Friday, July 25, 2008

The Return of an Old Favorite - The Downtown Diner

We heard through the "pretty reliable grapevine" that the Downtown Diner at 126 W. Main Street will open on short order. One of the many things they'll offer is breakfast starting early in the day. Mom always said to east breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. I think she just didn't like to cook. Anyway, we'll keep you posted as we stick our noses into the Downtown Diner's business and get the details!

Friday, July 11, 2008

Don't Blink - You'll Miss Something Downtown

Downtown Lakeland's Kentucky Avenue is buzzing with new business these days.

SugaRush has opened at 121 South Kentucky Avenue. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to get rich, creamy homemade fudge and sinfully delicious Old Meeting House Ice Cream. This ice cream has up to 16% butterfat and nothing artificial. They do have other great tasting stuff for people who actually watch what they eat. A friend of mine was raving about the diet-conscious butter pecan ice cream. My bet is that Sheila and company won't rat you out if you succumb to temptation. There's probably a caloric version of the witness protection program. SugaRush has rooms to host private parties (don't just waste an ice cream party on kids!) Come visit Sheila King and her family at SugaRush.

A little further up at 115 South Kentucky, Brent Bradford is opening the Cask & Barrel Wine Shop. Whether you want a bottle of wine or a glass of wine, this is the place to do it. But, no whining. (Couldn't resist.) Wine tastings and private parties are also on the schedule. We've been eagerly awaiting the opening of this shop...lead me not into temptation, but deliver me to the Cask & Barrel! Brent's wife Lisa owns Posh Elegance Salon & Day Spa at 238 North Kentucky.

We've been pressing our little noses against the windows across the street at 128 South Kentucky wondering what was happening. Rebecca Street is opening Scrapbook Street - a scrap booking shop. Rebecca says they expect to open in September, but we're hoping she has some teasers for the August First Friday - Dog Days of Summer.

Moving north to 246 North Kentucky Avenue, Gosh! Asian Bistro is finally open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Asian cuisine finally comes downtown and we're excited! Stop by and visit manager Tien Phan and find out what exactly constitutes and Asian breakfast. Located between Lofty Ideas and Goin' Postal, and across from Mitchell's flagship coffee shop, this is a great addition to Downtown's north side.

There's always something happening in Downtown Lakeland - just come visit!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

A Great Way to Spend Sunday Afternoon

Everyone's looking for something inexpensive (free's good) and fun to do on the weekends.

This past Sunday I met some friends at the Lakeland Center for the dog agility competition. It was free and a lot of fun. The pooches were fun to watch, especially when they decided to do something other than what their masters wanted. The owners were fun to watch, too! My dogs would win the "Olympic napping in air conditioned luxury" competition. So, it was nice to see dogs interested in doing something other than rolling over to get a tummy rub.

Yes, I know it's my fault that Jack and Olive are such couch mutts, but if they were to be anything else, I'd have to exert energy. Sorry, dogs.

Anyway, Terisa, June, Beth and I enjoyed each other's company at the FREE event at the Lakeland Center. Then we adjourned to Black & Brew for a wonderful (as always) late lunch with live acoustical guitar music.

The point is... Look to Downtown for fun, inexpensive (even free) things to do with your friends. Indulge in conversation and people watching. Laugh until someone shoots iced tea (or beer) out of their nose. That's always a sign of a good time.