Best Theatre

Theatre Winter Haven

210 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

(863) 294-7469

FB @TheatreWinterHaven

theatrewinterhaven.com

Our beloved Theatre Winter Haven has been going strong since 1970 producing award-winning shows.  Pre-COVID, TWH produced six shows every season, often performing to a sold-out audience.  For now, you can support the arts at the Stadium Events held every Friday at the Chain O’ Lakes Stadium.  These socially-distanced concerts will get your toes tapping and start your weekend off with a smile.  Purchase tickets online.

2nd: The Ritz Theatre

3rd: Lake Wales Little Theatre

Best Park

Circle B Bar Reserve

4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland

(863) 668-4673

polknature.com/explore/circle-b-bar-reserve

Set on 1,267 acres of nature reserves, this former cattle ranch has been the favorite spot for nature photographers from all over Florida.  On the northwest shore of Lake Hancock, Circle B offers paved parking, hiking trails, picnic shelters, and some of the best bird-watching spots in Central Florida.  Watch out for the alligators, some of them are very large.  Open year-round.

2nd: Chain of Lakes Downtown Trailhead Park

3rd: Central Park

Best Movie Theater

Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas IMAX

5500 Grandview Pkwy, Davenport

(863) 547-0480

FB: Cinépolis (5500 Grandview Parkway, Davenport, FL)

cinepolisusa.com/locations/cinepolis-polk-co-imax

It’s no surprise they were voted the best!  This 9-screen upscale theater offers some of the most comfortable seats around.  Along with a full bar, you can order fancy snacks like their signature Prosciutto Truffle Flatbread or gourmet caramel popcorn to take to your seats. Watch a movie on the IMAX screen for a truly enhanced experience.  This location is temporarily closed due to COVID.  Stay up to date on reopening info online.  

2nd:Regal Eagle Ridge Mall

3rd:Cobb Grand 10 Cinemas

Best Place for Live Music

Tanners Lakeside

1006 Lake Howard Dr SW, Winter Haven

(863) 662-5948

FB @TannersLakeside

IG @tannerslakeside

tannerslakeside.com

Your pick for the best place for live music is a triple threat.  Not only do they have the best bands playing on the weekends, but they also offer a beautiful view of the lake and a full-service restaurant and bar.  Check out the schedule online or on their Facebook page for dates and times.  Tanners also offers weekly specials, tournaments, and happy hours, find more info on FB. 

2nd:Jensen’s Corner Bar

3rd:Gram Parsons’ Derry Down

Best Art Gallery

Lake Wales Art Center

1099 FL-60 E, Lake Wales

(863) 676-8426

FB @LakeWalesArtsCouncil

IG @lakewalesartscouncil

lakewalesartscouncil.org

The Michael Crews Gallery inside the former church built in 1927, has been home to world-class art exhibits and live music.  Named after a Lake Walean known for his love of the arts, the gallery hosts several shows per year.  Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year.  Kids of all ages can join their online, on-demand classes on YouTube.  

2nd:Polk State Winter Haven Fine Arts Gallery

3rd: Ridge Art Association

Best Public Art Piece

“The Calm” Mural by David De La Mano & Pablo S. Herrero

225 Avenue B N.W., Winter Haven (west side of Heartland Church)

Depicting the silhouette of a whale – underbelly veined with white roots or bramble, with smaller figures riding it’s back – “The Calm” is part of a revitalization project spearheaded by Six/Ten. The over 60-foot long mural was completed by Spanish artists David De La Mano and Pablo S. Herrero whose work can be seen from Norway, Peru, Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, Taiwan, Paris, Spain, The UK, and Florida.   

2nd: Outer Space Art Gallery Mural

3rd: Central Park Fountain

Best Visual Artist

Trent Manning

FB @trentmanning.artist

IG @t.m.studio

trentmanningstudio.com

Winter Haven-based mixed media artist, Trent Manning is internationally known for his distinct eerie otherworldly style. His work has a dark whimsicality with narratives attached to each collection. “My art is very much a reflection of my personality: a somewhat disillusioned cynic, with an odd sense of humor, who still clings tightly to his inner child,” Manning remarked.

