Sunny Central Florida » Auburndale

Local Favorites Highlights Peebles Bar-B-Q

Rebecca Thompson — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:44:09 +0000

Are you craving great barbeque?

Peebles Bar-B-Q has been serving up barbeque in Central Florida for over 50 years and has become something of a landmark to Polk County.

It is difficult to miss Peebles’ location on Old Dixie Highway in Auburndale with the aroma of southern barbeque lingering in the air. This savory scent greets guests’ noses from the moment they enter the parking lot to the second they step foot through the door.

Peebles offers the option of dine-in or take-out, and making that decision can be a tough one. The food is just as tasty either way, but to truly capture the complete experience and discover how good barbecue is meant to be eaten, dining in is a must. With a screened-porch dining area and an indoor smoke pit, it is easy to feel Peebles’ down-home atmosphere in its Old Florida setting.

Don’t mistake Peebles’ simplicity with lack of quality, though. With flavorful menu options of sliced beef, shredded pork, ribs and a recent addition of chicken, you can’t make a wrong decision. Add their signature barbeque sauce and try sides of coleslaw and baked beans for a tasty addition to complete the meal.

Grab it while it’s hot because Peebles is now open for the season. With weekend hours on Thursday-Saturday, it is the perfect time to make a visit to Peebles and discover some of Central Florida’s best barbeque for yourself.

Take a Break from Shopping and Enjoy This Weekend Full of Events

Kris Keprios — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:55:18 +0000

As Christmas gets closer, every weekend gets busier and busier with activities. This weekend is no exception with a long list of events and activities for you to enjoy (the shopping can wait another week).

Friday

First Friday: Holiday Happenings 6pm-9pm Downtown Lakeland: Shopping, Santa, Lights, Music and More
Comedy Buffet 8pm Richard’s Cafe & Deli Winter Haven Airport
Theater: “A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail” 7pm George Jenkins High School
“Magical Christmas Celebration” 7pm Along Havendale Blvd. in Auburndale
“Glitter, Glisten & Snow” 5pm-9pm New Park Complex Haines City
Lakeland Bikefest 5pm Downtown Lakeland
Main Street Creamery Car Show 6pm-9pm Downtown Lakeland
Theater: “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” 7:30pm Chain of Lakes Complex Winter Haven
Art Reception 6pm Arts on the Park Downtown Lakeland
High School Football Playoffs: Tampa Chamberlain at Lakeland 7pm Bryant Stadium

Saturday

Theater: “A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail” 2pm George Jenkins High School
Theater: “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” 7:30pm Chain of Lakes Complex Winter Haven
Opera Theater:“Amal and the Night Visitors” 2:30pm and 7:30pm Polk Theater Lakeland
Downtown Farmers Curb Market 8am-2pm Peterson Plaza Downtown Lakeland
Gingerbread Village 1pm-4pm Historic Baynard House Auburndale
Comedy: Ricky Reyes 8pm Bonkerz Comedy Club and Blue Moon Lounge Lakeland
Santa’s Holiday Bash 1pm-3:30pm Auburndale Civic Center
Chain of Lakes Holiday Boat Parade 6:30pm Begins at Lake May in Winter Haven
Christmas Parade 10am Begins at Eighth and Leadwith in Haines City
Art and Kids: Family Fun Workshop 10:30am Polk Museum of Art Lakeland
Snowfest 10am-2pm Lake Mirror Complex Lakeland
Farmers Market 8am-2pm North Blount Park Bartow
Auto Racing: 6pm Auburndale Motor Speedway
Art Reception 11am Polk Museum of Art Lakeland
Art reception 6:30pm Chain of Lakes Complex Winter Haven

Sunday

Theater: “The Last Night of Ballyhoo” 2:30pm Chain of Lakes Complex Winter Haven
Bartow Adult Concert Band 2:30pm Bartow Civic Center Bartow

“Git R Done” This Weekend And More

Kris Keprios — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:02:47 +0000

By the clever headline, I am sure that you guessed Larry the Cable Guy is in town this weekend. You are correct! The comedian will be performing two shows only on Friday night at The Lakeland Center’s Youkey Theater, one at 7pm and the other at 9:30pm. Believe it or not, there are some tickets ($42.50)still available, so if you want to go, get them now. Larry the Cable Guy’s Friday night appearance will kick off a great weekend around Central Florida.

