Parkesdale Farms In Plant City - A Sweet Florida Tradition
There is a spot in Plant City, Florida, that truly stands out for anyone who loves fresh fruit, especially strawberries. This place, Parkesdale Farm Market, has a long history, going back many years. It's known as a historic market for strawberries, offering a delightful experience for folks looking for good things to eat and charming gifts. You can find all sorts of fresh produce here, straight from the farm, and it’s a favorite stop for many who live nearby or are just passing through.
This market, which is part of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, isn't just about picking up a few items; it’s a whole outing. You might find yourself wandering through rows of seasonal produce, or perhaps looking at the different plants in their nursery. It’s a place that, you know, has grown quite a bit from its beginnings, becoming a really big spot for fresh food in the area. They even have a gift shop, which is pretty neat, for finding little keepsakes or presents.
So, whether you are in the mood for some incredibly sweet strawberries, or maybe want to learn a new skill like baking with sourdough, this spot has something for you. It’s a place that, as a matter of fact, draws people in with its friendly feel and, well, its delicious offerings. You can visit almost any day of the week, from morning until evening, to see what fresh goodies are available.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Parkesdale Farms in Plant City So Special?
- A Sweet History - The Roots of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City
- Beyond the Berries - What Else Awaits at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City?
- Who is Lauren Semple and What Can You Learn at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City?
- Meet Lauren Semple - A Homesteading Guide at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City
- Is a Visit to Parkesdale Farms in Plant City Worth the Drive?
- Finding Your Way to Parkesdale Farms in Plant City
- How Does Parkesdale Farms in Plant City Compare on Price?
- Seasonal Delights at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City
What Makes Parkesdale Farms in Plant City So Special?
Parkesdale Farm Market in Plant City is, well, pretty special for a few good reasons. For starters, it has a long, storied past as a place where folks could get farm-fresh strawberries. What began as a rather small, local farm stand has, in fact, grown into what many consider the biggest spot for strawberries, citrus, and other farm goods in all of Florida. This growth, you know, shows how much people like what they offer and the quality of their produce. It’s a place that has really made its presence felt in the area.
One of the biggest draws, honestly, is their world-famous strawberry shortcake. People travel from all over just to get a taste of this treat, which has been a favorite for more than three decades. And if you like that, then the strawberry milkshakes are also a must-try. These aren’t just any desserts; they are, in some respects, a big part of what makes Parkesdale Farms in Plant City a true local icon. They have built a reputation on these sweet creations, and it’s easy to see why once you try them.
Beyond the sweets, the market itself is a lively place. It’s where you can find an abundance of fresh fruit, especially during strawberry season. The quality of the strawberries, particularly this year, has been described as outstanding, which is a big deal for a place that specializes in them. It’s a spot that, basically, delivers on its promise of fresh, delicious items straight from the land. You can feel the history and the care that goes into everything they do when you visit Parkesdale Farms in Plant City.
A Sweet History - The Roots of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City
The story of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City really begins with a person named R.E. Parke. He came to this country from Northern Ireland back in 1924, which was quite a journey. After settling in, he started what would become a truly impressive farming operation. From those early days, the farm grew quite a lot, expanding to cover hundreds of acres right here in Plant City, Florida. This land was, and still is, primarily used for growing strawberries and citrus fruits.
This history, you know, gives the market a certain charm and depth. It’s not just a business; it’s a legacy that has been built up over many years, starting from simple beginnings. The dedication to growing good food, particularly those sweet strawberries and juicy citrus, has been a constant through all the changes. It’s pretty cool, actually, to think about how much has happened since R.E. Parke first started things up. This foundation is, in a way, what makes Parkesdale Farms in Plant City what it is today.
The family's commitment to the land and to providing fresh produce has carried on through the generations. This long-standing presence in the community, you see, means that Parkesdale has become a trusted name. People know that when they come here, they are getting something that comes from a place with deep roots and a lot of experience. It’s a story of growth and persistence, which is something to appreciate about Parkesdale Farms in Plant City.
Beyond the Berries - What Else Awaits at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City?
While the strawberries are certainly the main attraction, Parkesdale Farms in Plant City offers quite a bit more for visitors to explore. Besides the fresh, seasonal produce that changes with the time of year, they also have a plant nursery. So, if you’re looking to add some green to your home or garden, you might find just what you need there. It’s a nice little extra, to be honest, that broadens the appeal of the market.
Then there's the gift shop, which is a fun place to browse for unique items. You might discover some charming things to take home as souvenirs or presents for others. They even put together these really sweet baskets, like their strawberry cookie basket. This basket, apparently, comes with a bag of their famous strawberry cookies and their delicious strawberry bread, which sounds absolutely lovely. It’s a pretty thoughtful way to share some of their popular items.
And it's not just about what you can buy and take home. Parkesdale Farms in Plant City also hosts special events and classes. For example, they’ve had sessions where you can learn how to make and keep a sourdough starter, or even how to preserve your own food through canning. These classes, you know, offer a chance to pick up new skills directly from people who know their stuff, adding another layer to the experience of visiting the farm market.
Who is Lauren Semple and What Can You Learn at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City?
You might have heard about Lauren Semple, especially if you follow @thesemplehomestead online. She's someone who shares her knowledge about a lot of home-based skills, and she actually teaches classes right there at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City. It's pretty cool that they bring in experts like her to offer hands-on learning experiences for the community. She brings a lot of practical know-how to the table, which is really helpful for people looking to learn new things.
Lauren, for instance, has been teaching classes on how to get started with and keep a sourdough starter going. These sessions, like the ones held on June 14th and 28th, are a good way to pick up basic skills for something that can seem a bit tricky at first. She shows you, basically, how to take care of your starter and use it for baking. It’s a very practical skill that many people are interested in learning these days, and Parkesdale Farms in Plant City makes it accessible.
