A Day in the Countryside: Your Guide to U-Picks and Farm Stands
South Florida's winter and early spring growing season is the time to take the family to u-picks and farmstands.
Countryside Experiences
Winter is the perfect time to take a trip to the South Florida rural side and visit farms and markets. Cooler temperatures and fields of sunflowers, strawberries and veggies make scenic backdrops for photos, ideal for family outings.
Photo 1: Buy strawberry jellies, shakes, ice cream
Photo 2: Take sunflower selfies
Strawberry Festival at Burr’s Berry Farm
WHERE: 12741 SW 216 St., Homestead
WHEN: Weekends from Feb. 8 through Mar. 1
WEBSITE: Burr's Berry Farm
ADMISSION: Adults $11 and kids 3+ $8
WHAT TO DO: Take the family for hayrides, farm animals, ladybug releases, train rides, pony rides and other photo ops on the farm.
Pop-Up Market at Tree Amigos Growers
WHERE: Natural Chai Farm, 10900 SW 48 St., Davie
WHEN: Jan. 18, Feb. 16, Mar. 22 and April 19, noon-5
WEBSITE: treeamigosgrowers.com
WHAT TO DO: Buy seedlings and gardening materials, artisan crafts, local produce and spend time on the farm, where there are goats, chickens and farm animals. Live music, food and drink available.
Photo 1: Pop-Up Market at Tree Amigos Growers
Photo 2: Goats at Natural Chai Farm
Robert Is Here
WHERE: 19200 SW 344 St., Homestead
WHEN: Year-round
WEBSITE: robertishere.com
WHAT TO DO: If you haven’t been to this iconic fruit stand lately, you’re in for a treat! They’ve added more old tractors and farm equipment, airplanes, photo-op sites, a National Parks Foundation kiosk, artist Jessy Nite’s Stay Gold art, an aviary and farm animals, including tortoises and emu. Pick up rare tropical fruits and fruit shakes, homegrown honey and hot sauce, sandwiches and all you need for a local picnic lunch.
Photo 1: Old farm equipment on display
Photo 2: Photo op
Market Sundays and Locavore Kitchen at Taste of Redland
WHERE: 25450 SW 202 Ave., Homestead
WHEN: Sundays 10am-4pm through June
Locavore Brunch: Feb. 9, Mar. 8, April 12 (Easter Sunday), May 10 (Mother’s Day)
WEBSITE: tasteofredland.com
WHAT TO DO: Experience Redland peace and abundance under the massive banyan tree at Taste of Redland. Shop for local produce and honey; buy lunch made with fresh-picked produce and Longhorn beef from their farm in Live Oak from master chef Vincent Gourmet; and go on pony rides from Strong Current Stables. On the second Sunday in the month, their ticketed Locavore Brunch series offers multiple stations plus live music from Maryel Epps.
Photo 1: Under the giant banyan tree
Photo 2: Maryel Epps and friends
Pinto’s Farm
WHERE: 14890 SW 216 St., Miami
WHEN: Year-round
WEBSITE: pintofarm.com
WHAT TO DO: Popular for birthday parties, this site across from Monkey Jungle hosts hayrides, pony and tractor rides, animals, plus seasonal events like pumpkin patches and hay mazes. Dogs are welcome at Furry Friends on the Farm events.
Free National Parks Trolley
WHEN: Weekends through April 12
WEBSITE: cityofhomestead.com
WHAT TO DO: Explore Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, and Homestead Bayfront Park with a free guided trolley ride from Historic Downtown Homestead. Park free at the Park and Ride lot at 1 Washington Avenue. Trips start in Historic Downtown Homestead and some include 20-minute stops at Robert Is Here.
A Day in the Countryside: Your Guide to U-Picks and Farm Stands
South Florida's winter and early spring growing season is the time to take the family to u-picks and farmstands.
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