Make a Day of It: Eat, Shop & Explore Polk County

Parlor Doughnuts

is the perfect first stop of the day. Their famous layered doughnuts are made fresh all day with vegan, gluten-friendly, and keto-friendly options — open as early as 6:30am so you can fuel up before the action starts.

Black & Brew

is your go-to for premium handcrafted coffee, artisan sandwiches, and pastries right on East Main Street. A great quick stop before or between events.

Cafe Zuppina

is a Mediterranean gem on South Tennessee Ave run by Chef Berna — fresh kebabs, homemade baklava, and the kind of cozy atmosphere that makes it easy to linger. A great option for a relaxed lunch.

Nineteen61

is the one people keep coming back to — award-winning Latin-inspired dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients right on East Main Street. If you’re making a proper dinner out of it, this is the move.

The Modern Pearl

brings fresh seafood with a contemporary twist and is currently offering 15% off your purchase — worth knowing about if you’re looking for something a little more upscale.

The Peach House

is where you go for cocktails and a proper sit-down dinner. Steak frites, burrata, solid atmosphere. A good option if you’re making a night of it after the match.

Swan Brewing

sits right on Lake Wire in downtown Lakeland with 30 taps of craft beer, live music, and rotating food trucks. It’s family-friendly, easy-going, and one of those places you end up staying at longer than you planned.

Grove Roots Brewing Co.

in nearby Winter Haven leans into Florida’s citrus heritage — think grapefruit wheat ales and canal-inspired amber ales. Worth the short drive if you want to explore beyond downtown.

Adventure on Tap

Polk County also has a full beer trail worth following. Pick up the Visit Central Florida Beer Pass for exclusive check-in discounts and prizes across local breweries.

Circle B Bar Reserve

is one of those places that surprises people. A 1,267-acre nature reserve about six miles from downtown with miles of trails through wetlands and wildlife habitats. Alligator sightings are common — good for an early morning walk before the event.

Safari Wilderness Ranch

is the kind of thing you didn’t know you needed until you’re on a safari bus watching zebras and lemurs roam a 260-acre Florida ranch. Fodor’s Travel ranked it one of the 10 Best Safaris in the U.S. — you can go by bus, ATV, camel, or kayak. A solid half-day for the whole family.

The Living Water Boat Cruises

takes you out on Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes — a narrated pontoon cruise through connected lakes and canals with wildlife sightings, local history, and views of the original Cypress Gardens. One to two hour tours available, highly rated, and about 25 minutes from the venue.

Escapeology

is Lakeland’s escape room experience — a good call for groups looking for something fun and competitive before the match. Book ahead.

Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre

has been a Lakeland institution since 1948 and is one of only four drive-ins left in Florida. Double features seven nights a week, FM radio sound through your car speakers, and tickets starting at $7 for adults. A great option for the night before or after the match — about 5 minutes from RP Funding Center.

Union Hall

is Lakeland’s go-to live music venue and event space in the heart of downtown — a full bar, great sound, and a rotating lineup of concerts and events. Check their schedule at unionhallevents.com to see what’s on the nights of October 3rd and 4th.

Visit Central Florida’s Mural Magic Pass is a free, self-guided art trail across Polk County — colorful murals spread through the community with check-ins that earn you rewards. A low-key way to explore the area between activities.

For local shops and boutiques, downtown Lakeland’s Main Street area is walkable and worth an hour or two. Independent shops, galleries, and the kind of local character that makes a place worth visiting.