Discovering The Sweet Legacy Of Parkesdale Farms In Plant City
Have you ever thought about where your fresh, sweet strawberries truly come from? For many, the answer leads straight to Plant City, Florida, a place known worldwide as the Winter Strawberry Capital. It's almost like a pilgrimage for anyone who loves berries, and right at the heart of it all, you'll find Parkesdale Farms in Plant City. This isn't just any farm market; it's a historic spot, a true landmark that has, you know, been serving up berry goodness for generations, actually.
This remarkable place, Parkesdale Farm Market, has been a real Florida favorite since way back in 1956. What began as a small, family-run business has, you know, really blossomed into something quite grand. It's now recognized as the biggest strawberry and citrus market across the whole state, which is pretty impressive, if you think about it.
So, if you're ever near Plant City, perhaps driving between Tampa and Daytona, you really should make a point to stop by. Parkesdale Farms in Plant City offers more than just fresh fruit; it's a whole experience, a piece of local history, and a place where, you know, the love for strawberries truly comes alive, especially with those famous shortcakes and milkshakes.
Table of Contents
- A Berry Sweet Beginning: The Story of Parkesdale Farms
- What Makes Parkesdale Farms in Plant City So Special?
- Planning Your Visit to Parkesdale Farm Market
- The Strawberry Throne and Festival Fun
- Beyond Strawberries: A Rich Harvest
- Frequently Asked Questions About Parkesdale Farms
- Come Experience the Parkesdale Magic
A Berry Sweet Beginning: The Story of Parkesdale Farms
The history of Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, you know, really starts with a family's journey and a deep connection to farming. The company's founder, R.E., came to Pennsylvania from Northern Ireland back in 1924 with his family. His father, you know, kept up his farming work after arriving in America, which is, I mean, pretty cool, if you ask me.
Then, in 1956, this family, they decided to move to Plant City, Florida. They started Parkesdale Farms on about 10 acres of land on Tanner Road in 1957. That's, like, a significant move, you know, for a family, especially to a new place dedicated to farming.
From those humble beginnings, Parkesdale has, you know, really expanded quite a bit. It now covers more than 300 acres. They've also got a packing house and a cooling facility on Tanner Road, plus the main Parkesdale Market on U.S. 92 Baker Street. In 1969, Roy's daughter Cheryl and her husband Jim Meeks, you know, opened the Parkesdale Farm Market. It has since become Florida's biggest market for strawberries, citrus, and other fresh produce. This legacy, you know, is still going strong with three generations continuing the family's work, which is honestly, a truly inspiring story.
What Makes Parkesdale Farms in Plant City So Special?
Parkesdale Farms in Plant City is, you know, more than just a place to buy fruit; it's a destination. It has a charm that draws people in, making it a local favorite and a true staple of Central Florida. People, you know, often say it's got lines wrapped around the store, kind of like a ride at Disney, which gives you a pretty good idea of its popularity, right?
The Largest Market Around
As we've talked about, Parkesdale Farm Market is, you know, the largest strawberry and citrus market in Florida. This means they offer a huge selection of fresh strawberries and seasonal produce. You can, like, pretty much always find something good and fresh there, which is a real plus.
World-Famous Treats and More
One of the biggest draws, you know, has to be their world-famous strawberry shortcakes and strawberry milkshakes. These treats are, you know, truly legendary. People travel from all over just to get a taste, and honestly, they are absolutely worth it. It's a sweet experience you won't soon forget, you know, like, really.
A Place for Everyone: The Plant Nursery and Gift Shop
Beyond the fresh produce and delicious treats, Parkesdale Market also, you know, features a plant nursery. So, if you're looking to, like, add some green to your home or garden, you can find something there. They also have a gift shop, which is pretty cool. You can find unique items and souvenirs to remember your visit, you know, something to take home with you.
Planning Your Visit to Parkesdale Farm Market
If you're thinking about visiting Parkesdale Farms in Plant City, which, you know, you absolutely should, there are a few things to keep in mind to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. It's, like, pretty straightforward, but knowing the details helps, right?
