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15 Best Orange Fields in Florida to Visit: Your Ultimate Citrusy Adventure Guide

Ready to find the best orange fields in Florida to visit? Florida, the Sunshine State, has much more to offer than just its stunning beaches and thrilling amusement parks. As the United States’ leading producer of oranges , accounting for about 70% of the country’s total production (USDA, 2021), Florida is a citrus lover’s paradise. The state boasts over 569,000 acres of citrus groves (Florida Department of Citrus, 2022), and this article will guide you through the 15 best orange fields that you must visit in Florida for an unforgettable and zesty experience.

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15 Best Orange Fields in Florida

No matter what part of Florida you are in, there’s sure to be a great orange field to visit ! As a long-time resident of Florida, I’ve loved traveling through the state, where the sight of lush orange groves and the sweet aroma of blossoms are simply enchanting. These groves, teeming with radiant oranges, embody Florida’s agricultural heritage.

I have fond memories of visiting various groves, picking fresh oranges, and engaging with the warm and welcoming owners. These experiences are not just about the fruit; they represent the community and the nourishing gifts of the Sunshine State that reach tables nationwide.

Check out our curated list of 15 that we think you’ll love!

1. Showcase of Citrus – Clermont

Address: 15051 Frank Jarrell Rd. Clermont, FL  34714 Website: showcaseofcitrus.com

With over 2,500 acres of citrus groves, the Showcase of Citrus offers an authentic agritourism experience. You can pick your own oranges and explore the groves on a giant monster truck. There are over 60 varieties of citrus waiting to be discovered!

2. Dooley Groves – Ruskin

Address: 1651 Stephens Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570 Website: dooleygroves.com

Dooley Groves, established in 1967, is renowned for its Honeybells. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of citrus farming in Florida. An excellent educational experience, especially for families.

3. Mixon Fruit Farms – Bradenton

Address: 2525 27th St E, Bradenton, FL 34208 Website: mixon.com

Mixon Fruit Farms offers tram tours through their citrus groves, a wildlife refuge, and a delightful fruit market. Don’t forget to try the Orange Swirl Ice Cream!

4. Ridge Island Groves – Haines City

Address: 6000 Old Polk City Rd, Haines City, FL 33844 Website: ridgeislandgroves.com

Visit Ridge Island Groves for its juicy oranges and citrus wines. Take a tour through the groves and a packing house to see how oranges are sorted and packed.

5. Al’s Family Farms – Fort Pierce

Address: 2001 N Kings Hwy, Fort Pierce, FL 34951 Website: alsfamilyfarms.com

Al’s Family Farms is known for Red Navel Oranges. Take part in citrus packing house tours, explore the groves, and savor delicious orange-flavored treats.

6. Nelson Family Farms – Fort Pierce

Address: 875 W Midway Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34982 Website: nelsonfamilyfarms.com

Nelson Family Farms is a family-run market and citrus grove that hosts seasonal events and offers a wide selection of freshly-picked oranges.

7. Sun Harvest Citrus – Fort Myers

Address: 14601 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33912 Website: sunharvestcitrus.com

Sun Harvest Citrus combines shopping and citrus indulgence. Visit their market, which sells over 15 varieties of citrus fruits, along with souvenirs and gourmet food products.

8. Davidson of Dundee Citrus Candy Factory – Dundee

Address: 28421 US Highway 27, Dundee, FL 33838 Website: davidsonofdundee.com

Davidson of Dundee offers not just a citrus grove, but also a candy factory. See how citrus candies are made and taste candies and marmalades from freshly-squeezed citrus fruits.

9. Florida Orange Groves Winery – St. Petersburg

Address: 1500 Pasadena Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33707 Website: floridawine.com

A paradise for wine enthusiasts, Florida Orange Groves Winery offers over 43 varieties of tropical wines, many made from oranges. Don’t miss the free tours and wine tasting!

10. Joshua Citrus – Arcadia

Address: 4135 SE County Rd 760, Arcadia, FL 34266 Website: joshuacitrus.com

Family-run since 1880, Joshua Citrus spans over 220 acres and is famous for its Hamlin and Valencia oranges.

11. Oponay Farms – Lakeland

Address: 5129 Hancock Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33812 Website: oponayfarms.com

Oponay Farms offers “U-Pick” tours where you can pick your own oranges. They also sell homemade honey.

12. Hancock Groves – Dade City

Address: 31107 Blanton Rd, Dade City, FL 33523 Website: hancockgroves.com

Experience tractor rides through the groves and pick juicy citrus fruits at Hancock Groves. They offer fruit baskets perfect for gifting.

13. Gilbert’s Groves – Largo

Address: 12770 Walsingham Rd, Largo, FL 33774 Website: gilbertsgrove.com

Visit Gilbert’s Groves for sweet, seedless Navels and plump Indian River Grapefruit. Their freshly-squeezed orange juice is a must-try.

14. Pappy’s Patch – Oviedo

Address: 501 Florida Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765 Website: Facebook Page

At Pappy’s Patch, you can pick sweet oranges straight from the tree. Their picking season starts in December and runs through March.

15. Ergle Christmas Tree Farm – Dade City

Address: 3325 Treiman Blvd, Dade City, FL 33523 Website: ergletrees.com

Ergle Christmas Tree Farm boasts an extensive orange grove along with Christmas trees. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and an array of delicious citrus fruits.

Orange Fields In Florida – At a Glance

Don’t forget to plan your visit during the harvesting season, which typically runs from October to June. Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and a hat, and it’s always a good idea to book tours in advance. Your zesty adventure awaits! 🍊

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the best time to visit orange fields in Florida?

A1: The best time to visit orange groves in Florida is during the harvesting season, which generally runs from October to June. However, the peak season is between December and May.

Q2: Can I pick my own oranges at these groves?

A2: Yes, many of the groves mentioned in this article offer a “U-Pick” experience, where you can pick your own oranges straight from the tree. It is always advisable to check with the grove in advance as some may have specific picking times.

Q3: Are there guided tours available in the orange groves?

A3: Many of the orange groves in Florida offer guided tours. These tours often include a walk through the groves, a demonstration of how oranges are processed, and sometimes a tasting of different orange varieties or products.

Q4: Is there an entrance fee to visit the orange groves?

A4: Some orange groves might charge an entrance fee, especially if they offer guided tours or other amenities. It’s advisable to check the grove’s website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Q5: Are the orange groves family-friendly?

A5: Absolutely! Orange groves in Florida are usually family-friendly. Many offer educational tours, tractor rides, and other activities that are fun for all ages.

Q6: Can I buy oranges and other citrus products at the groves?

A6: Yes, most of the groves have on-site markets where you can purchase freshly-picked oranges, as well as a variety of other citrus products such as juices, marmalades, candies, and even citrus wines.

Q7: Are the orange groves accessible for people with mobility issues?

A7: Accessibility can vary among groves. It’s best to check with the specific grove in advance if you have concerns about accessibility.

Q8: How should I dress for a visit to an orange grove?

A8: It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Bring a hat and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Don’t forget to carry water.

Q9: Are pets allowed in the orange groves?

A9: Policies regarding pets can vary among groves. If you’re planning to bring your pet along, it’s advisable to check with the specific grove regarding their pet policy.

Q10: Can I ship oranges from the grove to my home?

A10: Many orange groves offer shipping services so you can enjoy Florida oranges even after your visit. Check with the grove’s market or store for details on their shipping options.

The Florida Traveler Guides Content Team is comprised of lifelong Floridians with over 20 years of in-depth experience exploring the state. We have lived in Florida for decades and traveled extensively throughout every region, from the panhandle to the Keys.

Our guides are based on personal first-hand visits to destinations and attractions, not outside research. As passionate Florida travelers ourselves, we are committed to helping others discover authentic Florida highlights, hidden gems, and special local flavors.

You can trust our recommendations come from genuine personal experience and a desire to share the true spirit of Florida. We cover the full range of Florida interests, from beach towns to theme parks to wilderness escapes. Whether you seek peaceful nature, family fun, or cultural discovery, we provide knowledgeable and honest Florida travel insights.

Our goal is to inspire your own memorable Florida adventures! As longtime residents, we feel honored to share our Florida with newcomers and help create travel memories that will last a lifetime.

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The Best Orange Groves In Florida To Pick Your Own Citrus

September 29, 2020 //  by  Florida Trippers

Are you thinking of going orange picking in Florida? If so you have come to the right place. In this article, we will walk you through the orange groves in Florida and give you some tips for getting the most out of visiting an orange farm.

