Ever After Farms

Florida's Perfect Wedding Barns and Favorite U-Pick Blueberry Farm. Blueberry picking at its best and the most beautiful wedding barns you've ever seen.

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Beyond The Venue (Citrus)

Ever After Farms Citrus is nestled within the beautiful farming community of Polk City in Central Florida’s Polk County. Among the acres of citrus trees, it is the perfect setting for a romantic Florida wedding, away from the hustle and bustle of city life surrounded by a gorgeous natural country scenery. It’s also situated in an area full of history, close to amazing amenities, unique local characteristics and altogether a wonderful destination for your guests to enjoy. Here is what makes Ever After Farms Citrus extraordinary, beyond the venue.

 

Staycation

A wedding trend that may be here to stay is the planning of a Staycation Wedding. This means you plan a wedding within driving distance to your home base, book some hotels or Airbnbs, and then plan multiple activities with all of your friends and family the week leading up to your very BIG DAY.  This creates a sense of vacation for all of your friends and family, without the heavy travel fees and plans you would experience when planning a destination wedding. Your Wedding Day is one of the biggest and most momentous occasions of your life, why not turn it into a lifetime worth of memories, enjoying your favorite people for longer than just the one day?

Getting to Know Polk County

Today, Polk County is a leading contributor to the state’s economy and politics. Citrus, cattle, agriculture, and the phosphate industry still play vital roles in the local economy, along with an increase in tourist revenue in recent years. The county’s location between both the Tampa and Orlando metropolitan areas has aided in the development and growth of the area. Residents and visitors alike are drawn to the unique character of the county’s numerous heritage sites and cultural venues, stunning natural landscapes, and many outdoor activities, making Polk the heart of central Florida.

 

Lodging near the Citrus Barn

Whether you are planning on staying overnight, a few days, or more, it is important to find the best local lodging options for guests traveling to your wedding. That is why, in order to save our couples time and money, we have compiled a list of some of the very best local hotels the surrounding areas  have to offer, all within a short driving distance of Ever After Farms Citrus.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Orlando South-Davenport
Within 15 minutes of Ever After Farms Citrus is the Holiday
Inn Express of Champions Gate. This is a great convenient option in close proximity to the venue as well as Walt Disney World while offering an outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast.

Hampton Inn Orlando-Maingate South
Another great local option is the Hampton Inn of Champions Gate offering convenience as it is in close proximity to the venue. Keeping within a close distance to Walt Disney World, it also offers amenities of a pool, free breakfast as well as close to shopping and dining.

Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate
If you are in search of a luxury option with amenities such as world class golf, full service spa and sparkling pools, look no further! Within 20 minutes of the Citrus barn, this is a great option for lodging if your guests are making a vacation out of the weekend.

Hampton Inn Lakeland
Right in the heart of Lakeland, the Hampton Inn is a convenient option within 20 minutes of the Citrus Barn. Your guests can experience the convenience of the hotel amenities such as free breakfast and a pool within minutes of Lakeland’s quaint downtown.

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland
Only minutes from a variety of eateries, bars, and local shops The Springhill Suites hotel is also near Lakeland Airport, Bryant Stadium and charming downtown Lakeland.

 

The Terrace Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
The Terrace Hotel is a 3-minute walk from Lake Mirror and 15 minutes by foot from Polk Museum of Art. This chic hotel features a modern touch in a historic setting creating the perfect atmosphere.

 

Hyatt Place Lakeland Center
With a stay at Hyatt Place Lakeland Center in Lakeland, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of RP Funding Center and Polk Theatre and this hotel is 0.6 mi from Explorations V Children’s Museum.

 

 

AirBNBs
We have compiled a list of home rentals in the area that are great lodging options for your guests. These, in addition to the hotel recommendations on our Preferred Vendors List give you additional choices in the surrounding area.

