Polk Museum of Art’s annual Mayfaire by-the-Lake fine art festival is a great reason to plan a weekend getaway to Lakeland. This free, 2-day festival was ranked 36th by Sunshine Artist Magazine in 2019. Mayfaire by-the-Lake takes place on shores of Lake Morton, May 8 and 9, 2021. Here’s the top 5 things to do while you’re in Lakeland.
Things to Do Before & After Mayfaire by-the-Lake
Mother’s Day weekend should be relaxing, so our suggestions below are within 1-mile of Lake Morton. Bring your bikes!
Attend Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market
Our local makers and artisans can be found in downtown Lakeland every Saturday morning, and Farmers Curb Market is something you don’t want to miss. You’ll find art, jewelry, plants, kitchenware and décor, clothing, and accessories. Popular food and beverage vendors include DOU Bakehouse (French macaroons), Krazy Kombucha, Honeycomb Bread Bakers, Greenhouse Acai, and Orlando City Pasta.
Downtown is also hosting a Buena Market’s Block Party on Saturday night.
Take a Driving Tour of Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture
The largest one-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture is right here in Lakeland, on the campus of Florida Southern College. While the College is closed to visitors (COVID-19 safety precautions), you can still admire most of the 13 spectacular buildings on campus. Florida Southern College is only about a mile away from Mayfaire by-the-Lake.
Walk Through Hollis Garden
Hollis Garden is a botanical display garden with over 10,000 flowers, ornamental shrubs, and native trees. The neo-classical architectural environment is in Lake Mirror Park (downtown Lakeland) and includes patterned flower beds, public art, and ornamental fountains. The Garden, open to the public, is open on weekends from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Take a Mural Tour
Be sure to read our blog post about Instagram worthy murals in Lakeland. Most of the murals we highlight are in the downtown and Dixieland area.
Sign Up for Mayfaire 5K
Lakeland Runners Club will host the 42nd Annual Mayfaire 5K Road Race & Walk on Saturday, May 8 at 7:00 p.m. The USATF certified course takes runners and walkers from downtown Lakeland through the historic Lake Morton district. Runners will be placed into corrals based on their bib number to help everyone follow local COVID safety protocols.
Restaurants Near Lake Morton
Have Breakfast or Lunch in Dixieland
Eat and drink like a local in Dixieland, a Lakeland neighborhood known for cool vintage shops and great food. Grab coffee at Concord Coffee, breakfast or lunch at Good Thyme LKLD, and enjoy brunch or dinner at Cob & Pen. Both restaurants have gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
We highly suggest you make time for Born & Bread Bakehouse! This bakery is open on Saturday and has been featured in Food & Wine, USA Today, and Bake Magazine.
Downtown Restaurants within Walking Distance of Mayfaire by-the-Lake
You’ll find plenty of restaurants in the downtown area, including Nineteen61, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, Black & Brew Coffee House & Bistro, Mitchell’s Coffee House, and Cafe Roti. Revival, on Kentucky Ave., is a fabulous cocktail bar, and we also recommend Red Door Lakeland (near Mayfaire by-the-Lake) and The Poor Porker.
Where to Stay During Mayfaire by-the-Lake
Stay close to Mayfaire by-the-Lake by booking a room at one of the following hotels:
About Mayfaire by-the-Lake
This year, more than 150 artists will be showcasing their work across 13 different media, from ceramics, painting, and woodwork to photography, sculpture, glass, and more.
While admiring artists’ work, festival visitors can also stop by the Library lawn to take in live musical performances and dine at specialty food trucks, which will provide a wide range of delectable options for everyone to enjoy. In addition, Mayfaire will offer free art activities for children of all abilities, and Polk Museum of Art will be open to all guests to tour the Museum’s newest and largest-ever exhibition, “Toulouse-Lautrec and the Belle Époque.” Capacity will be monitored throughout the galleries; to guarantee admission, make your reservation online at polkmuseumofart.org/signup.
Feature Photo Caption: R.L. Alexander, ‘Procession of the Swan Queen,’ Oil on panel, 2021 Mayfaire by-the-Lake Featured Image.