Florida and oranges just go together; the humble orange has become an icon of the state.  When driving into Florida you are met with a cool glass of orange juice at the first rest stops and the love affair with the simple orange does not stop there.

At one time orange farms in Florida could be seen everywhere but now while not as abundant, you can still find them and they are well worth a trip. There is nothing like tasting a juicy ripe orange you have picked for yourself.

Most of the oranges in Florida are grown in the southern two-thirds where they are unlikely to see a freeze. This climate is what makes Florida oranges some of the best in the world, the heat and humidity leads to sweet and juicy oranges. 

Orange Picking in Florida

The U Pick orange groves in Florida now tend to be family-owned and out in the country and are perhaps not as organised and professional as you might be expecting.

But they all operate pretty much as you would expect; you will be shown where to pick, given a bucket/basket or similar to put your produce in and you will then spend your time walking up and down the tree lines looking for the juicy and ripe fruit to pluck and put into your bucket.

You can pretty much pick oranges all year round but depending on the time of year and the grower will depend on the variety. November through April have the widest variety. However, some orange farms in Florida are closed off-season, so make sure you check before you go.

Some of the Florida orange groves also include tours of the packing houses and a few have on-site restaurants and stores selling orange blossom produce.

Whenever you go orange picking in Florida we advise you to wear closed shoes and long trousers, also sunglasses to protect your eyes are a good idea. Remember a cold drink and sun cream; it can take longer than you think and you can work up quite a sweat. See our packing list for Florida if you need more tips.

One thing we do know is you will never forget the sweet smell you get from the Florida orange groves.

The perfect time to go orange picking in Florida is between December and May, which is when they are at their most plentiful, although the season tends to run from October to June.

If you are looking for more things to do in Florida check out our 30 Things to do in Florida: The Ultimate Bucket List

Which oranges grow in Florida and where are they in season?

Florida orange groves produce several types of oranges; Navel, Temple, and Valencia.  Before you go orange picking in Florida it’s best to make sure that the oranges you love are in season.

Navel oranges tend to be on the larger size and most are seedless. They can be round and oval in shape and have a medium peel; their color varies from deep yellow to orange.

They are available to pick from October – January.

Valencia oranges are medium to large size with a smooth thin peel. They can be round or oval and are yellow to deep orange, sometimes with a tint of green. They are juicy, sweet oranges with a great smell.

They are available to pick February – June  

Temple oranges are medium size and oval in shape and tend to be a deep orange color. They peel and section easily, they have a great flavor and fragrance and are believed to be the best oranges that comes from Florida.

They are available to pick January through March.

How to pick an orange.

Unlike some fruits, oranges do not ripen after picking, so you must make sure you are picking a mature orange. In many cases, the ripe ones will drop from the tree but that’s no fun, is it?  You came orange picking in Florida to actually pick oranges off the tree, not the floor.

You want to check the orange is free from for mold, fungus, or blemishes and smells sweet, fresh, and citrusy. Obviously, the color will be more orange then green or yellow.

To pick the orange grasp the fruit in your hand and gently twist until the stem detaches from the tree. If the orange is up high simply shaking the tree with loosen the fruit and some U Pick orange groves in Florida provides implements to help you pick from higher branches. You can then simply pull the stem off the orange or use clippers if it’s a type where the skin rips easily. 

So, you have gone orange picking in Florida, but how do you make sure the fruit stays fresh?

The best way to store your oranges after picking them if you can is to keep them in the crisper in your refrigerator; here they will stay in top quality for up to three weeks. Unrefrigerated in a cool dry place they are at their best for four to five days.

So now you understand everything about the orange, where can you go and pick them? I’ve picked the top five orange groves in Florida based on reviews and information available. There will be more but these five seem like the most reliable and professional out there.

 The Showcase of Citrus, Clermont.

Located just 15 minutes from Orlando, The Showcase of Citrus is one of the U Pick orange groves in Florida that has so much for you to do.  The grove is a family-owned and operated 2,500-acre estate cultivating over 50 varieties of citrus.

They are open to pick oranges typically November to May and they have lots to do other than just picking oranges.  The hours of opening do change; currently, 9 am-7 pm and they are open all year round, although there is not always orange picking available.

The Grove Experience which includes entrance to the grove and U Pick directly from the trees is 5.00 – Adults (13+) and $2.00 – Children (4-12).

This could be a real family day out as they have lots to do like Monster truck tours, meeting farm animals, and a gem mine. 

They are 25 minutes from Disneyland in central Florida in Clermont.  If you want to make a day out of your orange picking in Florida then this is the place for you.

 Ridge Island Groves

In Haines City Ridge, Ridge Island Groves is a family-owned and operated. Orange picking in Florida here comes with a tour. You get to see everything that goes on behind the scenes. 

The cost is $8.00 per person, each person can pick 1 orange. Also for $1 per pound you can pick as much as you want!

Dooley Groves

Situated on the west coast about 30 miles south of Tampa, Dooley Groves was planted in 2010 through 2015 with 10 different varieties of citrus.

Orange picking in Florida here takes place from 10 am through 4 pm from mid- November through April.

Vo­LaSalle Farms

The Crump Family own Vo­LaSalle Farms and are fourth-generation farmers. The family lives on the farm and the grove is surrounded by many farm animals including cows, ducks, and goats as well as beautiful lake views and natural Florida wildlife.

They offer U pick for what is currently in season, so please call before to ensure you can pick oranges at the time you want to.

The farm is situated in Deleon Springs.

Hancock Groves

A family-run farm near Dade City. Hancock Grove grows citrus fruit, strawberries, and peaches. You arrive and pick fruits that are in season.  They have a Facebook page so best to contact them before you go to check opening times and availability.

We hope this article has convinced you to go orange picking in Florida, not only are you supporting local farmers and the local economy but we promise you will have fun. Please let us know how your orange picking goes and if you come across some more U Pick orange groves in Florida, please let us know.

You might also like 10 Prettiest Small Beach Towns in Florida .

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Orange Grove Tours in Florida

Jul 31, 2023.

Florida is famous for its delicious and juicy oranges, which are grown in the state's many citrus groves. Orange grove tours are a popular way for visitors to experience the beauty and bounty of these groves, and learn about the history and culture of Florida's citrus industry. Here's what you need to know about orange grove tours in Florida.

Types of Tours: There are different types of tours available in Florida's orange groves. Some tours are guided, with experienced tour guides leading visitors through the groves and sharing their knowledge about citrus farming, harvesting, and processing. Other tours are self-guided, allowing visitors to explore the groves at their own pace and learn about the citrus industry through informational signs and exhibits.

What to Expect: On a typical orange grove tour, visitors can expect to see rows of orange trees, learn about the different varieties of oranges grown in Florida, and discover the history and heritage of the state's citrus industry. Some tours also offer the opportunity to pick oranges straight from the trees, taste freshly-squeezed orange juice, and even buy citrus products like marmalade, honey, and candies.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Florida's orange groves is during the peak harvesting season, which runs from October through June. This is when the oranges are ripe and ready to be picked, and visitors can see the groves at their most vibrant and colorful. Some groves may also offer special events during this time, such as festivals, concerts, and craft fairs.

Where to Go: There are many orange grove tours available throughout Florida, but some of the most popular destinations include:

• Showcase of Citrus, Clermont
• The Orange Shop, Citra
• Davidson Brothers Citrus, Vero Beach
• Mixon Fruit Farms, Bradenton
• Vo-LaSalle Farms, DeLeon Springs

Tips for Visiting: When planning your orange grove tour in Florida, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. You may also want to bring a camera to capture the beauty of the groves, and a cooler or insulated bag to keep any citrus products you purchase fresh on the way home.

In conclusion, orange grove tours are a unique and enjoyable way to experience the beauty and bounty of Florida's citrus industry. Whether you're interested in learning about the history and culture of citrus farming or simply want to taste the sweet and juicy flavors of Florida oranges, there's something for everyone on an orange grove tour. So, pack your bags and head to Florida for a fun and educational adventure in the sunshine state!

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Open Every Day of the Year:  9am-7pm

(352) 394-4377

15051 Frank Jarrell Rd. Clermont, FL  34714

Florida’s Fresh Air Attraction

Click to book a monster truck tour now, pure florida fun.