2nd:Cathy Hall

3rd:Sharon Creedon

Best Wedding Venue

Adams Estate

2222 Lake Alfred Rd, Lake Alfred

(863) 450-0220

FB @TheAdamsEstate

IG @adamsestate

adamsestate.com

What better place to join lives with your best friend than overlooking a Lake Alfred sunset on a brick-paved terrace backdropped by the stunning Adams Estate? Originally a private residence passed down through the generations, the property is now open to make your event timeless. The well-groomed classic space boasts a bridal suite, grooms cottage, estate house, terrace, and wedding garden. The Adams Estate even has four charming cottages to accommodate guests which also look out onto the lake.

2nd:Blue View Barn

3rd:Venue 650

Best Photographer

Gonzalez Lugo Photography

5603 Struthers Ct, Winter Haven

(863) 589-8438

FB @gonzalezlugophoto

IG @gonzalezlugophoto

gonzalezlugophoto.com

Maryel and Alfredo are the unstoppable pair behind this photography company. Their love sparked and grew through capturing the love of others. The Gonzalez Lugo Photography portfolio is filled with big smiles, happy tears, dancing, friendship, and kisses and their reviews echo how friendly and professional they are while immortalizing their clients’ most special moments.

2nd:Potthast Studios

3rd:Paris Scott Photography

Best Band

Black Water

FB @BlackWaterSouthernRockandRoll

Brothers Billy and George McGill along with Mark Benfield from the previous band, Solidground teamed up with bass player Matt Paxton and drummer Doug Creekmore from the band Dreamcatcher along with Jack Moses on lead vocals and Michelle McGill on backing vocals to form Black Water. Their country band is steeped in southern and classic rock influence. They have played events like Rockin’ on the River and can bring their southern rock flair to weddings, private parties, and clubs as well.

2nd: B.Haven

3rd: Jill’s Cashbox

Best DJ

DJ Bracken Entertainment & Lighting

(863) 595-6633

FB @djbrackenentertainmentlighting

Twenty years of experience and the willingness to go above and beyond for clients has earned DJ Bracken Entertainment a premier reputation. Not only will DJ Bracken play music to keep your guests on their feet, he also offers services as the agenda coordinator, lighting specialist, and entertainer. One reviewer wrote, “My husband and I booked Bracken for our wedding and he was amazing! He had everyone out on the dance floor the whole time! Everyone was so pleased with the music selection! Thank you again for everything that went into making our day perfect!”

2nd: DJ MINi C Productions

3rd: Thom Bly: Triviosity Live Events

Best Tattoo Artist

Heather Fields, RN | Skinfinity Tattoo Company

5664 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

(863) 401-8288

FB @skinfinitytattoocompany

IG @skinfinitytattoocompany

skinfinitytattoocompany.com

Heather Fields is the founder and owner of Skinfinity Tattoo Company. She is a registered nurse who has been a tattoo artist for 14 years. Her shop bio notes, “She loves to do Neo-traditional and Photo Realism custom tattoo artwork, and anything with bright, bold colors, and smooth blends. Flowers, sparkly jewels, anything in nature, flowy backgrounds, gypsy-boho and curly-swirlies are her favorite.”

2nd: Chris Egan Revival Tattoo and Piercing

3rd: Soldiers of Ink

Best Piercing

Fezzie Sparrow | Skinfinity Tattoo Company

5664 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven

(863) 401-8288

FB @skinfinitytattoocompany

IG @skinfinitytattoocompany

skinfinitytattoocompany.com/fezzie-sparrow/

Fezzie has really left her mark on the piercing scene in Polk County. As the Senior Body Piercer at Skinfinity Tattoo Company, not only does she strive for friendly customer service, but continuing education in her field as well. “Had a great experience with Fezzie. She is very professional and excellent on so many levels: knowledge, attitude, people skills, and patience. The shop was fun, private and most of all clean. A friend recommended this place to me and it definitely exceeded my expectations,” said one happy newly pierced client.

2nd:Pinky Pierce | Pinky’s Place