When to Visit: Hours and Seasons
Parkesdale Market has, you know, specific operating hours and seasonal closures. Generally, from November to April, they are open seven days a week, from 9 AM to 6 PM. This is, you know, the peak strawberry season, so it's a great time to visit. From April to October, their hours might vary, and they do take a summer vacation. For instance, they were closed from July 20, 2025, to August 12, 2025. It's always a good idea to check their current schedule before you head out, just to be sure, you know, you don't miss them.
Finding Your Way to Parkesdale
The market is located at 39,464 Baker Street, Plant City, FL 33563. You can, you know, give them a call if you have questions, too. It's, like, a really easy sidetrack if you're traveling between Tampa and Daytona, making it a convenient stop for many. It's a place that, you know, people really make an effort to get to, and it's clear why once you're there.
The Strawberry Throne and Festival Fun
During the annual Plant City Strawberry Festival, Parkesdale Farm Market, you know, becomes an even bigger attraction. They really cater to the town's love of berries with their very own Strawberry Throne. This is, you know, a pretty famous photo opportunity, where visitors can sit on a giant throne made of strawberries. It's, like, a really fun and unique part of the festival experience, and people absolutely love it. It shows, you know, just how much this place is a part of the community's traditions.
Beyond Strawberries: A Rich Harvest
While Parkesdale Farms in Plant City is, you know, widely known for its strawberries, its rich harvest actually goes back generations and includes a lot more. The farm, which expanded to hundreds of acres, specializes not only in strawberries but also in citrus and other vegetables. This means they're, you know, pretty much always growing something good and fresh for folks. They have, like, no plans to slow down any time soon, which is great news for anyone who enjoys fresh, local produce. It's a testament to their dedication to farming, you know, and providing quality goods to the community and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parkesdale Farms
People often have questions about Parkesdale Farms in Plant City. Here are some common ones, you know, that might help you plan your visit or just learn a bit more.
What is Parkesdale Farms known for?
Parkesdale Farms is, you know, most famous for its fresh strawberries, being the largest strawberry and citrus market in Florida. They are also, like, really well-known for their world-famous strawberry shortcakes and strawberry milkshakes, which are, honestly, a must-try. They also offer seasonal produce, a plant nursery, and a gift shop, so, you know, there's quite a bit there.
When is Parkesdale Farm Market open?
The market's main season is from November to April, when it's open seven days a week from 9 AM to 6 PM. During April to October, hours can change, and they typically take a summer break, like the one from July 20, 2025, to August 12, 2025. It's, you know, a good idea to check their social media or call ahead for the most current information, just to be sure.
How did Parkesdale Farms start?
The story of Parkesdale Farms, you know, began with R.E., who immigrated from Northern Ireland in 1924. His family, who had a background in farming, moved to Plant City in 1956 and started the farm on 10 acres in 1957. The Parkesdale Farm Market itself was opened in 1969 by Roy's daughter Cheryl and her husband Jim Meeks, continuing a family tradition that, you know, spans three generations. It's a pretty amazing family story, actually.
Come Experience the Parkesdale Magic
Parkesdale Farms in Plant City is, you know, truly a special place. It's a spot where history, family, and the freshest produce come together to create something truly unique. Whether you're craving a sweet strawberry treat, looking for fresh produce, or just want to experience a piece of Florida's agricultural heritage, this market, you know, really delivers.
The next time you find yourself in Central Florida, consider making a stop. You can learn more about Plant City's rich agricultural past on our site, and perhaps you'd like to explore some delicious strawberry recipes to try at home. Parkesdale Market, you know, has people wrapped around the store like a ride at Disney for a reason. It's a grand attraction in its own right, offering a memorable visit and, you know, some of the best strawberries and treats you'll ever taste. It's a place that, you know, really stays with you.
For more current information about Parkesdale Farm Market, you can visit their official Facebook page, which is a good resource for updates on hours and offerings. So, you know, go check it out!
The perfect Parkesdale berry. 🍓😍 --... - Parkesdale Farms | Facebook
And just like that, they're red! 🍓🍓 --... - Parkesdale Farms
Rocky Top Ramblers: Parkesdale Farms, Plant City, FL
