There's no place like Lakeland, but we also love getting out of town to explore the Tampa Bay area (hey, TBAYtoday 👋). Here's how we would plan a weekend trip to see Tampa and St. Petersburg like a Lakelander.

Brunch
Start the day with brunch at Datz (2616 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa). Like Black & Brew, there's something sweet and savory on the menu for everyone.

Get your local shopping done, no matter where you are. | Photos by @thelaltoday and @saturdaymorningmarket.stpete

Shopping
Missing the Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market doesn't mean you can't get fresh produce and unique finds. Shop from local TBAY makers and enjoy live music at the St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market (230 1st St. SE, St. Petersburg).

Coffee
Lakelanders know that no day is complete without coffee. Concord Coffee loyalists will find a home at Oxford Exchange's Buddy Brew Coffee (420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa), while Hillcrest Coffee fanatics might find a similar vibe at Black Crow Coffee (2161 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg).

Event
Already missing the Lakeland Christmas Parade? Get your festive fix by scheduling your stay during the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade on the Tampa Riverwalk on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.

Catch a live music set at these creative venues. | Photos by @swanbrewing and @__avamiguel

Entertainment
If you can't get enough of live music at Union Hall or Swan Brewing, check out a live show at Jannus Live (200 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg), an outdoor concert venue with an underground vibe.

Dinner
After the parade or a performance, get a taste of Tampa's fine dining scene. Fans of Nineteen61 will enjoy On Swann (1501 W. Swann Ave., Tampa) for its seasonal menu and craft cocktails.

Stay the night in a stylish hotel straight from the history books. | Photos by @terracehotellakeland and @thetbaytoday

Hotel
Need a place to rest your head after a day on the town? Check out the Floridan Palace (905 N. Florida Ave., Tampa), a historic downtown hotel, similar to Lakeland's Terrace Hotel.

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