CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QC Life) - There’s a new way to fly from Charlotte and it’s an affordable option for those looking to do a quick getaway from the Queen City.
Avelo Airlines launched the route from Concord, North Carolina to Lakeland, Florida this October and I got to take one of the first flights.
Just a quick drive up I-85 to the Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, I hopped on Avelo Airlines’ Thursday flight at 2:30 p.m. Avelo has one flight each week to Lakeland and one returning, giving you enough time for a weekender in the heart of Florida.
Flights range in price but seem to average about $45 each way depending on when you book. The prices are for travel only and do not include seat selection, carry-on or checked bags. However, you can pay for those upgrades.
The Avelo Airlines Experience
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This was my first time at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport and it was a very smooth experience from start to finish.
I parked in the garage across the street from the airport and in just a few quick moments was able to get through TSA. I actually had a lot more time than I thought I would but wanted to arrive early just in case.
There are only two gates so it’s easy to find your flight.
Once they start boarding, groups get called by their number which can be found on your boarding pass.
Because it’s a regional airport, we had to walk outside to a ramp to get on the plane. It was raining when I went, so be prepared for the elements for both your clothing and your luggage.
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Once inside, you’re greeted by warm blue lights and a clean spacious aircraft. My plane had two rows of three-seaters. There was ample room for my carry-on in the overhead compartment as my flight wasn’t very full.
I also had the luxury of having the entire row to myself, which made my flight even more comfortable.
An hour and a half later, we landed at Lakeland Linder International Airport in sunny Central Florida.
Sunshine in Central Florida
I was greeted by the Sunshine State with the warmth of a clear afternoon at around 4 p.m., a contrast to the cold and rainy Charlotte I just left.
After checking in to my cabana cabin at Camp Margaritaville in Auburndale, a family-friendly RV camp surrounded by stunning lakes, I began my weekend adventure exploring Central Florida.
Thursday:
Peebles B-B-Q: This 70-year-old establishment in Auburndale is serving up some of the best barbeque in the state and it’s only open three days a week. Succulent pork ribs are their specialty, but offer up chopped pork, beef and chicken as well. Their sides are worth salivating over, especially their baked beans and collard greens. Try the BBQ potato loaded with meat of your choice on top if you’re feeling adventurous. Slather your meats with their signature BBQ sauces that were so good, I bought one to take back home.
Friday:
The Pantry Modern Diner: A casual joint in a strip mall with a huge menu of classics. They’re open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and they have a delicious breakfast with options like eggs benedicts, stuffed French toast and crepes. I opted for the Southern Skillet which had sausage and cheese with home fries, eggs and sausage gravy. A hearty meal to get the full day ahead going. We were even surprised with a scrumptious snickerdoodle cookie on the way out.
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Peppa Pig Theme Park: After breakfast, it was off to the parks. Made my way to the LEGOLAND Florida Resort to walk under the rainbow entrance of Peppa Pig Theme Park, a family-friendly park based on the popular children’s television show. The park had plenty of attractions for children like a giant play place, a kid-friendly coaster, a dinosaur attraction and so much more. I got to meet and take photos with Peppa Pig and enjoyed the playful scenery around the park. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon with kids.
LEGOLAND: Just a hop away is the brick-themed entrance to LEGOLAND. The massive theme park was once the Cypress Gardens botanical garden and is a fun-filled adventure filled with LEGO-themed rides, shows and attractions. It’s a very hands-on park with spots to build LEGOs, learn about LEGOs and even ride LEGOs. From kid-friendly coasters to dark rides, there’s something for everyone in the family in the beautifully maintained park. The LEGO NINJAGO ride was a fun interactive shooter-style attraction that felt like stepping into a video game. Also attached is the LEGOLAND Florida Water Park filled with slides, wave pools and a lazy river.
Bok Tower Gardens: With breathtaking views, peaceful settings and lush gardens, this National Historic Landmark is a must-do! Bok Tower is situated on the highest point in the entire state of Florida and is surrounded by several gardens worth exploring, with the Singing Tower as the focal point. Commissioned by Edward Bok, the 205-foot-tall tower plays a lovely bell sound heard around the gardens and, on my visit, was playing Disney music like “Under the Sea.” At the base of the tower is the reflecting pool surrounded by such lush trees and foliage that you almost forget you’re in Florida. You could easily spend a full day exploring the site and soaking in its beauty.
