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Lakeland Go-To Spots for Dance Weekends ✅
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items If you’re in Lakeland for a dance convention or competition, these are my go-to spots for good food, easy stops, and small moments to unwind between routines. 🩰☀️
Map
Sections
4
Dance Weekend Eats
Between-Routines Fun
Quick Errands & Lifesavers
Calm Reset Spots
Dance Weekend Eats
These are the places I lean on during competition weekends when everyone’s hungry, time is tight, and no one wants to debate where to eat. They’re easy, reliable, and flexible — the kind of spots that work whether you’re squeezing in a meal between r...
Harry’s is one of those places that never disappoints — flavorful Southern and Cajun-inspired food, friendly service, and a fun downtown atmosphere that’s perfect after a long day at the theater. The only catch? It’s popular — so expect a bit of a wa...
Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
Nestled in a beautifully restored historic building downtown, MOJO Federal offers bold southern BBQ flavors, inviting indoor warmth and a breezy outdoor patio, plus cocktails that feel a little celebratory. From smoky brisket and the must-try onion r...
Mojo Federal Swine & Spirits
A no-stress stop during competition weekends: quick service, familiar food, and something everyone will eat.
Tijuana Flats
A sweet little stop for ice cream or a treat when you want something fun but still low-key. Great for a quick reward between routines or after awards. Located downtown, roughly 5 minutes from the RP Funding Center.
Mitchell's Coffee House
Perfect for a quick sugar fix or a fun surprise treat — simple, cheerful, and easy to work into a busy day. Downtown and close to the competition area.
Crave Cookies Lakeland
A fun, casual local spot when you want something quick but still feel like you’re eating somewhere special. Easy to please hungry kids and tired adults alike. Located downtown and about 5 minutes from the RP Funding Center.
LoveBird Almost Famous Chicken
Born & Bread Bakehouse
Between-Routines Fun
Because dance weekends aren’t just about the stage — sometimes you need a breather, a giggle, or a spot to let the kids be kids. These are my favorite places around Lakeland to unwind between routines, burn off energy, or make a few sweet family memo...
Downtown Lakeland’s Rec Room is a fun, laid-back “bar-cade” with drinks for the grown-ups and classic games for everyone — kids included! 🕹️🍹 It’s the perfect stop for a little downtime between dance sessions or an easy family night out without a l...
Rec Room
We didn’t get a chance to try this one last time, but it looked like such a fun family activity — especially for older dancers or siblings who love a challenge! Definitely on our list for next visit. 🔍🗝️
Lakeland Escape Room
Just a few minutes from the RP Funding Center, this beautiful park is perfect for a quick break between dance events. Gorgeous trails, shady spots, a playground, and even a children’s museum — it’s a peaceful reset for both moms and dancers. ✨
Bonnet Springs Park
We spent a few hours here between dance sessions, and my kids absolutely loved it! Everything is hands-on, creative, and perfect for different ages — they didn’t want to leave. I loved that it’s right inside Bonnet Springs Park, with The Depot Café a...
Florida Children's Museum
An easy, walkable area for stretching your legs, grabbing ice cream, and killing time between routines — low-key, casual, and fun.
Downtown Lakeland
I haven’t visited yet, but it’s on my list to try — it looks like a fun spot.
Selfielicious Warehouse
Quick Errands & Lifesavers
This is the section for all the “oh no, we forgot…” moments that seem to pop up during every competition weekend. Whether it’s snacks, bobby pins, tights, medicine, or just something you didn’t know you’d need until you needed it, these stops can gen...
If something gets forgotten, runs out, or suddenly feels urgent, Target usually has you covered — from snacks and tights to bobby pins and medicine. It’s one of those weekend safety net stops that can genuinely save your schedule. Most Target locatio...
Target
Perfect for those “we need this right now” moments — medicine, band-aids, makeup wipes, snacks, or a last-minute fix before heading back. Being right downtown makes it an easy stop without completely detouring your schedule.
CVS
Great for grabbing easy meals, snacks, drinks, or a quick reset stock-up during competition weekends. Publix is familiar, fast, and dependable when you don’t want to overthink food. The downtown Lakeland location is about a 5–10 minute drive from the...
Publix Super Market at Southgate Shopping Center
Calm Reset Spots
A peaceful, beautiful spot when you need a moment to breathe and reset between long dance days. It’s quiet, walkable, and perfect for slowing things down after a busy session. Located right by Lake Mirror and only about a 5-minute drive from the RP F...
Hollis Garden
A solid go-to when you want coffee, a quieter vibe, and a place to sit and regroup. It feels relaxed and grounding — ideal for a calm start to the day or a mid-afternoon pause. The downtown location is roughly 5–10 minutes from the RP Funding Center,...
Black & Brew
Predictable, calm, air-conditioned, and low-pressure — sometimes that’s exactly what you need. A good place to reset, let kids browse, and mentally regroup without spending a lot of energy. About a 10–15 minute drive from the RP Funding Center, but w...
Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Lakeland, FL