The Showcase of Citrus, Florida’s Fresh Air Attraction®, is a family owned and operated 2,500 acre estate cultivating over 50 varieties of citrus that began in 1989. We offer a variety of experiences you and your family won’t want to miss! Our family works together to provide our guests with unique, outdoor fun and adventure. From U-pick citrus  to  monster truck adventures through the ranch, from gem mining in a real sluice box to simply having a relaxing picnic, there is something for everyone of all ages.

We are open every day of the year and are pet-friendly. 

Cold Treats

We are known for our world famous 100% natural orange juice slushy and creamsicle, a tasty treat any time of day! The orange flavor is always available, and other flavors rotate. Grab one of these during your visit, or cool off with a different cold treat like frozen yogurt or ice cream bars.

Need to cool off from the Florida heat?

Check it out.

You may drop by thinking you will just stay for one or two things, but realize hours later you have spent the entire day with us, exploring the grounds, sifting for treasure at the local gem mine, visiting the animals, and enjoying the outdoors. That’s the way we like it! You will have the opportunity to relax, enjoy, bond, and create fond memories with family and friends during your visit to The Showcase of Citrus, Florida’s Fresh Air Attraction®.

Don’t miss these activities!

Go on a Monster Truck Adventure

Pick Your Own Citrus (November-May)

Shop at the Old Time Country Store for Souvenirs or Snacks

Find Treasures at the Local Gem Mine

Visit and Feed the Farm Animals

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6 Must Visit U-Pick Orange Groves in Florida

• Post author: Rachel Pedranti
• Post published: February 11, 2022
• Post category: Travel
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Florida and oranges go together like peanut butter and jelly. The juicy citrus fruit grows well in the sandy Florida soil and the farmland used to be covered in orange groves. Now there are significantly less orange groves than there used to be but you can find them if you’re looking. Here are six groves where you can pick your own oranges in Florida.

The oranges we picked were delicious! They were incredibly juicy and sweet, so juicy in fact they were practically falling apart and dripping down our hands once we started eating them at home. That is what is in store for you once you pick your own oranges!

This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here .

What type of oranges grow in Florida? When are they in season?

There are so many different types of oranges in Florida and even more types of citrus! Here is a short breakdown of the most common varieties as well as when they are in season! Sources: visitflorida , edis , blogs.ifas

Honeybell Oranges : Available in January only

Navel Oranges: Available October-February

Hamlin Oranges: Available October-January

Pineapple Oranges: Available December-February

Ambersweet Oranges: Available October-January

Valencia Oranges : Available February-June

Temple Oranges: Available January-March

Flame Grapefruit: Available October-June

March White Grapefruit: Available September-April

Ruby Red Grapefruit: Available October-April

Tangerines: Available from October-February

Quick List of U-Pick Orange Groves in Florida

• The Showcase of Citrus
• Ridge Island Groves
• Dooley Groves
• Vo-LaSalle Farms
• Hancock Groves
• Graham Farms

How to Pick an Orange

To tell which oranges are ripe you will rely heavily on color. You want oranges that are a good bright orange or yellow color and don’t have much green. Different varieties of oranges look different when they are ripe. 

You can also squeeze the oranges gently, you want them to be firm and not too squishy. You can always ask the groves staff for tips to pick the perfect orange, they are always very helpful and knowledgeable.

When pulling the oranges off the trees, pull or twist gently, some will come off more easily than others. That is why many of the groves offer clippers as well. Try to avoid ripping the orange peel or else the orange won’t stay fresh as long. Remember, citrus does not continue to ripen once it is picked off the tree so only pick what is currently ripe.

How to Keep Oranges Fresh

Oranges will stay fresh unrefrigerated for about 4-5 days after being picked. If you refrigerate them, they will last up to 3 weeks after being picked. If you can’t eat all the oranges you picked in that amount of time and you need to use up a lot of oranges at once, consider making orange juice, orange pie or some other recipe that calls for oranges. I’m sure you can find something delicious on Pinterest.

1. The Showcase of Citrus

Address: 5010 US Highway 27, Clermont, FL 34714

Phone Number: 352-394-4377

Schedule: Open all year long

Orange Varieties: 50+ citrus varieties with everything from valencia oranges, navel oranges and tangerines to grapefruit, lemons and limes!

Cost: Entrance to the grove costs $5 for adults 13+ and $4 for kids 4-12. Fruit is then purchased by weight.

Other Attractions: Showcase of Citrus also offers monster truck tours of the farm, gem mining, farm animals you can feed as well as a farm shop you can look through.

Pet Friendly: Yes, the farm is pet friendly but pets must be leashed at all times.

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2. Ridge Island Groves

Address: 6000 Old Polk City Rd, Haines City, FL 33844

Phone Number: 863-422-0333

Schedule: The groves are open for u-pick Monday – Saturday 9am – 4pm

Orange Varieties: Ridge Island Groves grows pineapple oranges, navels, valencias, tangerines, sugarbells and honeybell tangelos as well as grapefruit and pomelos.

Cost: Pick from the 10lbs bag for $18 or the 20lbs bag for $30 and fill it up.

Other Attractions: There is a great farm store and usually a food truck or two to purchase food from.

More U-Pick in Florida

• 13 Flower Farms in Florida to Visit Today
• Strawberry U-Pick Farms in the Tampa Bay Area
• Peach and Sunflower Picking at Southern Hill Farms
• Go Blueberry Picking in Tampa at these 13 U-Pick Fields

3. Dooley Groves

Read about our visit to Dooley Groves .

Address: 1651 Stephens Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570

Phone Number: 813-645-3256

Schedule: Open everyday from 10am – 4pm while oranges are in season.

Orange Varieties: Oranges to Pick: Honeybells, Pineapple Oranges, Red Grapefruit, Tangerines, Navel Oranges, Sugarbelles, Temple Oranges

Cost: The grove is free to enter and you only pay for what you pick by weight at $2.59 per lbs.

Other Attractions: There is a large farm shop you can shop at before or after you pick your florida oranges. They have everything from orange blossom candles, orange juice, and picked-for-you fruit to Florida citrus themed gifts and desserts.

Pet Friendly: No

4. Vo-LaSalle Farms

Address: 601 Johnson Lake Road, Deleon Springs, FL 32130

Phone Number: 386-985-0046

Schedule: Vo-LaSalle Farms is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm and Sunday 12-4pm. 

Orange Varieties: Navel oranges and Hamlin oranges

Cost: You can choose to purchase a ¼ bushel bag for $8 or a ½ bushel bag for $14

Other Attractions: There are many u-pick options at Vo-LaSalle Farms like lettuce, tomatoes, eggplant, squash, green beans, cucumbers and even zinnias.

5. Hancock Groves

Address: 31107 Blanton Rd, Dade City FL 33523

Phone Number: 352-457-0845

Schedule: Thursday through Sunday 10am – 5pm.

Orange Varieties: Honeybells, sunburst tangerines, hamlets, and navels

Other Attractions: Hancock Groves also offers strawberry u-pick, peach u-pick

6. Graham Farms

Address: 14803 Lake Yale Rd, Umatilla, Florida 32784

Phone Number: 352-636-3821

Orange Varieties: Graham Farms grows Honeybells, Red Navels and Sugar Bells.

Other Attractions: This farm also offers u-pick peaches and flowers as well as an event venue.

Why Pick Your Own Oranges?

There is nothing more quintessentially Florida than picking your own oranges. I feel the real question should be why not pick your own oranges? Then the answer would be a simple “you should”. Since you asked though…

Picking your own oranges is a wonderful opportunity to get outside as a family or with a group of friends and bond as you walk through the orange groves full of orange blossom fragrance. It makes a great afternoon activity that all your kids will enjoy.

U-pick oranges are also a great way to support local farmers. This way you are buying local, directly from the source which cuts out all the middleman. The farmers are so kind to go through the extra work of providing u-pick opportunities. But it really provides a fun activity for you and is hopefully mutually beneficial for them.

What to Wear Orange Picking in Florida

While orange picking make sure you wear proper attire, especially shoes. 

The first time I went orange picking I wore a skirt which actually caused no problems but the sandals I chose were not a good idea. My feet were filthy by the end. 

It is recommended that you wear long pants and close toed shoes. This will keep your feet much more clean and protect you from the ants and elements better. This is Florida and it can get HOT. Luckily, orange season is in the winter so most likely you’ll have gorgeous warm weather. Always check the forecast before heading out though, this time of year it can be as cold as 50 F or as warm as 80 F. Dress accordingly!

