Snowbirds Stock Up On Cheap Citrus At These 7 Old-School Florida Fruit Stands

One roadside citrus stand in Florida sells fresh fruit right next to baby alligators. Another farm stand scoops orange ice cream, and a third lets you tour a grove in a monster truck bus. I did not expect citrus shopping to come with this much flair.

The fruit itself is the real prize, though. Many of these stands sell oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines straight from nearby groves. Some even offer free samples of juice before you buy a single bag.

No wonder snowbirds plan stops like these before heading north. Buying close to the source often means fresher fruit and friendlier prices than the supermarket. I love that a simple snack run can turn into a little road trip.

So which old-school stand deserves a spot on your route? I’ve got seven favorites, and each one serves up its own slice of sunshine.

1. Joshua Citrus Inc

Orange ice cream on a working citrus farm sounds like a dessert daydream, but in Arcadia it’s real. The family-run stand sits out in the DeSoto County countryside, where cattle ranches and groves still shape the landscape.

The drive alone gives you a taste of rural Florida. Once you arrive, you’ll find fresh citrus stacked alongside other seasonal produce.

Juices and jellies round out the shelves, so you can carry the grove flavor home in a jar. Gifts are on hand too, which helps if you need something for the neighbors back north.

Prefer to stock up big? A haul of fresh grove fruit beats a supermarket run for flavor and fun.

Got kids or grandkids along for the ride? A playground and a tire swing keep little ones busy while you pick out your fruit.

Grown-ups get a break as well, thanks to sitting areas around the stand. It’s a nice spot to slow down with a cup of juice or that orange ice cream.

Plan your trip on a weekday or Saturday, since the stand closes on Sundays. Saturday hours end a little earlier, so don’t dawdle if you’re making a weekend run.

Address: 4135 Co Rd 760, Arcadia, FL 34266

2. Al’s Family Farms Citrus

A classic barn full of citrus is about as Old Florida as shopping gets. Al’s Family Farms Citrus is a Fort Pierce institution, right in the heart of the Indian River citrus belt.

Grapefruit is the star here, and the fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice gets plenty of love. Fresh orange juice and bagged oranges sit close by for anyone on Team Orange.

Winter brings seasonal Honeybell tangelos, and the stand packages them beautifully. That makes them an easy gift for friends stuck in the snow.

Hungry after shopping? A grill serves hot food and desserts at the counter, with seating so you can take a breather.

Sweet tooths should look for the fudge and the Sunshine Shake. There’s even a kids’ menu, so the whole crew can grab a bite.

The staff is friendly and helpful, and prices stay reasonable. Dogs are welcome outside, and the lot usually has plenty of room.

Weekday hours wrap up in mid-afternoon, and Sundays are closed. Saturdays run until 4 PM, giving weekend shoppers a little extra time to fill the trunk.

Address: 2001 N Kings Hwy, Fort Pierce, FL 34951

3. Showcase of Citrus

How often does a citrus run include a ride on a monster truck bus? At Showcase of Citrus in Clermont, that’s part of the fun.

The scenic groves sit in Lake County, an area long known for rolling hills and big citrus production. U-Pick citrus is temporarily unavailable while the groves remain closed and younger trees mature.

Not in the mood to climb branches? Freshly harvested fruit is ready to grab inside the old-timey country store.

Kids get plenty to do, including a playground and a petting zoo. Grove tours mix in a little education, plus chances to spot wildlife along the way.

The gift shop is handy for souvenirs, and there’s a restaurant on site. Free parking makes the stop easy on your wallet before you even buy a bag.

Tours may require an appointment, so check ahead. The property opens daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, which gives early birds and late shoppers room to roam.

Weekend afternoons tend to get busy. A weekday visit usually means more elbow room in the store and groves.

It feels like a family field trip with a grocery stop attached. Your trunk and your camera roll will both fill up fast.

Address: 15051 Frank Jarrell Rd, Clermont, FL 34714

4. Florida Citrus Center

Baby alligators and bags of oranges make one unusual shopping combo. Florida Citrus Center pulls it off along the highway corridor in St. Augustine.

