NEWS

The information below is believed to be accurate, but not warranted.  This information may have errors, omissions and is subject to change without notice.

Villa Sorrento is nestled in between many well known Central Florida attractions and even more undiscover attractions such as the Polk county downtown historic district. 

Only a twenty minutes drive away, Lakeland's legenday downtown historic district is one of Central Floridas best kept secret.  Home to art galleries, antique and specialty shops, diverse culinary restraurants and distinctive pubs.  One of the most undiscovered locations, even amongst the locals, is the atmospheric Polk Theatre and the largest collection of Frank Llyd Wright aschitecture at Florida Southern College. 

Here is a list of the top 10 places to experience while visiting Lakeland's downtown historic district:

1. DOWN TOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT WITH MUNN PARK: Ch arming Lakeland’s Historic Downtown District. With more than 60 antique and specialty shops, eat at one of the many diverse restaurants, explore the rich culture and historic architecture of Charles Wellford Leavitt’s City Beautiful Movement (many on the National Registry of Historic Places) or just sit and enjoy the sunshine on a bench in beautiful downtown Munn Park .
2. LAKE MIRROR PARK -HOLLIS GARDEN/ BANNET FAMILY PARK: Lake Mirror Park is located ont he edge of the downtown district and lures visitors with the quiet beauty and formality of Hollis Garden, beautiful sculptures in the park centered around Albert's Paley's "Tribute to the Volunteer Spirit", enjoyment of entertainment at the amphitheatre and the interactive play area of Barnett Family Park.
3. FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE/ FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT ARCHITECTURE: Florida Southern College is home to the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright "Child of the Sun" architecture.  11 Lake Hollingsworth Drive (Call for more information 863-680-4111)
4. LEMON STREET OUTDOOR SCULPTURES: Continually changing artworks of outdoor sculptures along beautifully landscaped downtown Lemon Street.
5. Exploration V Children's Museum: Exploration V is a hands-on, fun-filled adventure in learning for children and families. Three floors of mind-stretching, kid-powered exhibits fueled by creativity.  121 North Kentucky Avenue (Call for more information 863-687-3869)
6. ANTIQUARIAN RESTAURANT: "The place where eating is the centerpiece of exchange and intimacy" Located in the Historic Studbaker Building, this unique gourmet restaurant celebrating twenty years in downtown Lakeland, offers extraordinary dinning in an art gallery, showcasing local artists with the best in live Jazz every weekend.  211 East Bay Street  (Call for more information 863-682-1059)
7. POLK THEATRE: Originally built in 1927 as a vaudeville and movie house, the Polk Theatre is one of the last remaining atmospheric theatres in the state.  121 South Florida Avenue (Call for more information 863-682-8227)
8. ARTS ON THE PARK: Art gallery overlooking Munn Park offering visual arts, theatre, poetry, music performances and juried art shows.  115 North Kentucky Avenue   (Call for more information 863-680-2787)
9. POLK MUSEUM OF ART: Housed in an impressive two story brick and marble building, features nine galleries on two floors and has a dynamic changing exhibition schedule that includes Contemporary American Art, Asian Art, European Decorative Art and a permanent display of Pre-Culumbian Artifacts.   800 East Palmetto Street  (Call for more information 863-688-7743)
10. VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER AT LAKELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:  Here you can find brochourse on local and Central Florida attractions, and information on upcoming events.  35 Lake Morton Drive  (Call for more information 863-688-8551)

For more information about the Lakeland Historic District log to www.lmna.org/about/