More Florida Fun:

• Lavender Fields in Florida You Can Visit
• One Day in Key West, Florida
• Things To Do on a Day Trip to Anna Maria Island, FL
• Best Fun Things To Do in Tampa, FL

Tips for Picking Your Own Oranges

• There are ants in the fields and in the trees and they bite. Avoid leaning on the trees and watch out when you are reaching for oranges higher up. 
• To tell which oranges are ripe you will rely heavily on color. You want oranges that are a good orange color that don’t have much green. Different varieties of oranges look different when they are ripe. You can also squeeze the oranges gently, you want them to be firm and not too squishy. Ask the groves staff for tips to pick the perfect orange, they are very helpful. 
• At most orange groves baskets and clippers are provided but double check online first. Or bring a bag or basket just in case.
• It is a good idea to bring water since you’ll be walking outside for a good amount of time and it can get hot.

U-Pick Oranges in Florida

Alright, that is everything you need to know to pick your own oranges in Florida! There are several locations so pick the one that is the best fit for your group and make a day of it. Have fun and enjoy your day in the life of a true Florida farmer.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

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Fun facts about florida oranges & citrus.

Florida on a Tankful - Ridge Island Groves

By Lauren Tjaden

Florida Department of Citrus

Citrus is an integral part of Florida’s identity, intertwined with its history, part of its landscape, and still leaving its intoxicating mark today.

In the Sunshine State, the orange is the official state fruit, orange juice is the state beverage, and the orange blossom is the state flower. And when you stop at one of the Official Florida Welcome Centers on the way into the state, you’re greeted with a cup of free Florida orange juice—a tradition since 1949.

Here, you can pick Florida oranges straight from the tree, baptized with sunshine and surrounded with a halo of perfume that invites you to take a bite; discover plump, delicately-skinned Florida grapefruit ; and indulge in the ultimate sweetness of Florida mandarins and tangerines .

Yes, it’s that good. Dedicated growers combined with Florida’s sub-tropical weather, abundant rainfall, a bounty of sunshine and sandy soil promise the perfect recipe for the sweetest, juiciest citrus in the world.

Here's where you can discover some fun facts about the Sunshine State’s signature fruit.

 You can find several types of citrus for sale at Ridge Island Groves

- Stephen Kubiak for VISIT FLORIDA

Citrus Products

Florida growers produce various types of Florida citrus, including oranges, grapefruit and specialty fruits that include Temple oranges, tangerines and tangelos.

The primary varieties of Florida oranges are Navel, Hamlin, Pineapple, Ambersweet and Valencia, with the fresh orange season typically running from October through June. Fun Fact: Almost 88% of an orange is just Vitamin C.

The primary varieties of Florida grapefruit are Ruby Red, Flame, Thompson, Marsh and Duncan, with the fresh grapefruit season typically running from September through June. Fun fact: After a stressful day, pamper your feet and hands in a bowl of warm water mixed with 100% Florida Grapefruit Juice.

Specialty Fruit

Florida producers grow a handful of specialty fruit that includes Florida tangerines and mandarins. Besides being scrumptious, these fresh fruits contain vital nutrients. They’re in season from October through April. Fun fact: Mandarin oranges aren’t oranges at all. To avoid misunderstanding, they’re often simply called “mandarins.” Mandarins of a deep, orange-red color are called “tangerines.”

You can check out more details about your favorites from the Florida Department of Citrus .

An orange from a grove in Clermont

- Quentin Bacon

How Florida Citrus is Harvested

Citrus in Florida isn’t picked until it’s reached maturity, and it doesn’t ripen more after picking. So at the right moment, workers carefully hand pick the fruit and place it in large canvas bags. The bags are then moved into specialized vehicles called “goats” that transport the harvested fruit from the grove to roadside tractor-trailers. Citrus grown for fresh consumption is hauled to packinghouses where it’s washed, graded and packed. Citrus produced for juice is transported by truck to processing plants for juice extraction.

Take a tour of the citrus groves at Ridge Island Grove in Haines City

Get a Taste of the Citrus Industry

If you want to experience the process of how it all happens yourself, you can pick your own fresh Florida citrus at Showcase of Citrus in Clermont ; visit a real Florida packing house at Al’s Family Farms in Fort Pierce ; and tour a working farm at Ridge Island Groves in Haines City . There, you’re invited to pluck oranges from a tree. For an incomparable delight, eat one while it’s still warm from the sun. When you go, check out Where to Visit Orange Groves & Farms in Florida as well as this interactive map of citrus growers close to you. Fun Fact: Oranges are technically a berry.

Modern citrus groves provide a habitat for wildlife and a buffer from urban development.

- Florida Department of Citrus

Green is Good (So is Orange)

Citrus is a big plus for Florida's environment. A modern grove design provides large areas of undeveloped land, delivering an exceptional wildlife habitat and a natural barrier between farmlands and urban development. University of Florida researchers recently observed more than 159 native species of wildlife within grove ecosystems. Research shows that for every acre of mature trees, 16.7 tons of oxygen is produced per year. Fun Fact: A single 140-gram orange supplies a whopping 92% of the Vitamin C intake you need in a day.

Florida’s Citrus History

Christopher Columbus brought the first citrus to the New World in 1493.  In 1513, Spanish explorers including Ponce De Leon, Hernan Cortez, and Hernando DeSoto brought citrus to Florida.  In the mid-1500s, one of the early Spanish explorers --most likely Ponce de Leon-- planted the first orange trees around St. Augustine , Florida.

Almost 250 years later, in 1763, Jesse Fish of St. Augustine created the first commercial citrus grove. The industry grew and in 1776, the first references to the shipment of fruit out of Florida appeared in writing, where it was noted that 65,000 oranges and 2 caskets of juice went via boat to England. After the Civil War, commercial production began in earnest, thanks to the development of the railroad that allowed citrus growers to ship their products across the country. In 1894 and 1895, freezes devastated much of the state’s citrus crops. Refusing to be beaten, many citrus growers went further south and started growing again. Within 15 years, the industry rallied and by 1950, Florida produced over 100 million boxes of citrus. In 1970, that number reached 200 million. At that point, citrus had grown into a billion-dollar industry, and orange juice could be shipped all over the U.S., with television spreading the word.

You can read more about Florida’s citrus history here , with challenges through the years that included blights, freezes and hurricanes, and the successes that helped it flourish, like discoveries about insects, ways to increase productions—like topping trees—and advertising to help it stay in the public eye.

Today, most citrus is grown in the southern two-thirds of the Florida peninsula, where probability of freezing temperatures is lowest, although Polk County in Central Florida holds reign as the top citrus producing county in the state. Fun Fact: In 1982, scientists in Lake Alfred, Florida, learned that micro-sprinkler irrigation offered citrus tree protection from freezing.

Places to Remember

Fort Pierce

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Florida Orange Groves Winery: 50+ Tropical Fruit Wines

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Table of Contents

Florida Orange Groves Winery is a unique & fun destination for tourists and locals alike. The winery offers a wide variety of tropical fruit wines, all of which are made with fresh, Florida-grown oranges.

And what’s even better is that you can take a tour and taste the delicious wines for yourself!

This article reviews our experience at the winery, the FREE wine tasting, award-winning wines, and things to know before your visit!

Florida Orange Groves Winery Location

Florida Orange Groves Winery is located in South Pasadena, nearby St Pete Beach (less than a mile away). For this reason, we did include it as one of the best things to do in St Pete Beach !

It is an easy drive here from Tampa on I-275 in approximately 30-minutes. You can also reach downtown St Petersburg in about 15-minutes.

Florida Orange Groves Winery Map

General Information:

• Address: 1500 Pasadena Avenue South, South Pasadena, FL 33707
• Phone: (727) 347-4025
• Winery Tour Hours: Mon-Sat 10 am to 4 pm; Sun 12 pm -4 pm.
• Tasting Room Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am – 5:30 pm; Sun 12 pm – 5 pm.
• Closed for major holidays. Parking is free on the property.
• Website: Floria Orange Groves Winery

Florida Orange Groves Winery’s History

Florida Orange Groves Winery was established in 1991 and today it is a third-generation family-owned business. It is known for being Florida’s original tropical fruit winery with award-winning citrus, berry, and tropical wines. Don’t be surprised if the owner stops by or gives you a warm welcome on your visit.