Here are some other events throughout the weekend:

Friday

Larry the Cable Guy 7pm and 9:30pm Youkey Theater, The Lakeland Center
Live Music: Florida Southern College Band 6:30pm Branscomb Auditorium FSC, Lakeland
Bluegrass and BBQ Festival 6pm-10pm IMC-Agrico Park Bartow
Quilts and Teas Festival 9am-3pm Historic District Davenport
Theater: “Barefoot in the Park” 8pm Clay Cut Centre Haines City
Theater: “Cotton Patch Gospel” 7:30pm Polk Theater Lakeland

Saturday

Bluegrass and BBQ Festival Noon-5pm IMC-Agrico Park Bartow
Theater: “Barefoot in the Park” 8pm Clay Cut Centre Haines City
Theater: “Cotton Patch Gospel” 7:30pm Polk Theater Lakeland
Quilts and Teas Festival 9am-3pm Historic District Davenport
Downtown Farmers Curb Market 8am-2pm Peterson Plaza, Downtown Lakeland
Suncoast Gun Show 9am-5pm The Lakeland Center
Kids: Ancestors and Heroes Day 10am Explorations V Children’s Museum Lakeland
Farmers Market 8am-2pm North Blount Park Bartow
Auto Racing: 6pm Auburndale Motor Speedway Auburndale

Sunday

Theater: “Barefoot in the Park” 2:30pm Clay Cut Centre Haines City
Theater: “Cotton Patch Gospel” 2:30pm Polk Theater Lakeland
Suncoast Gun Show 9am-4pm The Lakeland Center
Concert: The Coasters and The Drifters 1pm Cypress Gardens Winter Haven

Out and About: Caution! BUSY Weekend Ahead

Kris Keprios — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:57:01 +0000

There will be no shortage of things to do around Central Florida this weekend, that is for sure. With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, that certainly adds some events to the calendar, but there is a lot more going on than just Halloween events (we will list those events in a separate post later). The big event this weekend is happening at Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland. Water, Wings & Wild Things: Polk Naturefest 2008will celebrate nature AND the Grand Opening of the new educational center at Circle B. It is a free event and will feature lots of activities for kids and adults. There will be free air boat rides on Lake Hancock, Birdhouse Building, Kite Making and native Florida wildlife among many other workshops and activities. It will be from 10am-2pm, so get there early so you can experience it all!

Here is the rest of the long list of things to do this weekend:

Friday

Live Music: Snafu Band 9pm Holiday Inn Lakeland South Lakeland
Florida International Jet Rally 9am-4:30pm Lake Wales Airport Lake Wales
Imperial Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert 8pm Lake Mirror Promenade Lakeland
Florida Home Show 11am-8pm The Lakeland Center Lakeland
Theater: “Pirates of Penzance” 7:30pm Harrison Arts Center Lakeland
Fall Festival (Open Normal Park Hours) Cypress Gardens Winter Haven

Saturday

Water, Wings & Wild Things 10am-2pm Circle B Bar Reserve Lakeland
Florida International Jet Rally 9am-4:30pm Lake Wales Airport Lake Wales
Florida Home Show 10am-8pm The Lakeland Center Lakeland
Theater: “Pirates of Penzance” 7:30pm Harrison Arts Center Lakeland
“A Night at the Opera” 7:30pm Bush Chapel Southeastern University Lakeland
“Rockabilly US Music Show” 7pm Youkey Theater The Lakeland Center
Death by Chocolate 7pm-9pm Polk Museum of Art Lakeland
Pioneer Day 8am Fort Meade Historical Museum Ft. Meade
Downtown Farmers Curb Market 8am-2pm Peterson Plaza Downtown Lakeland
Farmers Market 8am-2pm North Blount Park Bartow
Auto Racing: Auburndale Motor Speedway 6pm Auburndale
Fall Festival (Open Normal Park Hours) Cypress Gardens Winter Haven