Nutwood Winter Haven: Situated in a quiet neighborhood in Winter Haven is a converted home-turned-restaurant glowing with string lights. Nutwood is the brainchild of celebrated Chef Steven Rojas, who I had the pleasure of meeting, who has worked in some of the most prestigious restaurants around the world and is bringing that expertise to Florida. I had a beautifully cooked Heritage Berkshire Crispy Pork Belly with a scrumptious butternut squash puree. I’m very particular about how pork belly is made at restaurants, and Chef Rojas knocked it out of the park. I could not stop soaking that crispy pork into the puree. While the restaurant did not have a cocktail menu, they had a great wine selection that paired perfectly with my meal.
Saturday:
Born & Bread Bakehouse: The first thing I noticed walking into this very modern bakery is the smell of sugar, and not in the overly sweet way, but one that was warm and comforting. On my visit, there was a large selection of beautifully laminated croissants, delicate fruit-topped pastries and a variety of cruffins, which they are known for. Cruffins are hybrid cupcakes and muffins and I opted for a seasonal pumpkin one. Topped with fresh cream and filled with a pumpkin spice crème in the middle, the cruffin was so soft, flaky and velvety. It was truly an experience. Their brewed coffee was a great kickstart to my full day ahead.
Frank Lloyd Wright tour at Florida Southern College: If you’re an architecture fan, this is a can’t miss destination. Florida Southern College is the home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture. Starting at the Usonian House, a fully constructed home that Wright envisioned, where every nook and cranny serves a specific purpose and is thoughtfully designed, the tour explores the campus’ collection of still-in-use Wright architecture where you will learn about Wright’s evolution and his thoughtfulness in design.
Lakeland Downtown Farmers Curb Market: Every Saturday, Kentucky Ave shuts down to a pedestrian-only street. Thousands flock to this massive farmers market which can have as many as 100 stalls on any given weekend. You’ll find so many unique, one-of-a-kind goods, mouthwatering street food and, of course, the freshest produce. It’s almost overwhelming but I recommend giving the entire street a quick pass to get an idea of what’s available before picking out your food and what to buy.
Nineteen61: This was hands-down my favorite part of the trip. After a ton of walking at the farmers market, it was time for lunch. Luckily, just a block away was Nineteen61, a fine dining destination bringing together flavors of Latin America with Southern cooking. It’s heralded as the restaurant that revitalized Downtown Lakeland and it’s easy to see why. Not only is it beautifully decorated inside with a stunning bar at the entrance and an open kitchen in the back, but the food is outstanding. A lot of times, fusion food tends to be gimmicky, but there are no tricks here at Ninteen61. One bite of their Arroz Chaufa con Lomo, a Peruvian-style fried rice with tender soy sauce-coated beef, floored me. It was perfectly balanced, yet so flavorful. I finished the entire plate. The cocktails were also delightful and both the maître d, Neal, and the waitress were so welcoming.
Lakeland Antique Mall: If you’re a theme park afficionado, this place needs to be on your list. This never-ending warehouse has everything a traditional antique mall would, but it boasts a large collection of Disney and Universal theme park memorabilia. I’m not just talking souvenirs, they sell art, costumes, signage and props used in the parks, things you would not find anywhere else. They even sell authentic Disney ride vehicles like an entire Splash Mountain log. I could spend an entire day here alone just to look at everything. And it’s all open to the public daily.
Mojo Federal Swine & Spirits: Set inside Lakeland’s old federal post office building, Mojo is a local Florida BBQ chain offering up smoked meats, sweet sauces and succulent sides. I opted for the beef brisket with sides of mac & cheese and BBQ pit beans. It was a tasty end to my trip and I had a lot of fun mixing up my BBQ sauces.
Sunday:
The return flight is a little early at 7 a.m. on Sunday, but it gives you plenty of time to relax or run errands before the workweek begins again.
Overall, I had a wonderful time in Central Florida experiencing just a taste of its attractions, restaurants and events. At each stop, I kept commenting that I wish I had more time because each destination still had so much to offer. I already have a list of places to check out (or come back to) when I come back.
With such a short and easy flight, low prices and an easy schedule, flying from Charlotte to Central Florida makes for a great option as a quick getaway. It’s also a great alternative to getting to Tampa or Orlando, which are only one-hour drives away from Lakeland.
Check out Avelo Airlines’ routes and schedules on their website and go here for even more ideas about what you can do in Central Florida.
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