Florida Orange Groves Winery is the only Florida winery that specializes in ultra-premium tropical wines. They proudly advertise that they are the only Florida winery offered a place at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

The wines are made from 100% Florida-grown fruit. They use a unique process to extract the flavor and aromatics of Florida oranges into the wines, resulting in a truly unique product.

Fun fact: It takes over 9 pounds of fruit just to make one bottle of their Mango Mamma wine (and multiple other ones too)!

In addition to its signature orange wine, Florida Orange Groves Winery also offers a wide variety of other fruit-based wines, including key lime, grapefruit, mango, kiwi, tangerine, and lemon. The winery also produces a line of sparkling wines, red and white wines, and wine slushies.

With over 50 different varieties of tropical wine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Florida Orange Groves Winery Tour and Tasting

Florida Orange Groves Winery offers tours and tastings that allow visitors to learn about the winemaking process and taste the different wines produced here.

The Tasting Experience includes a sample of prechosen multiple wines, as well as two wines you can pick from the catalog. This casual experience is especially fun to do with a group of friends or as a couple.

While I sampled the wines, the staff provided education on the wines. We also enjoyed watching them feeding the birds and squirrels by hand from the window.

Wine Tasting Review

Since they offer so many wines, we couldn’t sample them all! However, we did sample several of the award-winning wines with the best reviews. Our favorites were Hurricane Class 5, Mango Mamma, and Coco Polada. I thought I would like the St Pete Sangria, but it didn’t compare to the others in my opinion.

My personal favorite of them all was the Orange Cream Extreme paired with Orange Sunshine which makes an amazing wine slushie! The flavor had me reminiscing about orange cream sodas I would drink as a kid (tastes just like it!).

Since the mix comes separate from the wine, the whole family can enjoy it. Just combine the Orange Cream Extreme with orange juice instead of the wine for the kids.

This becomes the perfect Florida drink, especially on a hot day. As you can see, I had to take home a couple of bottles!

Explore the Gift Shop

Florida Orange Groves Winery gift shop is the perfect place to find a unique and thoughtful gift for any occasion. From Florida-themed gifts to gourmet food items, they have something for everyone on your list.

I couldn’t leave without buying a couple of items from the gift shop including gourmet tea and locally made honey.

Don’t miss the clearance rack in the back of the store in the restaurant. I scored some cute and unique little party favors at 50% off!

Florida Orange Groves Winery Wine Rewards Club

The Florida Orange Groves Winery Wine Club is a great way to save. Ask them about the club to get access to exclusive events and discounts.

Final Thoughts

Florida Orange Groves Winery is a great place to come if you’re looking for a unique wine-tasting experience.

The winery offers a wide variety of tropical fruit wines, all of which are made with fresh, Florida-grown oranges. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Florida Orange Groves Winery is definitely worth a visit!

Looking for a winery that produces unique flavored wines made from 100% juice? Look no further than Florida Orange Groves Winery!

Read Next: 25 Amazing Things to Do in Pass-a-Grille Beach, FL

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Ultimate Guide: 5 Best Places for Orange Picking in Florida

Orange picking in Florida  is one of the best fun outdoor activities you can have with your friends. Also, watching the sunset in the Florida Keys is a great experience to taste.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay any extra penny, but I’ll get a small commission that encourages me to deliver more helpful content for you.

Just imagine, U- picking oranges in Florida with your own hands and then cutting them into pieces to have it.  Isn’t that a perfect activity for fun? Fun and eat and live!

So, this blog is a complete guide on the best orange groves in Florida, and tips for orange picking in Florida.  Let’s inhale some orangy smell!

Table of Contents

Florida orange picking season.

Florida’s sunshine, moist atmosphere, and weather are perfect to grow oranges. Self-pick tour starts from November to June. The primary season starts in October.

Oranges do not ripen after harvesting so make sure you do not pick green oranges. December and February are winter but still, Florida’s temperature remains pretty hot. 

Though Orange picking season in Florida starts in October, when I went in December to the small grove in Florida, it was already depleted.

Types of Oranges Grown in Florida

Orange groves in Florida are jewels for fruit lovers who love juicer, less seedy, and thinner-skinned fruits! Florida orange varieties are in major categories which can be itemized into various groups and varieties.  

Here is a guide for the types of oranges grown in Florida – 

• Valencias:  It is a round orange that is famously called a “juice orange” because of its high sugar content. By January or February Valencias ripens and in the warmer month the skin looks green.
• Pineapple:  These oranges are juicy in quality with a delicate fragrance that looks orange-red in color with many seeds. By December, Pineapple ripens. Mostly, these types of oranges are included in fruit boxes used for commercial processing.
• Hamlin:  This type of   Florida orange   has few seeds with a very flavourful taste. It looks light yellow and orange in color. By October month, Hamlin ripens.
• Navel:  Navel is a famous type of orange grown in Florida that is sweet in taste and almost has crunchy pulp and easy peeling skin. This is available from October to February.
• Pigmented oranges:  These are also called “blood oranges”. The famous varieties are Ruby Blood, ruby-skinned Moro, and Sanguinelli. These are available from October to April.
• Mandarins:  It is small in size with many seeds, tart, and perfume flavor.
• Clementine:  It is mostly orange-red in color lovely, aromatic, and tender. The famous varieties are Lee, Page, Fairchild, and Nova.
• Satsuma:  It is harvested in early September and the fruit has few seeds and tastes sweet.
• Temple:  These are deep reddish and have several seeds. Temple is called Florida’s finest-eating oranges. It is available from January to March.

Why Pick Your Own Oranges?

In 2018, for the first time, my boyfriend  Kelvin took me to his  favorite Orange grove in Florida, The Showcase of Citrus. Here, I not only enjoyed nature, and got some exercise but picked my own oranges. It was such a good experience.

I’m really suggesting experiencing Orange picking in Florida with your girlfriends or partner to bond all over again and enjoy the fragrance that smells divine. It is also such a fun activity to experience with your kid. 

Since then, it’s been our ritual to visit luscious orange orchards in Florida every year to cherish some memories which are so close to our hearts. Also, picking oranges in Florida is one of the old-fashioned traditions which cannot be missed.

Therefore, visiting in winter is a great time. Just imagine, when everyone will be going to theme parks in Orlando, you’ll be actually in  orange orchards near Orlando  exploring .  Isn’t that more fun? Less crowd and a great adventure!

Pros of Orange Picking in Florida

• So much of outdoor fun adventure than going to the beach or theme parks
• Supporting local farmers directly without middlemen who take away the whole profit. This is a great way to help the local economy to flourish
• Learning new things – citrus fruit growing patterns, the process of growing, role, and importance
• Having fresh citrus fruit picked from trees than buying from the grocery store is seriously a different feeling 

Best Orange Groves in Florida

1. vo – lasalle farms.

• Address:  601 Johnson Lake Rd, De Leon Springs, FL 32130
• Phone:  +1 386-985-0046
• Orange varieties available:  Navel
• Harvesting season:  November 

Vo LaSalle Farm is a hidden orange picking grove in Florida where you can bring your family to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and best-quality fruits. It is a place where you not only get oranges but vegetables too. 

This is one of the U-pick orange groves in Florida that offers complimentary hayrides for fun! My mother comes here to get potatoes, grapefruits, and zucchini when she has to make some delicious recipes.

• Vo– LaSalle Farms is very kid-friendly
• You can sit by the lake and enjoy the Florida winter afternoon surrounded by cows and ducks.  The experience is different!
• Every week something is running at  Vo LaSalle Farm . So, check their website before actually visiting

Recommened Read:

• 14 Best Botanical Gardens in Florida To Visit
• 10 Amazing Castles in Florida With Photos

2. Showcase of Citrus

• Address:  5010 US Highway 27, Clermont, FL – 34714
• Phone:  352-394-4377
• Orange varieties available:  Valencia, Spring Navel, Yellow Navel, Sugar Belle, Honeybells, and 50+ citrus varieties
• Harvesting season:  late October and June
• Fee:  $5 for 13+ adults and $4 for 4-12 kids

I’ve already told you, The Showcase of Citrus is  Kelivin’s  favorite and this is the best U –  pick your own oranges in Orlando. Okay ,  it will be wrong   to say “in Orlando” because this orange grove in Florida is 15 minutes away from Orlando.