Start with a free sample or two. The stand offers tastes of fresh citrus and orange juice, so you can test before you commit.

Shoppers can grab bagged fruit or choose their own pieces one by one. That’s handy if you want a mixed haul or only need a few for the road.

The gift shop side carries souvenirs at fair prices. It’s a fun place to find a little something for the folks back home.

Then there are those baby gators, which steal plenty of attention. Even the most citrus-focused shopper may pause for a peek.

Hours stretch from 7 AM to 9 PM daily, which suits road trippers on odd schedules. Weekend mornings and afternoons are the busiest times.

Weekday evenings are usually calmer, so plan around that if crowds bug you. The staff is friendly, and a stop here works well as a quick break on a long drive.

St. Augustine draws lots of winter visitors, so the stand makes an easy add-on. Pair it with a day in the old city and you’ve got a sweet itinerary.

Address: St. Augustine, FL 32086

5. Reeds Groves

Grocery store oranges can spend a long time traveling. At Reeds Groves in Weirsdale, the fruit is often picked the same day you buy it.

The family-operated stand sits on County Road 25 in rural Marion County. Farmland and small lakes surround the area, so the drive is pleasant.

Fresh oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines are the main attraction. Vegetables and other produce join the citrus, giving you a reason to fill more than one bag.

Local honey is another treat worth adding to your basket. A drizzle on toast with a side of fresh grapefruit makes a pretty great breakfast.

Don’t skip the homemade baked goods, either. They make a tasty reward for the drive and a handy snack for the ride home.

Buying here means you skip the big commercial growers and go straight to local fruit. For snowbirds, that’s an easy way to enjoy Florida at its freshest.

Visits tend to be quick, so it slides nicely into a day of errands. Reeds Groves currently lists hours of 9 AM to 3:30 PM Monday through Friday on its official website, so check ahead before planning a Saturday visit.

Sundays are closed, so plan accordingly. Stop by early in the week to restock before your fruit bowl runs low.

Address: 16750 Co Rd 25, Weirsdale, FL 32195

6. Jennings Citrus Packing

Bulk buyers, this one’s for you. Jennings Citrus Packing in Oxford packs and sells fresh Florida oranges and grapefruit straight from the source.

The store sits along US-301 in Sumter County, close to some of central Florida’s big retirement communities. That location makes it a handy stop for snowbirds who winter nearby.

Buying in bulk is the smart move here. Bigger quantities mean you can juice, snack, and share without running out by Wednesday.

Gift baskets are a specialty, which solves a lot of holiday shopping puzzles. A basket of fresh citrus feels a lot more personal than another candle.

Need fruit sent somewhere? Delivery is available, so friends and family can enjoy the goods even if they never leave home.

The staff is friendly, and the citrus stays fresh and tasty. It’s an authentic stand that feels like a throwback to simpler road trips.

Visits are usually quick, so you won’t lose half a day. Doors open at 8:30 AM on weekdays and Saturdays, a good fit for early birds.

Weekday hours run until 4 PM, while Saturday closes at 2 PM. Sundays are off, so get your weekend haul in early.

Address: 11765 US-301, Oxford, FL 34484

7. Parkesdale Farm Market

Strawberries may get top billing in Plant City, but the citrus deserves a spot in your cart too. Parkesdale Farm Market is a roadside open-air market built around the town’s famous winter berries.

Plant City is a historic farm town and a big part of central Florida’s winter harvest. The market fits right in, with strawberries, citrus, and vegetables on offer.

Citrus season brings fresh Florida fruit and fresh juices to the stand. Grab a bag of oranges, then wander over to see what else looks good.

Save room for a treat. Strawberry shortcake and shakes are popular seasonal picks.

The open-air setup gives the place an old-school feel that chain stores can’t copy. It’s a refreshing change from fluorescent grocery aisles.

SNAP and EBT payments are accepted, which helps families stretch their food budget. Free parking and restrooms make the visit simple.

Pay attention to the schedule before you drive over. The market is closed Monday and Tuesday, then open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Pair your stop with a little local sightseeing, and you’ve got an easy day trip. Just don’t blame us if you leave with more berries than oranges.

Address: 3702 W Baker St, Plant City, FL 33563