Visit Central Florida

02/24/2025

☀️ Spring Break is right around the corner! Have you started planning yet? Check out our Family-Friendly Central Florida Spring Break Ideas list for 2025 to plan the best vacation for your family! 🌴🎢

Start your adventure today 👉 https://visitcentralflorida.org/blog/family-friendly-central-florida-spring-break-ideas/

📍: LEGOLAND Florida
📸: IG

02/21/2025

Play ball! ⚾🐯 Spring Training for the Detroit Tigers kicks off TOMORROW! 🎉 Grab the family, get your tickets, and make some unforgettable memories at the ballpark! 🎟️

📍: Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, FL
📸: IG | Detroit Tigers

02/17/2025

Rooted in Flavor presents an exciting new culinary series with Pitmaster Chad Ward from Whiskey Bent BBQ! 🔥 In this 3-part video series, Chad will guide you through preparing a Reverse Seared Rib Eye, Grilled Grouper Sandwich, and Cuban Hand Pie. We’re also thrilled to see Chad using the brand-new Visit Central Florida seasoning, The Grove, in his recipes. 🍊 Don't miss out on these delicious flavors!

To purchase The Grove ➡️ whiskeybentbbq.com

02/16/2025

As the smoke clears from an exciting weekend, we are thrilled to announce the winners of the second annual TRIPLE CROWN of BBQ! 🏆

Huge congratulations to the masters of the grill who dominated in the Chicken, Brisket, Pork, and Ribs categories, and a special shoutout to our overall Grand Champion, Fred Vegas Smokers! 🔥🥇 Here are the winners:

Grand Champion: Fred Vegas Smokers
Reserve Grand Champion: Poppa Pig
Chicken: Poppa Pig
Brisket: Fred Vegas Smokers
Pork: Good Googly Goo BBQ
Ribs: Sloppy Hogs

A heartfelt thank you to all participants, volunteers, and attendees! Until next year, keep those grills fired up! 🔥

02/15/2025

🍊 It's peak season for pineapple-oranges at Ridge Island Groves! Gather your family and friends and come enjoy the fun of picking your own fresh Florida oranges ☀️
📍: Ridge Island Groves in Haines City, FL
📅: Open for u-pick Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm

02/13/2025

Who will claim the crown? 👑🔥 The second annual TRIPLE CROWN of BBQ is happening this weekend! Don’t miss out—get the details here ➡️ https://visitcentralflorida.org/triple-crown-bbq/

🔥 The Florida Triple Crown 👑 of BBQ – The Final Showdown! 🔥 As we approach the last leg of THE FLORIDA TRIPLE CROWN of BBQ, where the best teams fight for the $1,500 grand prize, WE WANT TO WISH EVERYONE GOOD LUCK! 🏆🔥 With just one contest left in Haines City, FL on Feb 14-15, 2025, it’s time to see who comes out on top!

The Top 5️⃣ Overall Contenders Right Now: 👇
1. Fred Vegas Smokers
2. Poppa Pig
3. Good Googly Goo BBQ
4. Peach Coast BBQ
5. K & E’s Little Smokers

The Top Contenders Per Category 👇
🍗 Chicken 1. Poppa Pig
🦴 Ribs 1. Peach Coast BBQ
🍖 Pork 1. Good Googly Goo BBQ
🥩 Brisket 1. Brisket Fred Vegas Smokers

Don’t miss this exciting cookoff as the fierce competition culminates in the ultimate BBQ showdown at the **17th Annual Ribs on the Ridge**! 🍖🔥

02/12/2025

Countdown’s on! ⏳ In just 10 DAYS, the Detroit Tigers take the field for Spring Training in Lakeland! 🐅⚾️ The excitement is building—don’t miss out! Get your tickets today ➡️ https://visitcentralflorida.org/events/detroit-tigers-spring-training/

📸: IG |

02/11/2025

Fall in love with Lakeland this Valentine's Day! 🩷 Here’s how you and your Valentine can spend the holiday:

☕ Sip a holiday coffee at Pressed LKLD
💐 Pick the perfect bouquet at Bloom Shakalaka
🌳 Enjoy a lovely stroll through Bonnet Springs Park
🍸 Dinner at Nineteen61 and drinks Vasco Sixty-One
🏨 Stay at The Terrace Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

IG Photo Credit: 1 b.rayphoto | 3 .shakalaka | 4

02/10/2025

Don’t miss the Tampa Bay Rowdies vs CF Montréal at Lake Myrtle Sports Park on February 15, 2025! ⚽️ Game starts at 6pm, and entry is FREE! Come out and cheer on your team! ⚡️

Get ready for an epic game! ⚽️ Tampa Bay Rowdies vs CF Montréal this Saturday at Lake Myrtle Sports Park in Auburndale, Florida. Perfect time to cheer for your favorite team, don't you miss the excitement!⚽🏃‍♂Who's coming? 📣

02/05/2025

A new year signals the return of barbecue festivals in Central Florida 🔥 Check out our blog for all the can't-miss BBQ events coming your way! ⬇️🍖

Eat mouthwatering barbecue at annual festivals including Lakeland PigFest, Smoke on the Water and Ribs on the Ridge during your Central Florida vacation.

02/03/2025

Spring is in full bloom at Bok Tower Gardens 🌸 Visit each week between now and April 30th to experience new blooms! 🌷

📸: IG .doodle.dog | Bok Tower Gardens

02/01/2025

2 MONTHS until the 51st Annual SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo! ✈️ There is so much to see! What are you most looking forward to?

📍: Lakeland, FL
📸: SUN 'n FUN

01/27/2025

Let the fun begin at the Florida Children's Museum! 🧩 Where play, creativity, and learning come together for endless adventures with your best friends!

📍: Florida Children's Museum in Lakeland, FL
📸: IG

01/25/2025

BBQ season is here! Head over to Pigfest today for some incredible BBQ! 🐷🔥 Don’t miss out on the sizzling fun – check out all the details here ➡️ https://visitcentralflorida.org/events/lakeland-pigfest/

📸: lkldlense

01/23/2025

Get ready to swing into Spring Training with the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland! 🐅⚾️

There's less than ONE month until the action begins, so start planning your ultimate Spring Training trip today! 🌴⬇️

Here are some of the top things to do in Lakeland, Florida while visiting for a Tigers Spring Training game.

01/15/2025

Go get your fresh squeezed Central Florida orange juice today! 🍊🧡

Happy National Fresh Squeezed Juice Day! 🎉

Central Florida is the perfect place for fresh squeezed Orange Juice! 🍊

Sample some orange juice EVERYDAY at Central Florida’s Welcome Center in Davenport.

Make sure to stop by the Welcome Center during National Fresh Squeezed Juice Week (January 19 – January 25) to get a FREE pint of fresh squeezed orange juice! 🥳

TODAY you can head to our local grove, Ridge Island Groves, in Haines City to purchase pints, half gallons and gallons of your favorite fresh squeezed orange juice. 🧡

01/13/2025

Sun, fun, and relaxation – Camp Margaritaville Auburndale is calling your name! 🌴☀️

📍: Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
📸: IG |