This is a 2,500 acres grove with packed rows of orange trees, and other 50+ varieties of citrus fruits. It is family owned orange grove in Florida where walking around with your basket seems the most idyllic thing to do on a December afternoon.  

The first time when  Kelvin  brought me here, I was numb seeing the field full of orange trees, oranges hanging, and lemon trees throughout. It was scenery full of beauty and a sweet scent to smell. Indeed it is the best Orange grove in Orlando.

If you’re short of time and do not have time to pick from trees then head straight to the Old Time Country Store for purchasing. For some fun, take the Monster Truck Tours which take you on a tour around the ranch, woodlands, and swampland.

Tips:  

• Use a map to know which fruit is available where. This Clermont orange-picking grove is huge
• If you’re a military ID, then you’re in luck with a free Monster truck tour
• In the winter afternoon, you can bring your family to chill by the pond by the fishing pier or enjoy the air
• Go to The Country Store to buy wine and beer. If you’re here you should order their Vanilla Creamsicles and Disney’s Citrus Swirls

• Kids’ Choice: 9 Best Zoos in Florida for Family Adventures
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3. Hancock Groves

• Address:  31107 Blanton Rd, Dade City, FL – 33523
• Phone:  352-457-0845
• Orange varieties available:  Navels, Honeybells, Tangerines, Hamlets, and Sunburst
• Harvesting season:  October

For people who are traveling on the I-75 road, Hancock Grove is a must-stop. I want to tell you that this orange grove in Florida has the best tasty fruits! I stopped here with Kelvin last in 2020 to get a bag full of oranges for my family and me.

The oranges were juicy and sweet at a very affordable price. The hallmark of this grove is its appreciation for the natural environment and the hospitality of the staff. You will get not only oranges but peaches, strawberries, pummelos, and other citrus fruits. 

Per acre yields 500 boxes and 650 boxes of Valencia and Hamlin oranges respectively. I brought a merchandise orange t-shirt from a little shop which till date I love it. Remember, every fruit is available in a particular season.

4. Red Hill Groves

• Address:  7210 N Ronald Reagan Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773
• Phone:  +1 407-885-0272
• Orange varieties available:  Honeybells, Red Navel, and Valencia.
• Harvesting season:  October through May

There’s always something special about going for Orange picking in Orlando in the fall season. Red Gill Groves which is also called White’s Red Hill Groves offers a big part of citrus production in east Central Florida.

I came here with my friend  Soniya,  trust me I felt that sweet smell and crispness in the air. It is such a great place to click candies and has those icy orange juices from freshly squeezed Florida oranges.  They serve with vanilla soft ice cream on top!

Once, you enter the grove you’ll find the market, kitchen, and then at the back a farm area. There is also a herb garden,  Soniya  clicked so many photos with the chicken. I suggest buying some seeds and corn to feed them!

This Florida orange grove is not like others, you cannot pick oranges from the trees, as the oranges are already picked. Brothers Ted and Ed White are always on the farm to guide you to purchase the best oranges.

Tip:  Visit the Red Hill Grove kitchen to the east to taste the Brisket mac and cheese. You can also have coleslaw, ribs, and the best sweet tea

5. Ridge Island Groves

• Address:  6000 Old Polk City Rd, Haines City, FL 33844
• Phone:  863-422-0333
• Orange varieties available:  Navels, Honeybell, Valencias, Tangerines, and Suagerbells
• Harvesting season:  November to May
• Fee:  20lbs for $30 

If anyone is looking for a great orange grove tour in Central Florida, then nothing is more wonderful than Ridge Island Groves. It sits in the Haines City of Florida. The tour enlightens your knowledge about the history, processing, and harvesting of the citrus industry.

The oranges are sweet and packed with vitamins and very juicy. You also get a chance to pick grapefruits. I recommend buying locally made products like jellies, and honey. Ridge Island Groves in Florida has been operating since 1992. 

Do you know what the striking feature of Ridge Island Groves is? You get 5lb of Pineapple oranges for $12. I love this hand-picked orange grove in Florida. From here a lot of US states receive oranges.

Some Other Florida Orange Groves to Visit

• For an excellent orange grove in Naples, Florida go to South Naples Citrus Grove
• For a great Vero beach orange grove, come to Schacht groves & market
• A good   spot for orange picking near Kissimmee is Soggy Acres, Pomelo Grove
• In Umatilla, go to Graham’s U-Pick Farms. It is a U-pick farm for peaches and flowers

Process of Orange Picking in Florida

Oranges which are heavy in color like reddish, yellowish, or orange are ready to be picked from the trees. However, different types of oranges look different when they are ripe. Pick oranges that are free from mold, blemishes, and funguses.

Who likes bad-smelly oranges?  So, orange picking in Florida is actually fun when you pick oranges from trees, and for doing that you need to know ways to do so. Squeeze it gently and pull or twist it from the tree.

Once you’ve picked them, you can put them in the refrigerator for three weeks. If you plan to keep it outside at normal temperature un-refrigerated then its life span will be only for 5 days.   Thus get your oranges from the good orange grove in Florida for great experiences.

Tips for Orange Picking in Florida

Last year, when I came to Hancock Grove, a beautiful orange grove in Florida I wore a pretty mid-length floral skirt with white sandals.  Did you know what happened? After I get home, I had to throw my sandal because it was all brown and the mud dried so badly that it was hard to remove. 

Even the weather was so humid, if you had seen me on that day you would think I just came out from the shower. Hence, check the forecast before heading. Here are some tips for Orange Picking that you should know before heading to any of the orange groves in Florida.

• Pick yellow or orange color fruits . Remember, not to pick green oranges because they’re yet to ripe and citrus fruits do not ripe once picked
• Do not pick if you’re not buying it . Please be respectful while picking. Please do not eat the fruit in the grove. Remember, the grove is the market for them and the fruit is the inventory
• The sun is warm and I cannot argue that you want to wear your flip flops but it is highly advisable to wear closed-toe shoes to protect your feet from muddy sands, insects, pesticides
• Wear long pants to protect your legs from long grasses and muddy sands. I hope you do not want mud to dry on your legs and look like white patches
• Bring wet hand wipes so that you can clean your hands after picking your own oranges in Florida. It is very natural to get sticky after picking
• Do not forget to hydrate your skin, please use good moisturizer and sunscreen . Though it’s winter, I hope you know the Florida sun doesn’t feel like that
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FAQ: Orange Picking in Florida

1. what is orange picking season in florida.

A. Florida orange picking season start in October and ends in June. Though every orange type has a different ripening season.

2. What part of Florida has the best oranges?

A. On the east side of Florida between Daytona Beach and West Palm Beach you’ll find the best quality oranges.

3. Do oranges get sweeter the longer they are on the tree?

A. Citrus fruits like oranges do not sweeten the longer they stay. Once they are ripe they will fall on the ground. 

4. What is the sweetest Florida orange?

A. Navels orange type is the sweetest Florida orange type.

5. Can you orange pick in Florida?

A. Yes, you can pick your own oranges. But remember, not in all orange groves. Groves like The Showcase of Citrus in Clermont welcome U-pick your orange service. 

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• sustainability

Home is where the heart of Florida is.  

Just steps away from our lush orange groves, you can find our visitor’s center—the Grove House. From the moment you walk through our doors, you'll feel right at home.

Learn all about our humble beginnings, hear our rich history and enjoy a variety of refreshing samples of Florida’s Natural juices. And, of course, no visit is complete without taking your pick from a variety of great keepsakes available in our gift shop or online.

Grove House 20160 US Highway 27 Lake Wales, Florida 33853-2425 863-679-4110 800-237-7805 x4110

10:00 AM–5:00 PM Monday through Friday Closed Saturday and Sunday Closed May through the end of September

Directions:

From North Florida – Interstate 75 to Florida's Turnpike South to Highway 27 South

From Tampa – Highway 60 East to Highway 27 North

From Orlando – Interstate 4 West to Highway 27 South

From South Florida – Florida's Turnpike to Highway 60 West to 27 North

What’s with the White Caps? In order to keep your local grocer stocked with delicious Florida’s Natural orange juice, we’ve moved from our signature orange-slice cap to an all-white cap. This temporary move is driven by our cap supplier streamlining production to meet increased demand during Covid-19. However, rest assured that the Florida’s Natural orange juice behind the white cap is the same delicious juice, made by Florida farmers, from only 100% Florida oranges.

