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ellie
23rd September 2009, 11:41 PM
It is always nice to find something that doesn't have to cost a penny, and this is one such attraction. Located on Highway 27 just 4 miles north of the junction with the 192 this is a real orange grove where you can walk along rows of citrus trees and pick your own lemons, oranges, grapefruits, mandarins, and kumquats. You can eat them straight off the tree too, and in season the smell of the blossom is really heady.

Of course, you will be tempted to buy the freshly picked fruit, and there is a farm shop which also has preserves, honey etc.

It's a lovely way to spend an hour or two, and a great way to show children where citrus fruit actually comes from.

They also do Monster Truck rides which take you through the groves and across many different Florida terrains, including citrus groves, dense woods and a reptile ridden swamp. You may see a variety of wildlife, including many migratory birds and of course alligators. Tours must be pre-booked and cost around $20 for an adult, and $10 for children.

The citrus groves are not open during the summer, but if you are in the area over the winter/spring then do take a look. To pick, peel and eat a fresh juicy orange straight off the tree is a great experience.

This orange grove is open November to April from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. You can also call 352 394 4377. Ecological tours on the swamp buggy are by appointment only. Visitors should call Arnold at 352 394 4377 at least 24 hours in advance to arrange a tour.

pbensur
24th September 2009, 12:06 AM
This sounds terrific, Ellie! It's definitely on the must do list for next trip!

ellie
24th September 2009, 01:22 PM
As a teacher of young children I know from experience that they often think citrus fruit comes from Asda - so its great for them to see it growing naturally, and to pick it themselves and eat it immediately.

We haven't done the swamp buggy trip yet but we would love to try it next time we are there. But we will definitely be picking some fruit and taking it back to our villa for freshly squeezed Florida orange juice - delicious, and so different from the apology for fruit juice that we often have to drink over here.

garethdw
24th September 2009, 03:07 PM
Hi Ellie, sounds like it would be a nice afternoons walk, will try the next time we go.

Mary and Colin
24th September 2009, 09:35 PM
That is right on our doorstep. It has never been open when we have been over.
Guess what, this quick week we are going is November, so we will have a go at picking some.
The orange Trees should be full of fruit on the community as well, so another first for us to see. <:cheer

Mary

ellie
24th September 2009, 11:16 PM
Mary, they have recently revamped it, and built a new shop etc. It used to be pretty ramshackle but now it looks quite smart. You should be lucky in November.<:cheer

Mary and Colin
25th September 2009, 10:34 PM
Oh good, it will be nice to pick our own oranges. I will try and get some photos.

Mary