Eat Like A Local 2026

EAT LIKE A LOCAL

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Since 1997

DINE-IN•CARRY OUT ORDER ONLINE•CATERING

863.688.0045 114 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland @Palacepizzadowntown @palacepizzadwtn @palacepizzadwtn 4 | GOODFOODPOLK.COM

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EAT LIKE A LOCAL

Locals know all the best spots to wine and dine. Don’t you want to know too? Eat Like a Local is an annual dining guide chockfull of the best food around Polk County.

Whether you’re looking for a pub with great grub, a crave-worthy cheeseburger, or a restaurant with culinary delights, we’ve got you covered. Welcome to our community, newcomers and visitors. Locals, check us out for your new favorite spot. Flip through our one-of-a-kind dining guide and Eat Like a Local!

On the Cover: The Peach House 733 E Palmetto St, Lakeland Hungry? Visit us for more foodie news @goodfoodpolk 9

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LET GO, RUN WILD WITH ME… TO SAUVAGE Seed Oil Free Tapas Craft Cocktails DJ Vibes Lunch & Dinner Late Night Sunday Brunch No Reservations Needed

863.229.5977 254 W Central Ave Winter Haven, FL 33880 sauvagewh.com | eatdrinkbewild.com open 7 days a week 12 | GOODFOODPOLK.COM

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The Winter Haven Farmers Market is located along Magnolia Ave (Between 2nd Street SW and 3rd Street SW) in Downtown Winter Haven every Saturday. The Market strives to be an authentic “food first” community market supporting local growers. To fill in the gaps between growing seasons, they support a curated group of creative makers and entrepreneurs.

This healthy foodie destination is every Saturday morning from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. from September through May. The summer hours are June through August from 9 a.m. - noon. To find out which vendors will be at the market each week, be sure to follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts. That week’s vendors will be announced on Thursdays. Be sure to pick up a free market bag at the info tent every week, while supplies last.

The market began in January 2020 and is privately ran. For more information, please visit: winterhavenfarmersmarket.com

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The Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market strives to bring the community together and support small businesses with locally made products, small businesses, healthy produce, and more. The Market is located in Downtown Lakeland on North Kentucky Ave, stretching from Lemon St North to Oak St. Market hours are every Saturday from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

September through May. The summer hours are 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. from June through July. The market is closed for the entire month of August.

Parking is free on weekends in the city-owned lots, street spaces, and garages. For the best parking and easy access to the Market, choose the Oak Street parking lot at the corner of Oak and Kentucky, the Main Street Garage (entrance on Main Street), or the Heritage Plaza Garage (entrances on S. Kentucky and S. Tennessee between Orange and Lemon.)

This Market has been owned and operated by the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority since 2004.

For more information, please visit downtownlkld.com/ farmerscurbmarket.

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POLK COUNTY BURGER WEEK July 17 – 26, 2026

Whether you’re a fan of the classic burger or willing to try something a little different, Polk County Burger Week is for you!

Presented by Visit Central Florida, Good Food Polk, and Destroyer Media & Marketing, this ten-day celebration is a mouthwatering tribute to America’s most beloved comfort food.

Over fifty of restaurants across Polk County will participate, each crafting a special burger experience for the occasion. Think burger pizzas, burger desserts, and more. From patties stacked high and crazy ingredient combinations, to chef-driven delights, Burger Week promises to delight adventurous eaters and traditionalists alike.

Each participating location will feature either a budget-friendly meal or an exclusive, one-of-a-kind creation. Burger Week isn’t just about indulgence; it’s also a celebration of Polk County’s vibrant and evolving food scene. Whether you live here or are just visiting, Burger Week is the perfect excuse to get out and discover your next favorite restaurant, one juicy burger at a time.

Head over to PolkCountyBurgerWeek.com to check out the 2026 participating restaurants. Visit Facebook & Instagram @polkcountyburgerweek for photos that will leave you drooling.

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TRIPLE CROWN OF BBQ Visit Central Florida hosts the Triple Crown of BBQ every year.

This is a way for chefs to show off their skills and compete across three major competitions for a chance to take home the Triple Crown Grand Prize.

Competitions are KCBS-sanctioned (Kansas City Barbecue Society) and usually run from January through April across Polk County. The three-stage Florida Triple Crown of BBQ series features these traditional events:

1. LAKELAND PIG FEST When: January Where: Sun ‘n Fun Expo Campus, Lakeland, FL Details: This massive community event is the traditional kickoff leg of the Triple Crown.

2. RIBS ON THE RIDGE When: February Where: Lake Eva Park, Haines City, FL Details: Draws amateur and master pitmasters to compete in a weekend of live music, food, and judging.

3. PITMASTERS IN PARADISE When: April Where: Camp Margaritaville RV Resort, Auburndale, FL Details: The final stop of the series where the Triple Crown Grand Champion is officially crowned.

For more information, please visit visitcentralflorida.org/triple-crown-bbq.

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Port 27 is a must-visit destination. Nestled on the shores of Lake Hamilton, it combines waterfront dining, craft beer, live entertainment, and unforgettable sunset views in one vibrant lakeside setting.