We’ll return to our iconic orange-slice caps in just a few weeks, as soon as our supplier catches up with demand.

The Farmers of Florida’s Natural

About Florida Orange Groves Winery

Armed with determination and a dream reminiscent of many Florida pioneers, the Shook family started development of our unique wines in 1991. Realizing the importance of striving for exceptional quality, our Florida winery opened its doors in September of 1997 – only after the secrets of making exceptional wine from fruit other than grapes had been discovered. Producing Florida’s only ultra-premium tropical, citrus and berry wines, this FL wine distributor and authentic Florida Farm Winery is proud to say that our tropical, berry and citrus wines are the only Florida wines allowed to display the Florida Department of Citrus’ official mark of superior quality – the Florida Sunshine Tree. They are also the only Florida wine ever allowed at Disney’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival held each year beginning in October.

We are licensed as wine manufacturers, wine distributors, and as retailers of unique, culturally significant Florida fine wine and premium wine products. We currently produce 43 different varieties of wine. All of our premium specialty tropical, berry and citrus wines are made 100% from the juice indicated on the label. These are not fusion or blended grape wines, but 100% pure tropical fruit wines. It can take upwards of nine pounds of fruit to give us enough juice for just one bottle of our Mango Mamma, mango wine, Orange Sunshine wine, Grapefruit wine or Tangerine wine. Using a special process of fermentation, aging and bottling we produce Florida’s only true to the flavor wines. Each individual variety of our wine tastes like the juice that it is made from. So, if you like mangoes, you will love our mango wine! If you like red raspberries, you will love our Raspberry Reef wine. If you…well, you get the idea.

As Pinellas County’s first and only tropical, berry and citrus winery we were also the subject of an article in the St. Petersburg Times newspaper. Food critic Mr. Chris Sherman gave the winery and its products glowing reviews and stated that he wanted to “share the news of the breakthrough in fruit wine quality.”

Tastings, Tours & Gifts

Come by for a visit and sample our delightful wines, or peruse our gift shop for those perfect and unique gifts. The winery is open for combination tours and tastings Mon-Sat 10am to 4pm and Sun 12-3:30pm. The wine bar, gourmet food shop and retail area is open M-Sat 9am – 5:30pm and Sun 12-5pm. Please call for holiday hours.

We’re located at: 1500 Pasadena Avenue South St. Petersburg, FL 33707

Call: (800) 338-7923 or (727) 347-4025

The winery is open for combination tours and tastings Mon-Sat 10am to 4pm and Sun 12-3:30pm. The wine bar, gourmet food shop and retail area is open M-Sat 9am – 5:30pm and Sun 12-5pm. Please call for holiday hours.

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East West Records, an iconic Orlando vinyl shop, closing after more than 50 years

O RLANDO, Fla. — In 1971, when parts of Orange Avenue were still surrounded by orange groves, a young couple from Los Angeles relocated to Florida and decided to open a record store.

Everyone seemed to think they were crazy, even the company representatives that sold them records. “They saw us going out in about six months,” Hanna Skrobko said. “Surprise, surprise.”

More than five decades later, Skrobko is bidding farewell to the store she owned with her late husband, a place she said became a hot spot for fans of vinyl records and independent music.

“We made it because we were too full of ourselves to understand that you really can’t do this,” she said.

East West Records, which proclaims itself the oldest independent vinyl record store in Florida, will be closing at the end of the month, shutting the store at 4895 S. Orange Ave.

It held a sale last weekend, and it will donate its sign, a giant white square with the red-and-white East West Records logo, to the Orange County Regional History Center.

Skrobko and her husband, Roman, who died last year, owned the store until 2018 when they sold the property to current owner Bobby Serros. Serros, who grew up in the area and shopped at the store as a kid, then gave the store to his daughter Emma.

Emma Serros said she loved the store as a kid, too, long before her dad gave it to her.

“I got my first turntable when I was about 11 or 12,” she said. “I was buying records from Barnes & Noble because it was close to our house and my dad was like, ‘Hell no, I’m taking you to an actual record store,’ so he brought me to East West and I’ve been coming here ever since.”

The store is named East West Records, Skrobko said, after a Butterfield Blues Band album she and Roman agreed fit the store both for its catchy sound and to represent their cross-country move.

Its wooden bins displayed hundreds of records, and cassettes, CDs and DVDs were for sale, too. A web of colorful lights and records dangling from the ceiling danced overhead as store employees played music that shifted between classic and contemporary, showcasing tunes that spanned decades and genres.

When Emma Serros took over in August 2018, the Skrobkos had only one request: Keep the store open until 2021 so it could reach its 50th anniversary. That date is now behind them.

Skrobko said Serros did “a wonderful job” managing the store and helped it end on a high note.

“The very first 10 years and the last 10 years were the best, they were bookends of awesomeness,” Skrobko said.

After six years maintaining East West Records, Serros has decided to focus on her education. She is studying radiology at the University of Central Florida.

But she said she’ll miss the store’s regular customers, who would stop in to check out new arrivals or just browse the stands for hidden gems they may have missed.

“I had to call a couple customers and be like, ‘you’re not going to hear from me, don’t freak out when you can’t call the number anymore but I’m OK and this is my cellphone number’ so I can keep in touch with them,” she said. “I’m really going to miss a lot of my customers.”

David Porter, an Orlando resident and East West Records customer since 1974, said stopping in the store has long been part of his routine.

“I call it a drive-by,” Porter said. “It’s nice because there’s a little bin with new arrivals so when people bring in albums to trade, they put them right there,” he said. “If I don’t have a lot of time, I run out and see what they’ve got that’s just come in. It’s like a little ritual.”

Running the store was never easy, Skrobko said, but creating a place for vinyl music lovers made it worthwhile.

“The music and the friendships, all my friends I’ve acquired through the store. Long, lasting friendships,” she said. “There’s a whole lot of love in this place.”

©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Alligators and swamp buggies: How a roadside attraction in Orlando staved off extinction

ORLANDO – On a scorching summer afternoon, Michael Hoffman tightened his son’s grip on a makeshift fishing pole suspended over dozens of chomping alligators.

“Woah, hold on buddy,” Hoffman, an antique dealer, told his delighted 4-year-old as a baby alligator clamped down on the string.

It was the first time Hoffman shared with his son a tradition his father started with him decades earlier on their annual trips from Maryland to the Florida Keys: A one-day stop at Gatorland.

“We love coming here,” said Hoffman as his wife, Cheryl, helped their 10-year-old daughter drop chucks of fish to the reptiles. “Where else can you feed a gator, get this close and not be arrested?”

The theme park, which describes itself as the “Gator Capital of the World,” is an endangered species of sorts. The first major tourist attraction in central Florida, Gatorland has managed to withstand an unrelenting cascade of upheavals to the state's tourism industry that has sunk the vast majority of its peers.

Started in the late 1940s, the family-run park was established years before the creation of high-speed interstates and decades before Walt Disney World catapulted Orlando’s status as a global tourism hotspot.

Even some of the most formidable of the state’s roadside attractions closed as the large theme parks, aided by interstates and increasingly accessible airline travel, killed their business. Yet, as Gatorland commemorates its 75th anniversary, it’s also celebrating record attendance.

Its formula? Instead of trying to compete directly with the major parks, Gatorland sells what Disney, Universal Studios and SeaWorld don't: A vision of “old Florida," a concept that, while condensed and exaggerated at Gatorland, is striking a chord with a public increasingly fascinated with the state.

“People love Florida – the idea of it – and when they come here they want to see gators,” said Mark McHugh, Gatorland's president and CEO, straightening his white cowboy hat as he overlooked the lagoon at the center of the park. “This is alligator paradise.”

Zip lines, mud ponds, reptiles galore

In late June, Beth Peterson and her daughter Lily left their luggage at Orlando International Airport and caught an Uber to Gatorland to make their 2 p.m. appointment on the “Screamin’ Gator Zip Line.”

Suspended 65 feet in the air, the mother and daughter were among a group of 20 people who soared across a quarter mile of the park, including directly over alligator pits. “It was scary,” said 11-year-old Lily, who had earlier posed for a photo with a baby gator.

“But you're an alligator expert now,” her mother, Beth, interjected.

A short while later, a dozen people buckled themselves into a monster-style buggy that raced over steep hills and muddy gravel paths in the park's backwoods. Arnold Hudson and Asha Crumlin screamed as the driver took a sharp corner and the tour guide, clad in a backwards baseball cap and camouflage T-shirt, made several colorful pronouncements.

