Have you ever visited a Mixons Fruit Farm? No? , well if you are staying in the Sarasota area then you can visit the one in Bradenton.
You will be welcomed with a delicious glass of freshly squeezed orange juice (or grapefruit if you prefer) all from their own farm, of course.
Then hop on the " train" for the grand tour. This is a fun and fact filled ride round the farm and you will pass the Wildlife Rescue Center, wetlands and the childrens maze.
Maybe now is a good time to stop for lunch so stop by the deli for soup and a sandwich of coffee and a cake. Challenge yourself with the 12 inch sub that is simply loaded with toppings. Whatever you do, leave room for their famous orange ice cream
While you are here you can watch a citrus grove in action, visit the butterfly garden, watch the fruit being pressed and see some antique farm machinery.
Justin Matthews runs their wildlife rescue center and here you will see reptiles, birds and wild animals being cared for and rehabilitated. There is a cost for this of $7 per adult and $3 per child and obviously this goes towards the care of the creatures. The land has been donated for this use by the Mixon family.
There is also a 12000 square feet gift shop simply stuffed with Florida goods to buy. They claim that their butter fudge is the best in the world and in order to preserve the freshness this is made daily. Orange blossom honey costs from around $20 a jar and there are other special wines and other gourmet foods.
You will almost certainly want to buy some fruit to take home with you and why not ask for a sppecial mix sampler. This contains a mix of all the best fruit of the day.
Every month they hold a special evening with live entertainment; this is free to attend with a small charge for parking
When you take your leave remember to pick up a shipping order form. They will ship a large variety of fruit baskets but also gift baskets with fruit plus other gourmet foods. This would make a great gift for almost anyone and is a god send for those of our relatives who are hard to buy for. If you are feeling especially generous you can arrange for a gift basket every month for a year (my idea of heaven) Alas, this service has been suspended for our European viitors.
You will be welcomed with a delicious glass of freshly squeezed orange juice (or grapefruit if you prefer) all from their own farm, of course.
Then hop on the " train" for the grand tour. This is a fun and fact filled ride round the farm and you will pass the Wildlife Rescue Center, wetlands and the childrens maze.
Maybe now is a good time to stop for lunch so stop by the deli for soup and a sandwich of coffee and a cake. Challenge yourself with the 12 inch sub that is simply loaded with toppings. Whatever you do, leave room for their famous orange ice cream
While you are here you can watch a citrus grove in action, visit the butterfly garden, watch the fruit being pressed and see some antique farm machinery.
Justin Matthews runs their wildlife rescue center and here you will see reptiles, birds and wild animals being cared for and rehabilitated. There is a cost for this of $7 per adult and $3 per child and obviously this goes towards the care of the creatures. The land has been donated for this use by the Mixon family.
There is also a 12000 square feet gift shop simply stuffed with Florida goods to buy. They claim that their butter fudge is the best in the world and in order to preserve the freshness this is made daily. Orange blossom honey costs from around $20 a jar and there are other special wines and other gourmet foods.
You will almost certainly want to buy some fruit to take home with you and why not ask for a sppecial mix sampler. This contains a mix of all the best fruit of the day.
Every month they hold a special evening with live entertainment; this is free to attend with a small charge for parking
When you take your leave remember to pick up a shipping order form. They will ship a large variety of fruit baskets but also gift baskets with fruit plus other gourmet foods. This would make a great gift for almost anyone and is a god send for those of our relatives who are hard to buy for. If you are feeling especially generous you can arrange for a gift basket every month for a year (my idea of heaven) Alas, this service has been suspended for our European viitors.