Schedule your trip around ArtFields, a nine-day epic Southern competition and celebration in the heart of historic Lake City. You’ll find live music, dancing, Southern cuisine, and over $120,000 awarded in cash prizes to artists from all over the Southeast. Visit 40 venues — from boutiques to restaurants to world-class galleries — in town and cast your vote for your favorite work of art, and be sure to stop into the Smithsonian-certified Jones-Carter Gallery and the ArtFields Office Gallery, both of which are host to exciting exhibits year-round.

When old tobacco fields become world-class gardens, it’s definitely a must-see. Moore Farms Botanical Garden promotes research and education in horticulture, agriculture, and forestry while earning its reputation as one of the Southeast’s finest touring gardens. Plan ahead and sign up to attend a workshop, open house, or schedule a tour appointment for groups of ten or more. Lake City’s agricultural roots still run deep – taste it for yourself at a farm stop like Lee’s Fruit & Vegetables or Matthew’s Fruit Stand.

Take in all Lake City has to offer with just a stroll downtown – you’ll find shops, eateries, and unique places such as the Bean Market, a civic center and community gathering space in what was once the largest market of its kind in the world. Operated through the Community Museum Society, the Bean Market hosts wedding receptions, concerts, and community events. Be sure to check with local organizations dedicated to Lake City’s businesses, including the Greater Lake City Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Merchants’ Association, for the latest in shopping and dining. You can also download the Lake City  Guide here and start planning your trip!

There are unique ways to experience Lake City – stay at Olive’s Bed and Breakfast, a historic farmhouse where you’ll feel right at home as you find simple pleasures and modern amenities, or at The Inn at the Crossroads, a newly opened boutique hotel on Main Street that’s host to past ArtFields winners and the Crossroads on Main, an upscale restaurant and bar.

Enjoy classic cuisine — from barbecue to baked goods to freshly caught seafood — at Lake City’s restaurants, including Baker’s Sweet Bakery and Bistro, Railway Bar and Grill, Ward’s Fish Market, Jarrito’s Family Mexican Restaurant, and more! You’ll find an amazing new spot every time you visit.