“Y’all know Disney magic? Well, we have redneck magic!”

The couple had flown to Orlando for the week from Washington D.C. to visit family and go to Disney World. Hudson, who had spent an afternoon at Gatorland over a decade ago, wanted his girlfriend to experience “the real Florida” during her first trip to the Sunshine State.

“Everybody has to come to Gatorland when they’re in Florida, it’s just what you do,” he said. Later on in the day, the couple straddled a 10-foot alligator and had their picture taken.

The park isn't only frequented by tourists siphoned off Disney property. Rosanne and Luigi Racanelli have been spending afternoons at Gatorland since they moved to Orlando from Queens, New York, in 1988.

The couple came most often in the 1990s and 2000s, often taking their three children to the park on long weekends and during school breaks. And as they watched their children grow and parents age, they also witnessed Gatorland's vast transformation from kitsch attraction to expansive theme park.

“I have photo albums of my father-in-law sitting on a gator here,” Rosanne Racanelli said. “This place is a big part of our lives.”

A pit and an alligator

Owen Godwin, a former butcher, restaurant owner and postmaster, founded the roadside attraction that would eventually become Gatorland in 1949, a time of post-war abundance when middle-class families from the north were packing into station wagons and flocking to the Sunshine State to escape frigid winters.

Like hundreds of other boisterous Floridians, Godwin saw an opportunity to extoll his state’s exotic wonders to the newcomers.

“It was a really easy time to get into the attraction business,” said James Clark, a history professor at the University of Central Florida, who’s written extensively on Florida tourism. “All you needed was a roadside building, some cold drinks and an alligator in a cage in the back and a sign out front – and you were in the tourism business.”

Godwin did just that. With the help of his young family and a group of Seminole tribe members, the park was constructed on 15 acres of sunken land at the edge of Kissimmee and Orlando, which at the time was dotted with vast orange groves.

While attendance was steady in the winter, summertime brought droughts in business that forced Godwin to hit the road and search out the tourists where they lived.

In a trailer with a bathtub, a fan and a heating pad, Godwin brought a 12-foot alligator, “Cannibal Jake,” as far north as the New Jersey boardwalk and showcased the exotic reptile to amazed northerners – a hustle that, along with the winnings from his backroom gambling, kept his business afloat.

Killer combination: Interstates and Mickey Mouse

The park grew over the next 20 years and Godwin became a mythical figure around Orlando and Kissimmee, carefully crafting an image of a journeyman wearing a fedora, a leopard vest and, always, a pair of tall boots, according to the Florida Historical Quarterly.

But its time of prosperity came to a sudden halt with the arrival of two major construction projects that would produce sweeping changes with impacts far beyond Orlando and the state of Florida.

First came the construction of interstate highways in the late 1950s and 1960s, which slashed the traffic relied on by attractions like Gatorland. At the time, roadside attractions only needed a colorful sign or a makeshift sculpture to draw in passing tourists. (In Gatorland’s case, it was a 15-foot, blue and pink alligator jaw that met patrons at the park entrance.)

Then, on Oct. 1, 1971, came the big bang: Disney World opened its doors to the public, completely upending the state's tourism industry. Now tourists were braving Florida's summer heat to see the Magic Kingdom, Cinderella's castle and Mickey Mouse. And as the mega-park expanded its offerings and developed its cocoon with hotels and on-site restaurants, hundreds of attractions across the state shuttered.

“Disney was simply the killer,” Clark said.

In the wake of Disney World – which was soon followed by SeaWorld and later Universal Orlando Resort – more than 80% of the state’s roadside attractions both large and small closed, according to Steve Noll, a history professor at the University of Florida.

Gatorland, then in the hands of Owen Godwin’s son, Frank Godwin, started advertising itself as a cheap alternative while building up its amenities, including an 800-seat stadium built for the park’s flagship gator wrestling show. While the younger Godwin's effort staved off a complete closure, by the mid-1990s Gatorland was limping toward its seeming demise.

Gatorland joins the 21st century

McHugh, the current CEO and president of Gatorland, first knew the park as a tourist and then came to know it through his wife, Diane, the daughter of Frank Godwin. The couple met in 1985 while working as animal trainers at SeaWorld and soon married. A decade later, McHugh would take the reins from his father-in-law and oversee the park's largest expansion as well as a major shift in its operations.

In an effort to excite thrill-seeking teenagers and twenty-somethings, McHugh ordered the construction of a nationally ranked zip-line in 2011 as well as a swamp buggy ride, which takes people off-roading through the park’s dense acreage of backwoods and mud ponds.

The new rides were part of a larger effort to “keep up with the times,” McHugh said. For example, he reworked the park's famous gator wrestling show to focus more on education – with the presenter listing facts about the reptile as well as tips on how to avoid a troubling encounter – and less on wrangling.

"We needed to change," McHugh said, adding that people’s tastes had evolved – a notion experts agreed with.

“What people are willing to see as entertainment, as opposed to cruelty, or as passé, that has changed,” said Florida State University history professor Andrew Frank, citing as an example the demise of many traditional circuses, in part due to reports of animal cruelty and increased consideration for the animals on display.

Alligator farming to conservation

One of Gatorland’s largest shifts came in the first years of McHugh’s tenure, and occurred out of the sight of park-goers.

Through the 1980s and ‘90s, under the leadership of Frank Godwin, Gatorland began farming alligators to make up for a yearslong dip in sales. The American alligator had been removed from the endangered species list and alligator farms were cropping up across the state. Not only was the alligator farming not profitable, it became the center of an identity crisis for the park.

On one side of the Gatorland property, families took photos with the reptiles, fed them chicken and watched as they relaxed under the hot sun. On the other side of the park, alligators were slaughtered for their meat and hide, which was then sold and made into shoes, handbags, watchbands.

“We came to split in the road,” McHugh said. “We were becoming more of a conservation oriented facility on this end, and, on the other, we were raising alligators for meat and hides. So we said we need to be one or the other.”

The Gatorland board and McHugh divested from the farm in 1998. While the park still raises alligators from a young age, it no longer harvests them for meat and hides, McHugh said. “We still sell alligator nuggets – it’s the No. 1 food item request,” he added. “We get it from major food distributors, not from the gators we breed."

With alligator farming behind him, McHugh oversaw several conservation projects, including the construction of a 10-acre breeding marsh. In 2018, he started Gatorland Global, a program in which the park takes in alligators that would otherwise be euthanized. Many of these alligators are considered "nuisances," a term designated for reptiles that have had close encounters with people at apartment complexes and golf courses, among other places.

The first “nuisance alligator” the park received was Chester, who had “eaten at least two dogs” at a pond in Tampa in the early 2000s, McHugh said. More recently, the park took in Larry, a 12-foot alligator that spooked residents at the Villages retirement community, and Jawlene, who's name – a play on Dolly Parton's "Jolene" – references her missing upper jaw.

All told, Gatorland is currently home to more than 2,500 American alligators and crocodiles, according to Brandon Fisher, the park's resident "Gator expert."

"We go through about 200,000 pounds of meat every year," he said.

Record attendance spells bright future

The shift into conservation not only seems to further McHugh's vision for true alligator paradise, it's coincided with a significant boost in attendance. On Dec. 29, at the height of its busy season, Gatorland had 5,000 visitors – its largest single-day attendance count on record.

McHugh credits the rise in ticket sales, in part, on a long-term deal for Florida residents ($9.99 per adult), a rise in the state's population and a heavy push on social media, including Gatorland's daily "School of Croc" Facebook Live show, which drew in thousands of viewers to watch employees showcase the park's animals while its doors were closed during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There now remains only one scenario in which McHugh sees Orlando's first tourist attraction shutting its doors: A buyout.

As Florida’s population continues to surge and Orlando remains one of America’s fastest growing cities, Gatorland’s 105-acre property – a short drive from Orlando's tourist district and downtown – may become more valuable than the park itself.

"The land could already be worth more,” McHugh said. “But unless the board decides that, Gatorland is here to stay."

In the meantime, longtime parkgoers and first timers alike will continue to seek out close encounters with the notorious reptile at what many see as one of the last remaining bastions of a forgotten Florida.

"This is about as Florida as it gets," said Megan Zapata, just before she and her two sons, 11 and 13, zip-lined over an alligator pit.

Contact Christopher Cann at [email protected]