Editor Connor here. It turns out, the hottest accessories of the season aren’t designer purses or new pairs of shoes. In Central Florida, it’s all about Strawberry Season Passports. These booklets are back again this year, but they sold out faster than you could say “shortcake.” If you didn’t get your hands on one, follow along as I taste my way around local farms.
I see why these went so quickly. For just $10, you get special offers at eight local businesses. I’ll be trying to stamp my passport with as many of these deals as possible:
- Fancy Farms Market, Lakeland | Free fresh fruit milkshake
- Parkesdale Market, Plant City | Free menu item
- Lumley’s Farm, Plant City | Free mini dessert
- Keel Farms, Plant City | Free wine, beer, or cider
- Metals & Nature, Plant City | Free garden gift
- Berry Barn, Dover | Free fresh milkshake
- Berry Sweet Acres, Plant City | Free pound of berries
- Gillman Farms, Plant City | BOGO strawberry shortcake
Stop 1: Parkesdale Market
I picked up my passport at Parkesdale, so naturally, that was my first stop for a stamp. I opted for the world-famous strawberry shortcake, piled high with whipped topping and vanilla soft-serve ice cream. It was sweet without being overly sugary. When you go, be sure to explore the rest of the market for plants + fresh produce, too.
Stop 2: Fancy Farms Market
My next stop was close to home at the only Lakeland spot on the list: Fancy Farms Market. The passport got me a creamy, rich strawberry milkshake that was perfect for a sunny day. Strawberry treats are available through March or April, then the seasonal menu will cycle through blueberry, peach, and pumpkin. You can’t skip the lunch items either, especially the barbecue with strawberry sauce.
Check back here throughout winter strawberry season to see where I go next. As the passport says inside, “By visiting each farm, you’ve made a direct impact on our local agricultural community,” so each one is worth a visit, even if you didn’t snag a passport.
