In case you’ve been busy (ya know, with the pandemic, killer wasps, protests, election news, and everything else happening in 2020) and haven’t skimmed over the latest groundbreaking news, not to fret. We’ve compiled a quick catch-up session on 10+ huge things coming to Polk County this fall.

HomeGoods, 4747 Florida Ave. S. Ste. 160

https://www.instagram.com/p/CECeuLGnLeP/

HomeGoods – a sister brand to T.J. Maxx and Marshalls – is officially opening its Lakeland location (next to Greenwise Market) this Thursday, Aug. 20. 🎉 Store hours are from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. + COVID-19 safety measures will be in place. DYK there are currently 772 HomeGoods stores in the US, with 69 of those being in Florida?

Ax-Caliber, 204 E. Orange St. STE. 102

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9IG4f0pjf3/

Hear ye, hear ye. Ax-Caliber, Lakeland + Polk County’s first ax-throwing venue + coffee shop combo (yes, you read that right), is setting up shop in 7,000 sq. ft. of space this September in downtown Lakeland at the Heritage Plaza's new space, 204 E. Orange St. STE. 102. Along with 14 ax-throwing lanes, the space will offer an in-house cafe, serving Caliber Coffee, snacks, beer, wine + soft drinks, a space for events like birthday parties, corporate gatherings, bachelor + bachelorette parties, pool tables, games, big-screen TVs + more. ⛏️

The Rec Room, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCtnk1InaA5/

The Rec Room – an arcade bar combo being developed in the old LkldTV building at 202 N. Massachusetts Ave. – announced they will be this September. The Rec Room will occupy 4,000 sq. ft. of the space, be open to all ages before 9 p.m. (and then only over 21 after 9 p.m.), and will feature games like Galaga, Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat, Walking Dead, Skee-Ball, Air Hockey, PlayStation, and Nintendo, and even a golf simulator. Bonus: There will also be a full bar with domestic + craft beer and wines, along with food service.

Spirit Halloween, 4241 S. Florida Ave.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEDDHbEFa2r/

Something wicked this way comes. Spirit Halloween – the world’s largest Halloween decor + costume store – is planning to open a seasonal location in Lakeland at 4241 S. Florida Ave. (near Big Lots). In anticipation of the holiday, the retailer plans to open 1,400 US locations + is looking to hire seasonal workers.

Stage 201, Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDt9vTAH3JT/

A pizza your heart. A new pizzeria is coming to downtown Plant City. Stage 201 will specialize in handcrafted pizza and will be located off of Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. We haven’t located an opening date but will keep you updated as we know more.

Andy’s Frozen Custard, 4046 Florida Ave. S.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CD7GiMTJE06/

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Andy’s Frozen Custard. Being in business in places all over the country since 1986, this new dessert shop is coming to south Lakeland (4046 Florida Ave. S.) is bound to make the season a little sweeter.

Plenty, 640 E. Main St.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDoZ1w2HjDf/

Feelin’ fresh. A new restaurant is headed to The Joinery (640 E. Main St.). Plenty – a food concept centered around Mediterranean-inspired whole foods skewers + plant-based bowls and plates – is taking over the stall that once housed King State Coffee. The opening date is projected for next month, but the first preview pop-up is taking place this Saturday, starting at 6 p.m., with a menu including tomatoes and toasted sourdough, organic beef kofta skewers + more. 🥬

The Back Nine, 7331 US Hwy. 98 N.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDzPOOnArre/

It’s time to par-tee, LAL. Two local elementary school teachers are bringing a 3,500 sq. ft. eatery + golf simulator center to the northside this fall called The Back Nine. Here’s what you can expect: ⁣Three golf simulators from Full Swing Golf (the company that provides simulators for the Golf Channel and the PGA tour) that give access to 40+ golf courses from around the world; a full kitchen with “An American Casual” menu (think unique burgers, sandwiches, flatbreads, plus a dessert menu + a kid’s menu); a 20+ seat bar, serving beer + wine, and eventually, other liquors. 🏌️

Mirrorton, 600 E. Bay St.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDzEKA_HfDx/

ICYMI: A 305-unit apartment and townhome community is being constructed downtown, across 13.5 acres by the Lakeland Police Station. Mirrorton will have amenities like a coffee bar, fitness center, resort-style pool, and even a pet spa. The development is expected to be complete sometime this year. You can watch a live stream of the construction process here.

Twenty Seven Tea, 213 E. Bay St.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDSVqGcoYDn/

Here’s to spilling the tea. A tea bar will be going inside of the brick-and-mortar paper goods store, Twenty Seven, in downtown Lakeland. The shop has also released its own line of loose leaf teas and will be selling hot teas, iced teas + specialty drinks for you to chai. The tea bar is expected to reopen with the shop at the beginning of September. Keep up with the Twenty Seven team on Instagram for further updates on the tea bar.

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