As the summer heat fades into Fall, warm temps and sunshine don’t have to disappear with it! An escape to Florida awaits, with a new travel option beginning in October.

Avelo Airlines will provide nonstop air service twice a week with flights to and from Rochester, New York and Lakeland, Florida starting on October 25. The flights will take place every Friday and Monday, offering passengers the option of a four-day weekend, weeklong getaway, or longer.

Lakeland is a city with a population of 120,000 people located in Polk County, Florida, nestled between Orlando and Tampa. It’s slightly closer to the Gulf Coast, about an hour’s drive to Orlando, 40 minutes to Tampa. Lakeland is minutes away from tourist attractions like LEGOLAND Florida Resort, MLB Detroit Tigers Spring Training, and the Sun N’ Fun Aerospace EXPO – held in early Spring each year. In addition, it’s about 30 minutes to the Walt Disney World Resort, 45 minutes to Universal Orlando Resort and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and 90 minutes to the Kennedy Space Center.

Representatives from Visit Central Florida recently came to Rochester to discuss the new route to Florida.

“Central Florida is close enough to explore everything, yet space to relax,” said Dan Barto with Visit Central Florida. 

The pitch: flying into Lakeland offers a fun, unique, and affordable destination. Avelo offers one-way fares from Rochester to Lakeland for under $60. A round-trip fare will cost around $120.

“It’s all about convenience,” said Michael Hogan with Visit Central Florida. Travelers can take advantage of the smaller foot traffic at Lakeland Linder International Airport. “You can walk off the plane and into a car in 15 minutes,” he said. AAA partner Hertz is also on-site at the airport with car rentals, offering the potential for additional discounts and savings for AAA members.

A word of caution, however, before you book your trip. Avelo is currently the only carrier flying in and out of Lakeland from Rochester. That means, if your flight is delayed or cancelled, there won’t be another flight on-site that you can switch to if needed. With Avelo offering a limited flight schedule, you could find yourself spending additional days away from home.

Those with Visit Central Florida, of course, are keeping the focus on the possibilities, not the limitations. They are quick to point out the fit for families with children ages 2-11. In addition to LEGOLAND, youngsters might enjoy the Peppa Pig Theme Park in nearby Winter Haven (a Certified Autism Center) and the Florida Children’s Museum in Lakeland.

Beyond the theme park experience, the Lakeland area also features some natural attractions, including the BOK Tower Gardens, Bonnet Springs Park, and Circle B Bar Reserve. “The Circle B Bar Reserve is one of the top nature photography sites in the country,” said Josh Hicks with Visit Central Florida.

Where to stay on your vacation? Unique options include the LEGOLAND Hotel, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins, Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Orlando Breeze Resort, and Tropical Escape Vacation Homes.

And foodies take note – Polk County is considered the barbecue capital of Florida.

Food for thought, as you contemplate the long winter ahead.

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