Welcome to the Historic Village of Downtown Lake Wales, Florida. This beautiful area is home to more than 30 of Central Florida's finest restaurants and most interesting shops, offering art, antiques, gifts, and much more. Plus, there's striking architecture, and fun nightlife.

Don't miss the monthly downtown entertainment series, 'Friday Night Live,' the third Friday evening of each month. This free event features a variety of great musical groups and solo artists, as well as comedy, dance, and more, at locations throughout the historic district. Dozens of shops and restaurants extend their evening hours, and offer special savings to shoppers and diners. It's a great night out for everyone.

On this site you will also find information about the unique shops which are now located within the district, as well the fascinating architecture within the District, as well as National Register structures on adjoining streets. Check the Events page for news of what's happening within the Historic Village, like the monthly 'Friday Night Live' music performances and street entertainment, the annual Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day Festivities, Veteran's Day Parade & Patriotism Celebration, Arts on the Avenue Festival, and Christmas Festival. The area is fast becoming the region's Entertainment District, and there's plenty of musical entertainment offered each week.

Voted Florida's Friendliest Small Town by readers of Florida Monthly Magazine, Lake Wales was also voted number one in five other categories, but we know that you'll want to come see for yourself!

The MarketPlace is located between Park and Stuart Avenues, in the heart of the District. In The MarketPlace, you can find our weekly Farmers Market. Selected fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and ornamental plants are offered every Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Historic District encompasses the old town, including portions of Central, Stuart, Park and Orange Avenues, and the adjacent Scenic Highway, Market Street, and North First Street. A brochure is available at the Depot Museum offering a self-guided walking tour of the most significant structures and details of numerous architectural features within the district.

Developed during the Great Florida Land Boom of the 1920's, this quaint collection of specialty shops epitomizes the vintage charm of an exciting era. The district plays an important counterpoint to the colonial history of St. Augustine by preserving the effects of the great Florida population boom which began near the end of the 19th century.

In recent years, an ambitious project was begun to document the history of the old town, including the pioneering individuals who played key roles in the development of the district's fine buildings. These murals can be located by using the walking tour brochure, or will be encountered "just around the next corner." Some are featured within this site.

Within this compact area are also found several notable and popular restaurants, offering shoppers comfortable respite during their browsing. They offer Italian, Cuban, Oriental, Barbecue, American Grille, Mexican, and Bistro-style dining, as well coffee and pastry shops, ice cream parlor, and more. Visit our business directory for details.

Also within the district is the Depot Museum and Cultural Center, offering changing exhibits on the history of the area. The historic 'old town' is conserved within the National Historic District, and is surrounded by a growing and vibrant city. Lake Wales is a center for the arts, and offers a number of unmatched cultural resources, including Historic Bok Sanctuary and the Pinewood Estate, the Lake Wales Arts Center, and the Lake Wales Little Theatre. The area is home to a high concentration of artists, as well as Webber International University and Warner Southern College.

Make plans to join us for the biggest cultural explosion of the year, the Lake Wales Mardi Gras!