Sunday

Florida International Jet Rally 9am-4:30pm Lake Wales Airport Lake Wales
Florida Home Show 10am-6pm The Lakeland Center Lakeland
Theater: “Pirates of Penzance” 2pm Harrison Arts Center Lakeland
Live Music: Bartow Adult Concert Band 2:30pm Bartow Civic Center Bartow

Out and About: A Lot Going on this Weekend

Kris Keprios — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:07:25 +0000

You may have noticed a little hiatus for our regular “Out and About” post of things for you to do around Central Florida on the weekend. Well, I really don’t have a good excuse except that it has been pretty hectic around here. So, now that the apology is aside, we had to get this week’s post of “Out and About” up because there is a lot you would miss if we didn’t.

The main event you should have on your calendar for the weekend is happening in Lakeland. The 11th Annual Hispanic Festival of Polk County will take place from Noon until 8pm on Saturday at the Lake Mirror Promenade in Downtown Lakeland. Last year this event brought more than 20,000 people to the Lake Mirror Promenade and it promises to be just as exciting this year. The event, put on by the Hispanic Club of Lakeland, will feature music, dancing, great Hispanic foods like empanadas and Cuban sandwiches and there will be Lakeland Police Department K-9 demonstrations, martial arts demonstrations, games and performances all day long (too many to list here). Make sure you get out there at some point on Saturday because it is a unique event that you don’t want to miss and the best part is, it is FREE!

Here are some other options for you around Central Florida this weekend:

Friday

Comedy: Unpland Improv 7pm and 9pm Mi Casa Cafe, Southeastern University Lakeland
Comedy: Comedy Buffet 8pm 254 W. Central Ave., Winter Haven
Monster Truck Thunderslam Motorsport Spectacular 7:30pm Lakeland Center, Jenkins Arena
Cracker Storytelling Festival 9am-3pm Homeland Heritage Park Ft. Meade
Ghost Stories 7pm-9pm Polk County Historical Museum Bartow

Saturday

Dowtown Farmers Curb Market 8am-2pm Peterson Building Plaza, Downtown Lakeland
Hispanic Festival Noon-8pm Lake Mirror Promenade Lakeland
Antique Fair 8am-3pm Main Street Bartow
Cracker Storytelling Festival 9am-3pm Homeland Heritage Park Ft. Meade
Farmers Market 8am-2pm North Blount Park Bartow
Auto Racing: 6pm Auburndale Speedway
Monster Truck Thunderslam Motorsport Spectacular 7:30pm Lakeland Center, Jenkins Arena

Sunday

Ballroom Dancing: Fellowship of Ballroom Dancers 3pm-6pm First Presbyterian Church Lakeland

4th of July Event Guide

Kris Keprios — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:18:16 +0000

With the Fourth of July just a few days away, it is time for you to decide where you will go to watch fireworks light up the sky. There are several places in Sunny Central Florida with Fourth of July celebrations, so we decided to make it easy for you. Here is a list of places to celebrate:

Cypress Gardens: (All Weekend) Fireworks, night ski show and live music on the lakeside.

Bartow: July 4th Extravaganza – At Bartow’s IMC Park; Thursday, July 3: Community bbq with special guest US Congressman Adam Putnam – 5:30pm-7pm; Friday, July 4: 2:30pm-9:30pm – Patriotic music, Police K-9 demonstrations, Military tributes, gospel music and fireworks.

