
12. Kick It Old-School At The Silver Moon
Catch a movie in comfort and style at Lakeland's drive-in movie theater the Silver Moon. Open since 1948, this theatre is rife with nostalgia for a bygone era. Head over on the weekends for the Swap Shop, a community flea market. Parking and admission are free, or pay the small fee to set up shop as a dealer to unload some of your stuff for some easy cash.
13. Lakeland’s Symphony Is More Imperial Than Russia
Every season, the city's Imperial Symphony Orchestra performs five Masterworks concerts, three outdoor Pops concerts, a family concert and a full opera. Several of these events include nationally and internationally recognized guest performers.
14. Lakeland Will Give You Wings
See about three dozen different planes and learn about the history of aviation at the Florida Air Museum at Sun 'n Fun. There's an impressive collection of Howard Hughes memorabilia (that guy who built the Spruce Goose, set several air speed records and then became a total recluse).
15. Lakeland Is A Major Transportation Hub
The “I-4 corridor” is such an important thoroughfare in Central Florida— that we call it an interstate even though it doesn't cross Florida’s borders. A number of other important highways run through the city, too, and FedEx and the logistics company Saddle Creek offer many employment opportunities in Lakeland.
16. Satisfy Your Craving For The Detroit Tigers
Flickr user Roger DeWitt
If you find yourself in Lakeland longing for Detroit, you're in luck. The Joker Marchant Stadium is the spring training home of the Detroit Tigers. The 8,500-seat stadium, opened in 1966, is also home to minor league affiliate teams The Lakeland Flying Tigers and The Gulf Coast Tigers.
17. Publix Lives Here
Publix, the Fortune 500 supermarket chain found across the South, is headquartered in Lakeland. With about 6,500 employees in its stores, headquarters and warehouses here, it's the city's largest employer.
18. You’ll Never Run Out Of Shows To See
This city has plenty to offer in the way of music, plays, musical theater and other performing arts. Check out these venues:
The Lakeland Center: for anything and everything
Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts: see what the city's talented high schoolers are up to
The Lakeland Community Theatre
The Polk Theater: for a night of entertainment in a vaudeville-style setting
19. It's Small Town And City Living, All Rolled Into One
With about 100,000 people, Lakeland is the biggest city between Orlando and Tampa, but it's certainly no overcrowded, bustling metropolis. Whether you're looking for natural landscapes, cozy suburbs or an urban downtown core, Lakeland's got it.
20. Downtown Lakeland Is Off The Hook
Lakeland's urban center is the city's business, dining, entertainment, cultural and community center. If you need a cup of coffee (head to Black and Brew Coffee House & Bistro), a quick bite, a fancy meal (try Terrace Grill), a fun evening out, a new suit (Nathan's Men's Store) or something else altogether, downtown's your one-stop shop. Drop in on festivals or take a break in the historic Munn Park or at Lake Mirror.
21. Anyone Up For Tennis?
If tennis is your game, the city has lots of courts to play on. The Beerman Family Tennis Center is a popular spot, with 18 lighted courts and instructive summer programs for kids of all ages and skill levels.
22. You're In Good Hands Here
One of Florida's largest hospitals, the Lakeland Regional Medical Center has been caring for residents for more than 80 years. It has more than 850 beds and Polk County's only Level II Trauma Center. “Hospitals & Health Networks” magazine lauded its industry-leading use of technology by naming it one of the “Most Wired” hospitals in 2013.
23. You’ll Have To Learn To Love The Heat
It's Florida—what did you expect? It's often hot. And humid. Lakeland sits in a “humid subtropical zone,” for those of you into that sort of climate lingo. Average highs are in the low to mid-90s May through September, but the humidity regularly pushes the heat index well over 100 during these months.
24. But You'll Definitely Appreciate The Winters
Of course, pleasant winters are the flip-side of oppressive summers. The humidity practically vanishes and average highs are 80 in November and the mid-70s in December, January and February. It's cooler at night and in the mornings, but the average lows are still only in the 50s during these months. It's nice to go out when everyone else is afraid to get out from under their pile of blankets. 