Beyond sourdough, Lauren also covers food preservation, specifically canning. If you've ever wanted to learn how to keep your own food fresh for longer, she explains the proper ways to do it. These classes, obviously, are a great opportunity to gain confidence in something that can seem a little intimidating. It’s a testament to the market's community spirit that they offer such useful and interesting workshops for visitors to Parkesdale Farms in Plant City.
Meet Lauren Semple - A Homesteading Guide at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City
Lauren Semple, who is known through her work with @thesemplehomestead, is a familiar face at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City. She brings her passion for homesteading and self-sufficiency to the community through various teaching events. Her approach is, you know, very down-to-earth and easy to follow, making complex topics feel approachable for everyone. She genuinely enjoys sharing her skills and helping others learn how to do things for themselves.
Her background in homesteading means she has a lot of experience with things like baking from scratch and preserving food, which are valuable skills in any home. She's not just teaching from a book; she's showing you what she actually does in her own life. This practical knowledge is, quite frankly, what makes her classes so popular. She's a real asset to the offerings at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City.
| Name | Lauren Semple |
| Associated With | @thesemplehomestead |
| Expertise | Sourdough Starter Care, Basic Baking Skills, Food Canning and Preservation |
| Classes Offered at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City | Sourdough Starter Class (e.g., June 14 & 28), Canning and Food Preservation |
| Focus | Teaching practical, home-based skills for self-sufficiency |
Is a Visit to Parkesdale Farms in Plant City Worth the Drive?
Some people might wonder if making a trip to Plant City, especially if it's a bit of a distance, is truly worth the time. The text mentions that Plant City itself might not always be worth a 45-minute drive on its own. However, when you consider what Parkesdale Farms in Plant City offers, it certainly adds a lot of weight to the idea of making the journey. It's more than just a quick stop; it's an experience.
Think about it: you get to visit a historic farm market that has grown into a major hub for fresh produce. You can taste their famous strawberry shortcake and milkshakes, which people rave about. You can pick up incredibly fresh strawberries, especially during the season when they are, apparently, outstanding. This combination of fresh food, unique treats, and a charming atmosphere makes it, you know, a pretty compelling destination.
Plus, if you time your visit right, you might even catch one of the interesting classes, like the ones on sourdough or canning. So, while Plant City might be a smaller town, Parkesdale Farms in Plant City really gives you a strong reason to come by. It’s a place that, in a way, offers a slice of authentic Florida farm life and some really good eats, which can definitely make a drive worthwhile.
Finding Your Way to Parkesdale Farms in Plant City
If you are planning to visit, getting to Parkesdale Farms in Plant City is fairly straightforward. It's located right there in Plant City, Florida, making it accessible for those in the surrounding areas. You can easily find directions and see it on a map to help you plan your route. Knowing the address and seeing it on a map, you know, can help you get there without any fuss.
For those coming from places like Winter Haven or Lithia, it’s a relatively easy drive. The market is a known spot, so it’s usually not too hard to find once you get into the Plant City area. It's a popular destination, so signs and local knowledge often point the way. You'll find that, basically, it's a place many people already know about, which helps with locating it.
The operating hours are also something to keep in mind when you're planning your trip. They are generally open seven days a week from 9 AM to 6 PM, though there are specific dates, like July 28, 2024, through August, when they are closed. So, it's a good idea to double-check their current schedule, especially if you are coming during the off-season, to make sure they are open when you arrive at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City.
How Does Parkesdale Farms in Plant City Compare on Price?
When you're thinking about buying fresh produce, especially something like strawberries, price can definitely be a factor. The text mentions that strawberries at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City might seem more expensive, perhaps even almost twice the price, compared to a quart of strawberries shipped to other states, like North Carolina. This is, you know, a point that some people might consider when making their choice.
However, it’s worth thinking about what you’re actually getting for that price. At Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, you are buying strawberries that are freshly delivered from the farm, often picked very recently. This freshness and direct-from-the-source quality is a big part of the value. Shipped strawberries, on the other hand, have traveled a distance and might not be as fresh or as sweet as those you get directly from the market.
So, while the initial cost might seem higher, you are paying for the immediate freshness, the local support, and the overall experience of getting produce directly from a well-regarded farm market. It’s a bit like comparing a meal made with ingredients from a local farm to one made with items that have traveled far. The quality and taste, in many cases, are simply better when they are fresh and local, which is what Parkesdale Farms in Plant City aims to provide.
Seasonal Delights at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City
The experience at Parkesdale Farms in Plant City changes a bit with the seasons, especially when it comes to their star product: strawberries. The strawberry season typically starts around January, and the text notes that the strawberries this year have been particularly good. This is when the market is, basically, overflowing with the sweet, juicy berries that everyone loves.
During the peak of strawberry season, you’ll find the market really comes alive with people eager to get their hands on the fresh fruit. It's a time when you can enjoy not just the berries themselves, but also all the delicious things made from them, like their famous shortcakes and milkshakes. The quality of the strawberries, you know, is a big part of what keeps people coming back year after year.
While strawberries are a highlight, Parkesdale Farms in Plant City also offers other seasonal produce, meaning there's always something fresh to discover, depending on the time of year. And it's good to remember their operating hours, which are generally 9 AM to 6 PM. However, they do have specific closure periods, like from late July into August, so it’s always a good idea to check ahead if you’re planning a visit during those times. This way, you can make sure you catch them when they’re open and ready to share their seasonal goodness.
The perfect Parkesdale berry. 🍓😍 --... - Parkesdale Farms | Facebook
And just like that, they're red! 🍓🍓 --... - Parkesdale Farms
Rocky Top Ramblers: Parkesdale Farms, Plant City, FL
