Grocery store oranges are fine, but they rarely taste like the ones sold a few miles from the grove they came from. Across Florida, a handful of old-school stands still sell citrus the way it used to be sold, by the bag, straight off the farm, often with a jar of jelly or a slice of pie on the side.
These seven stops stretch from Davie up to De Leon Springs, and each one has its own personality, from swamp-buggy grove tours to strawberry shortcake counters. Save this list for your next road trip, because a bag of fresh oranges makes a much better souvenir than another T-shirt.
1. Showcase of Citrus, Clermont, FL
Few citrus stops let you ride through the grove in a monster truck before you shop. Showcase of Citrus in Clermont does exactly that, with amphibious vehicle tours that roll past many varieties of citrus trees and some local wildlife along the way.
The heart of the place is still the fruit. Visitors can pick their own citrus straight into bags, or grab pre-bagged varieties inside the old-timey country store when they would rather skip the ladder work.
Families tend to stretch a visit here into half a day. There is a playground, a petting zoo, a gift shop, and a restaurant on site, plus free parking.
Hours run 9 AM to 7 PM every day, but tours require an appointment, so call ahead at 352-856-0507. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to go, while Saturday and Sunday afternoons draw the biggest crowds.
I would save this one for the visiting relatives who want a taste of Old Florida that goes beyond theme park lines.
2. Bob Roth’s New River Groves, Davie, FL
South Florida used to be dotted with grove stands, and Bob Roth’s New River Groves on Griffin Road is one of the few still standing. The rustic setup has the look of an earlier Broward County, right in the middle of modern Davie.
Florida oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit are the main event, sold by the bag and bushel. In season, watch for Honey Bells, a juicy favorite that many South Floridians plan their winter around.
The shelves go well past citrus. You will find homemade pies, including the World Famous Key Lime Pie, plus fudge, local honey, boiled peanuts, gift baskets, and fresh, never frozen stone crabs in season.
Hungry travelers can order smoothies, fresh coconut water, freshly roasted coffee, and homemade soups like shrimp corn chowder and lobster bisque. A steak sandwich is on the menu too, and most visits land in the $10 to $20 range per person.
The stand opens daily from 8 AM to 5:30 PM, which makes it an easy breakfast stop before a day out.
3. Joshua Citrus Inc, Arcadia, FL
County Road 760 cuts through some of the quietest farm country in DeSoto County, and that is where Joshua Citrus has built a loyal following. It is a family-run citrus farm, and the on-site market sells fresh fruit bagged by variety and ready to carry out.
Orange juice is the item people keep coming back for. The orange ice cream is another reason to stop, especially on a warm afternoon.
Shoppers can also stock up on jams, jellies, citrus butters, tomatoes, other produce, and gifts. It is an easy place to knock out holiday shopping for anyone who loves Florida flavors.
Kids get a tire swing and playground, and grown-ups get shaded sitting areas. On Saturdays, music and a food truck add to the farm-day mood.
Plan around the schedule: Monday through Friday 10 AM to 5 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Sunday.
4. Schacht Groves, Vero Beach, FL
Indian River citrus has a reputation that reaches well beyond Florida, and Schacht Groves in Vero Beach sits right in that famous growing region. The farm shop on 12th Street keeps things simple with fresh fruit and signature fresh-squeezed juices.
Oranges are plentiful, and bags and boxes of freshly harvested citrus are sold directly to shoppers. A cold bottle of juice for the car ride home is hard to pass up.
The market also carries a well-stocked selection of local produce. That makes it handy for filling the fridge, not just the fruit bowl.
The staff are known for being friendly, and the visit can be quick if you know what you want. Just check the calendar first, since the shop opens only Wednesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 5:30 PM.
5. Parkesdale Farm Market, Plant City, FL
Plant City calls itself the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, so it makes sense that its best-known market leans hard into berries. Parkesdale Farm Market is famous for strawberries, yet citrus by the bag sits right alongside the flats.
The roadside open-air layout carries a full lineup of fresh produce, from vegetables to seasonal Florida fruit. It has an old-fashioned feel that stands out as more chains move into the area.
Then there is the dessert counter. Seasonal strawberry shortcake and shakes are a big part of why people make the trip off Interstate 4.
Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM, with Monday and Tuesday closed. Restrooms and free parking make it an easy stop for a carload of travelers.
Grab oranges for the week, then reward yourself with a shortcake for the road.
6. Vo-LaSalle Farms, De Leon Springs, FL
Johnson Lake Road is the kind of country lane where a farm stand still feels like part of the neighborhood. Vo-LaSalle Farms is a family-run spot in De Leon Springs with u-pick fields and a small store.
The oranges here are a solid reason to stop. Bagged citrus shares space with fresh vegetables you can pick yourself, including tomatoes, peppers, and carrots.
Inside the little storefront, shelves hold preserves, jams, sweets, and eggs, plus flowers out front. Prices are friendly, which helps when you leave with more than planned.
There are games on the property and a restroom, so it works well for families. Hours are limited: Thursday through Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM and Sunday noon to 4 PM.
7. Ridge Island Groves, Haines City, FL
Polk County’s Ridge area has grown citrus for generations, and Ridge Island Groves keeps that tradition in plain view. The open-air market sells many citrus varieties grown right on the family farm.
Fruit comes in open bins and ready-to-go bags, harvested from the surrounding trees. Comparing a few varieties side by side is half the fun.
The shelves are packed with jellies, jams, spreads, juices, and pickled everything. You will also spot pies, meat, ice cream, vegetables, and souvenirs.
Listed hours for this one appear inconsistent online, so call 863-422-0333 or check the website before making the drive. Free parking is available once you arrive.
It is a fitting final stop, since few places show the grove-to-bag connection quite so directly.
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