Lakeland: Thursday, July 3 – Central Florida Eurocars presents: Red, White & Kaboom! – Free fireworks and live music for the whole family. 6-9:30pm at Lake Mirror Promenade. Live music by Lee Sabler and CitiHeat.

Lakeland: Friday, July 4: Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Fort Myers Miracle – 5pm – Fireworks following the game.

Haines City: Friday, July 4 – Noon-10pm at Lake Eva Park: “Thunder on the Ridge” – One of Polk County’s largest fireworks displays and a concert by Aaron Tippin starting at 7:30pm. Also: Watermelon eating contests, shopping, food vendors and more.

Winter Haven: Thursday, July 3 – 7pm at Lake Silver: “Rock N’ Freedom Fest” – live bands, fun and games for children and fireworks at 9:30pm.

Lake Alfred: Friday, July 4 – Lions Park in Lake Alfred – The day includes a fishing tournament, live performances, activities for children, food and fireworks.

Bok Tower:Friday, July 4 – Bok Tower Gardens hosts “Independence Day Carillon Concerts” with shows at 1pm and 3pm. The concerts are included in park admission; all military (active and retired) admitted free with military ID.

Lake Wales: Saturday, July 5 – “Fourth of July on the Fifth!” – Lake Wales Park: 10am-9pm – The event features a DJ, food and fireworks that begin at 9pm.

Frostproof: Friday, July 4 – “Wall Street Park Celebration” – All day event includes a parade, live entertainment, food and fireworks at 9pm.

Auburndale: Friday, July 4 – Fireworks at 9:15 over Lake Ariana

Dundee: Friday, July 4 – “Light up the Shores of Lake Marie” – 5:30pm – Fireworks at 9:30pm – Also includes food vendors, and children’s activities.

No matter where you go or how you celebrate, have a safe and fun Fourth of July.

Out and About: Jars of Clay at Cypress Gardens This Weekend

Kris Keprios — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:13:44 +0000

Summer is officially here and that means it is a great time of year for outdoor concerts. Cypress Gardens kicks off the summer this weekend as they host three great Christian bands: Jars of Clay (three time Grammy award winning Jars of Clay, that is), Need to Breathe and Building 429. The show starts at 6:30 and reserved seats are still available. As always your park admission includes the concert, but reserved seats will cost you a little more.

Here are some more fun events and happenings to keep you busy this weekend. Get out there and enjoy! Check back here early next week for a special edition of “Out and About” with your guide to Fourth of July events in Sunny Central Florida.

Friday

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Cubs - 7pm – Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
Live Music: Fever Band – 8:30pm – Best Western Admiral’s Inn, Winter Haven
Arts and Crafts Event – 11am-1:30pm – Chain of Lakes Complex, Winter Haven

Saturday

Concert: Jars of Clay – 6:30pm – Cypress Gardens, Winter Haven
Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Cubs - 6pm (Fireworks Following)- Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
Downtown Farmers Curb Market - 8am-2pm – Peterson Building, Downtown Lakeland
Suncoast Gun Show - 9am-5pm – The Lakeland Center, Lakeland
Sportscard Show – 9am-4pm – Howard Johnson Hotel – Lakeland
Bikefest – 4pm-9pm – Railroad Park, Haines City
Concert: Southbound Band – 7:30pm – Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
Eagle Lake Hometown Festival – 11am-9pm – Railroad Park, Eagle Lake
Classic Car Cruise In – 5:30pm-9pm – Burger King, South Lakeland (Harden Blvd)
Farmers Market – 8am-2pm – North Blount Park, Bartow
Auto Racing – 6pm – Auburndale Motor Speedway

Sunday

Lakeland Flying Tigers vs. Daytona Cubs - 6pm- Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland
Suncoast Gun Show - 9am-4pm – The Lakeland Center, Lakeland

Out and About:Jaguars Loose in Downtown Lakeland And More This Weekend

Kris Keprios — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:43:07 +0000

Not those kind of Jaguars. The Jaguars that we are referring to run just as fast as the real thing, but are a little easier to look at up close. The Jaguar Club of Florida car show will be going on Saturday at the Lake Mirror Promenade from 10am-3pm Saturday. It looks like it is going to be a nice weekend to get out and enjoy the cars and have a good time-especially if you need to get your fix of looking at show cars between now and October. This event is going to be a great tune up for the Lake Mirror Auto Classic.