Visitors praise its relaxed atmosphere, diverse food options, and family-friendly experiences like remote control boats rentals, water sports (including jetski, pontoon, kayak, and more). Making it a perfect stop for both locals and tourists exploring beyond the theme parks.

A true showcase of Florida hospitality and community spirit.

Scan the QR code to see all details about your next favorite spot.

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JANUARY 30 & 31, 2027 Florida’s Citrus Festival is an annual community event in Downtown Winter Haven that celebrates Polk County’s agricultural heritage. Returning to the city as a reimagined celebration, this free, family-friendly event generally takes place in late January across Central Park and features over 50 vendors, citrus-inspired foods, live music, and interactive contests.

EAT: They will have dozens of food trucks serving unique citrusinfused bites. The beer and wine tent will offer local citrus beers and local wines. The “reverse mimosa” tent will allow you to choose your own juice from a selection of local juices. Alcohol is for guests 21+.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Local bands and performers will take the main stage throughout the afternoon.

FUN COMPETITIONS: Festival-goers can sign up for the citrus pie-eating contest and the strongman juicing competition for a chance to win a trophy!

FAMILY FUN: Kids will love the “Touch-A-Tractor” experience, the historical exhibits from the Polk County Farm Bureau, and a dedicated KidZone.

ART SHOWCASE: The “Blue Ribbon Art Show” will feature pieces by local Polk County artists in all mediums.

WHERE: Central Park, 450 W Central Ave, Winter Haven, FL ORGANIZER DETAILS: Originally a massive multi-day event known as the Polk County Orange Festival, the modern version is organized by Destroyer Media & Marketing in collaboration with Visit Central Florida.

For more information, please visit Facebook & Instagram @floridascitrusfestival or head over to destroyermediaandmarketing.com.

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POLK COUNTY TACO WEEK March 2027

Polk County Taco Week is the celebration of all things taco, and trust us, this is nacho average event. For ten days, restaurants across Polk County will be serving up their most crave-worthy and flavor-packed creations. From the traditional taco we all know and love to the more creative hand-held delights, it’s your chance to support your favorite local spots, one bite at a time.

Tacos are fun, they’re versatile, and they’re totally beloved. With 40+ local restaurants participating and only ten days, you’ve got a lot of work ahead of you. From seafood and chicken to beef and pork, Taco Week will delight you and surprise you. Have you had a taco pizza? What about an ice cream taco? Our local restaurants keep surprising us every year.

This event was born from our community’s hunger for unique food events, and tacos are a no-brainer. Presented by Visit Central Florida, Good Food Polk, and Destroyer Media & Marketing.

Find more information at PolkCountyTacoWeek.com. Check their socials for mouthwatering photos on Facebook & Instagram @polkcountytacoweek.

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April 17 & 18, 2027 Blueberry farming is a growing industry in Polk County, and with so many local growers, it’s a no-brainer to highlight their hard work and delicious crops with a festival! Visit Central Florida has teamed up with Destroyer Media to bring you this fun-filled weekend.

EAT: Start your day with a pancake breakfast for charity! The food trucks will all have a special blueberry offering just for the event. Expect blueberry lemonade, cookies, BBQ, jams, ice cream, jerky, empanadas, kettle corn, and more. And of course, local blueberries! Purchase super-fresh, local berries from various local growers. “The Depot,” in the center of the park, will be stocked with ice-cold beer and wine. Get a drink, grab a table, and enjoy a break. Don’t forget to tip the bartenders!

LEARN: There will be an Agricultural Education exhibit hosted by the experts at UF/IFAS. FUN: The Family Zone offers crafts for kids, interactive inflatable games, and more. Bring the little ones for some fun; parent supervision is required.

Play Blueberry BINGO in the Senior Center. It’s free to play, with games being called throughout the day. This is a great break from the heat, and you can win prizes!

Check out the live entertainment all day on the main stage.

FUN COMPETITIONS: Sign up for the blueberry pie-eating contest, the blueberry spoon race, the blueberry toss, and more!

BLUE RIBBON ART SHOW: See local amateur artists and makers from Polk County showcase their work. Located in the lobby of the Civic Center, spend some time checking out the art and see who won Best in Show.

TAKE A BREAK: The “Quiet Room” is perfect if you or your child needs a quiet break with A/C. Expect chairs and tables, no harsh lighting, restrooms, outlets for charging your phones, and plenty of quiet.

WHERE: Downtown City Park, 119 W Park St, Auburndale, FL For more information, please visit their Facebook & Instagram pages @polkcountyblueberryfestival or head over to destroyermediaandmarketing.com.

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PEEBLES BAR-B-Q :: AUBURNDALE, FL

Central Florida’s culinary scene is where The Real Florida Magic comes to life. Discover charming local restaurants, fresh, original dishes, and some of the nation’s most acclaimed barbecue pitmasters.

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As the BBQ Capital of Florida, we’ll be hosting the Triple Crown of BBQ competition. Come for the food, stay for the attractions and unspoiled landscapes. Central Florida, where you savor every moment. Scan the QR code to see where to get your fix.

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