Yesterday my mom, Sophia and I went to Fruitville Groves in Sarasota (yes I drove over an hour for pumpkins and pony rides, sad isn't it). I decided after the blast we had in Michigan with apple picking and hay ride fun, I had to find something similar here in Florida. I found a few. Yesterday was the first stop.
When we arrived, I was pleased it was larger than I had been fearing. I believe it is run by Amish folks. Today was pumpkin fest, but even on regular weekends there is homemade baked goods (including giant cinnamon rolls), Amish made jams, jellys, jarred fruits, and piked things. There was also Amish made ice cream. Outside the country store was the farmers market...all the fresh fruit and veggies could ever want. And of course there were pumpkins, perfect pumpkins...the best kind for carving. They also had some pretty cool looking gourds, however, Sophia wanted the baby pumpkins so I got those instead.
Because it was Pumpkin Fest, local groups were set up hawking crafts and foods. I was disappointed I couldn't afford it, but one booth had ribs and another giant turkey legs. I opted for a hot dog and a HUGE piece of carmel apple pie (it literally tasted like eating a carmel apple). Sophia had a freshly grilled ear of locally grown sweet corn and some pumpkin ice cream.
The highlight of the festival was Sophia going on her first pony ride. It is actually the first time she has ever ridden anything alive. I'm hoping the trend will continue and she'll ride the elephants at the Sarasota Ren Fair. She absolutely loved the pony rides. So much so that she rode them twice. As we went around and around in circles she kept yelling "YEE HAW" and "RIDE LIKE THE WIND BULLS EYE!" There was also a great playground for the kids. with swings, a slide, lots of climbing, and lookout house, and for some reason a concrete dinosaur?
In two weeks we'll be going to Hunsader Farms which is also where the Sarasota Ren Fest is held in November. This u-pick farm is even bigger so I am sure even more fun will be had by all.
No comments:
Post a Comment