Florida Agritourism Activities Provide Fun on the Farm Every Season
In partnership with: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Combining Florida’s two leading industries – agriculture and tourism – it’s no surprise that agritourism is booming across the state. More and more farms are opening their gates and barn doors to visitors, providing a unique way to spend the day outdoors while learning more about agriculture.
See more: Tourists Flock to Florida for Its Diverse Agritourism
Kumquat Growers
Kumquat Growers in Dade City is the nation’s largest producer of kumquats and kumquat products. In addition to an online shop offering fresh kumquats, jams, jellies, sauces and more, the farm hosts an annual open house in late January. During the event, grove and packinghouse tours teach visitors how kumquats are grown, picked, processed, packaged and shipped. It also features “Origin and History of the Kumquat” talks detailing the history of kumquats in the area.
The open house is typically held just before the annual Kumquat Festival in Dade City, and the gift shop is open during season.
34323 Gude Road, Dade City
(352) 588-0544
Oak Haven Farms & Winery
Owned and operated by Harry and Karen Stauderman and their daughter, Lynn, Oak Haven Farms & Winery in Sorrento began as a small U-pick strawberry farm in 1996. As the operation expanded, they began looking for additional agritourism opportunities, so Harry started experimenting with strawberry wine. Fast forward to today, and they not only produce their signature, award-winning strawberry wine but also three varieties of muscadine wine made with grapes from their vineyard and a popular blueberry wine made with berries grown exclusively in Lake County.
On the weekends, the farm’s on-site winery opens to visitors. They also welcome visitors from early December through mid-March for strawberry picking, as well as roast-your-own hotdogs, strawberry shortcakes and ice cream sundaes on the weekends. Other offerings include a playground for children, a picnic area, hayrides and cut-your-own sunflowers.
32418 Avington Road, Sorrento
(352) 735-1996
See more: 11 Florida Agritourism Destinations for Every Season
Blue Sky Farm
From early spring through late fall, Blue Sky Farm in Monticello opens its U-pick fields to visitors eager to find fresh berries and beautiful blooms. The farm began as a U-pick blueberry operation in 2012 and has since expanded to include a popular pick-your-own flower field. Flowers are replanted throughout the growing season, providing a steady supply for more than seven months a year. For $15, the farm supplies clippers, a Mason jar and flower food, and customers can create their own bouquet. Flowers are also available by the stem, bunch, bucket or vase. In addition to the U-pick fields, they sell flower seedlings and offer a Garden in a Box Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).
The farm typically opens for blueberry picking on Saturdays from May through August, while the U-pick flower season runs from April through November.
1180 Ashville Hwy., Monticello
(850) 566-4182
Padgett Ranch LLC
Padgett Ranch in Arcadia hosts family-friendly events throughout the year, including the annual Padgett Ranch Fall Family Fest in October and November. This popular event offers a firsthand experience of ranch life and a variety of activities for all ages, including hayrides, a giant bounce pillow, barrel train rides, duck races and more. Stop for a meal at the ranch’s Family Grill, and don’t forget to visit the pumpkin patch and critter pen. The 2023 Padgett Ranch Fall Family Fest is slated for Oct. 28-29, Nov. 4-5 and Nov. 11-12. Visit the ranch again Dec. 8-9 and Dec. 15-16 for the annual Padgett Ranch Family Christmas featuring festive holiday lights, visits with Santa, farm activities and a s’mores bar.
5422 NE McIntyre St., Arcadia
facebook.com/padgettranchfamilyfest
Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest
On select days throughout the year, Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest in Eustis opens to the public, offering several seasonal activities. Along with a pumpkin patch opening in late September, the working tree farm hosts Santa’s Farm After Dark in the fall, a spooky, Halloween-themed event with a haunted hayride, trail and labyrinth on Friday and Saturday nights from mid-October through Halloween. Starting in mid-November, Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest opens for cut-your-own Christmas trees as well as pre-cut tree sales. Other attractions on the farm include a petting zoo, a zip line, several food and beverage offerings, barrel train rides, visits with Santa during the holiday season, horse and pony rides, live music during events, and more.
35317 Huff Road, Eustis
(352) 357-9863