Publix's first supermarket is a thrift store now. George Jenkins opened his first Publix in 1930 a few blocks away on Fourth
The Best Of Polk County
The Best Of
Polk County
Curated by The Polk Squeeze
Last Updated: October 2026
The Best Of Polk highlights the top local spots, businesses, experiences, and hidden gems across Polk County — from dog parks and gyms to bookstores, markets, activities, and more.
These rankings are based on reader votes, local input, and editorial review.
Trusted by thousands of local readers each week.
Katie and I love books (and coffee); and it seems Polk County does as well. This list is one of the most
Polk County has more real history stacked into it than people expect. And most of it is free. We've got a formerly
Everybody who's thinking about moving to Polk County asks the same question before they ever pack a box. "What are the nicest
Everybody who's thinking about moving to Polk County asks the same question before they ever pack a box. "What are the nicest
Polk County has more lakes than any other county in Florida. And the lakes aren't even the best part. We've got a
Seven years ago, I walked into Polk County Animal Control and walked out with a 7-pound reason (at the time ) to
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Where To Explore In Polk County, Florida
Polk County is full of more than just great food. From scenic parks and locally owned shops to hidden gems, murals, coffee spots, farmers markets, gyms, bookstores, and weekend activities, there’s always something worth discovering across the region.
From Lakeland and Winter Haven to Bartow, Auburndale, Haines City, and beyond, The Best Of Polk highlights the places locals genuinely love spending time.
Whether you're searching for the best dog parks in Polk County, a great local gym, family-friendly activities, or unique places to explore on the weekend, our rankings showcase the spots residents consistently recommend.
We update these guides regularly based on reader votes, local input, and on-the-ground coverage from The Polk Squeeze.
FAQ
The Best Of Polk is a collection of local rankings, guides, and recommendations highlighting the best places, activities, businesses, and hidden gems across Polk County.
Our rankings are based on a combination of reader votes, local recommendations, community reputation, and editorial review from The Polk Squeeze team.
We cover everything from dog parks and gyms to bookstores, coffee shops, outdoor spots, local markets, family activities, and more across Polk County.
No. Businesses cannot pay to win or influence rankings. Sponsored content is clearly labeled, and selections are determined independently based on local feedback and coverage.
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Polk County, Florida