Also happening this weekend around Sunny Central Florida:

Friday

Comedy: Ricky Reyes – 9pm – Coconuts Comedy Club, Howard Johnson, Lakeland

Comedy: Comedy Buffet – 8pm – 254 W. Central Ave. (Across from the Ritz Theatre), Winter Haven

Art Reception – 6pm – Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland

Saturday

Jaguar Club of Florida Car Show - 10am-3pm – Lake Mirror Promenade, Lakeland

Live Music: Street Level Jazz – 7:30pm – Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales

Downtown Farmers Curb Market - 8am-2pm – Peterson Building Plaza, Downtown Lakeland

Sportscard Show – 9am-4pm – Howard Johnson Hotel, Lakeland

Farmers Market – 8am-2pm – North Blount Park – Bartow

Auto Racing – 6pm – Auburndale Motor Speedway, Auburndale

Art Reception – 11am – Polk Museum of Art, Lakeland

Comedy: Ricky Reyes – 9pm – Coconuts Comedy Club, Howard Johnson, Lakeland

King of the Wings

Kris Keprios — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:33:41 +0000

Tonight marked the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s annual business after hours “King of the Wings” Luau. As a wing connoisseur, I made my way to the contest and it was quite popular with a very large turnout. Most of the “big” wing places in Lakeland were on hand to give out samples of their best wings and sauces. In the end, only one restaurant could take home the title of “King of the Wings” for Lakeland and this year it was Wing House. They beat out their arch rival Hooters and other wing restaurants like Kazbors Grille, Gators, Beef o Brady’s and Ale Gators. I was a little disappointed though because my favorite Polk County wing place, Winners Circle, was not on hand to defend their title. The event sparked an idea for me, so with apologies to David Letterman for only doing a Top 5 and not a Top 10, here are my top 5 places for wings in Polk County. I must admit, I haven’t tried every wing place in Polk County, so please feel free to add your top five to the list.

#1 – Winners Circle (Lakeland): If you go to Winners Circle and leave without trying their “Vegas” wings, you are missing out.

#2 – Hurricane Grill and Wings (Winter Haven): This is a close second (about as close as it can get). I have been eating Winners Circle wings for a long time and Hurricane Grill and Wings in Winter Haven is relatively new, so I think after a while they might take over #1. They have over 30 wing flavors and I haven’t tried one that I didn’t like. My favorite is the Garlic Parmesan.

#3 – Beef o Brady’s (Locations throughout Polk County): Beef’s, as everyone calls it, is kind of like the old standard. You always know what you are going to get and their wings are always good. They aren’t flashy with hundreds of flavors (although they do have a feww new ones), but they are always consistantly good. Beef’s is always the place to go when you have a big party and need to order lots of wings and get them quick.

#4 – All Star Grill (Haines City and Lake Wales): Maybe I am a wing “purist” (is there such a thing?), but I usually don’t order boneless wings. I definiterly make an exception when it comes to All Star’s boneless wings. Easily the best boneless wings I have ever had. I don’t think they are lying with their tagline of “The Best Boneless Wings on the Planet”. Although, I could be wrong, maybe there is a great boneless wing place in Kazakhstan or Iceland I have never tried.

#5 – Bedrock Cafe (Lakeland and Bartow): Very good wings and a good variety of flavors to choose from. If you are a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, you need to be at the Lakeland location on Sunday afternoons in the Fall as it turns into Heinz Field South.

So, there is my top 5. The list is always growing and changing, so add your favorites and places I didn’t mention so I can try them too.