 

Restaurants Near Ever After Farms Citrus

Whether you are searching for the perfect place to order coffee from for your big day, or the ultimate Reception Dinner experience, Polk County and the surrounding cities has a selection of amazing options for local cuisine. We have compiled a list of just some of the few delicious local restaurants in the area below.

Black & Brew
Black & Brew serves as a hub to the entire city of Lakeland at its flagship location downtown and it’s breezy cafe located at the Lakeland Public Library on Lake Morton. Serving comforting breakfast sandwiches, savory lunch and dinner options alongside traditional as well as creative coffee creations.

 

Concord Coffee
Internationally, responsibly sourced and roasted right here in Lakeland, Concord Coffee shop brings us a menu of unparalleled craft coffee options. Founded and run by three Lakeland couples, you’ll love the calm and inviting atmosphere of Concord, where you can slow down and really savor your experience.

 

Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille
With limited locations, Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille in Lakeland, FL serves the very best of southern, cajun and creole flavors in classic and modern dishes. Full bar is available at each location and offers beer, wine, liquor and Harry's own unique cocktail creations.

 

 

David's Club
David’s Club is a spirited gathering place to enjoy a cocktail before dinner. Known for their bourbons, crafts and cuts, enjoy a spectacular steak and innovative cuisine in an upscale sports bar that features a 90-inch video wall, and spectacular resort views.

 

 

Things to Do in Polk County

There are plenty of activities and places to explore surrounding our Citrus Barn. We have listed a few options suitable for adults, children, families, morning, and night! We want your entire experience in Polk County to be full of adventure and fun, as you create memories with your favorite people, during this celebratory time in your lives.

Circle B Bar Reserve
Circle B Bar Reserve, on the northwest shore of Lake Hancock, is a former cattle ranch that today boasts a wide variety of plants and animals. You can see several distinct ecosystems in this reserve of 1,267 acres. You're almost guaranteed to see alligators in Lake Hancock, often considered the headwaters of the Peace River, which flows more than 100 miles from Polk County southwest to the Gulf of Mexico.
Safari Wilderness
A rare and unique experience, Safari Wilderness Ranch is a world away from the hustle and bustle of civilization. Here you feel the silence, enveloped by an open vista of grazing animals surrounded by cypress domes and bay trees. Enjoy the fresh safari air year-round as enormous birds soar overhead.

Walt Disney World

Within 20 minutes of the Citrus Barn, you can be transported into the world of Disney magic! Celebrate with family and friends as you emerge yourself in a trip of a lifetime! Not only are the parks within close proximity, but the resorts, Disney Springs and surrounding amenities are also within reach!

Silver Moon Drive-in
Welcome to the Silver Moon Drive-In Theatre. We’ve been in Lakeland, Florida for more than 70 years. In fact, we are the last drive-in theatre in Polk County, but we are here to stay! We have two screens usually showing first-run movies – with double features seven nights a week.

Legoland Florida
Ready, set, explore! With over 50 rides, shows and attractions designed for kids to take the lead, awesome awaits at the Legoland Florida Resort!

 

 

Hollis Garden
Hollis Garden is a botanical display garden set in a neo-classical architectural environment complete with patterned flower beds, public art, and ornamental fountains. Hollis Garden is a formal garden, a 1.2-acre site located within historic Lake Mirror Park. Here you will find over 10,000 flowers, ornamental shrubs, and native trees.

Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens has offered some of Florida’s most remarkable experiences to more than 23 million visitors since 1929. The Gardens offer unparalleled opportunities for artistic, cultural, personal and spiritual enrichment. At Bok Tower Gardens there is something to discover for visitors of all ages.

 

 

 

Ever After Farms Ranch Beyond the Venue

We hope this helps you and your guests get the most out of the area surrounding our Citrus location. Another helpful resource is the Polk City Chamber of Commerce. Also, if you have any special requests or creative ideas for the people traveling to your big event, feel free to reach out to our wedding team and if we don't know the answer, we'll get you in touch with someone who can.