This Legendary Florida Farm Market Is Home To The State’s Most Famous Strawberry Shortcake

Ready for a rite of passage in Plant City? Parkesdale Farm Market has been winning hearts since 1969 with Florida grown produce and the state’s most talked about strawberry shortcake. Picture sweet berries, billowy whipped topping, and a milkshake so thick you need a wide straw.

Come hungry, linger under the tropical pavilion, and see why people drive hours for a single bite.

1. The World Famous Strawberry Shortcake

They call it world famous for a reason. From January through early April, Parkesdale stacks sweet Plant City strawberries over a tender biscuit style shortcake, then crowns it with a cloud of whipped topping. You choose how decadent to go, but every bite tastes like peak Florida sunshine.

Lines can look intimidating, especially on weekends, yet the crew moves them with cheerful speed. You will be seated among ferns and flowers in minutes.

Order the shortcake with ice cream if you want extra richness, or keep it classic and bright. The berries are sliced generously, their juices soaking the cake just right. Bring a friend, because portions are huge and shareable.

One forkful, and you will understand the statewide legend.

2. Strawberry Milkshake With Chunky Straw

Parkesdale’s strawberry milkshake is the sip that seals the deal. Made with ripe berries and real ice cream, it drinks thick and frosty without tasting heavy. The wide straw is clutch, letting those glorious strawberry chunks slide through with no struggle.

If you grew up visiting, the first pull might launch you straight back to childhood. If it is your first time, prepare to grin uncontrollably.

You can pair the shake with shortcake, or enjoy it solo under the pavilion’s shade. It is refreshing on warm afternoons and surprisingly satisfying as a light lunch. Customize the sweetness to your liking, then wander the market while you sip.

You will finish it faster than expected, so consider ordering a second today.

3. A Sweet History Since 1956

Parkesdale Farm Market opened in 1969, but the roots stretch deeper. The Parke family planted strawberries here in 1956, tending fields that would become the heartbeat of Plant City’s winter harvest. Today, generations still run the stand, greeting you with the same neighborly energy locals remember.

Old photos, hand painted signs, and that iconic strawberry throne tell the story without pretense. It feels like a place built by hands, not committees.

Presidents have visited, including George H. W. Bush, George W.

Bush, and Barack Obama, adding national buzz to a humble tradition. Yet the spirit stays grounded in Florida soil. When you taste the berries or chat with staff, you sense pride and continuity.

That history sweetens every stop here.

4. Florida Fresh Produce and Citrus

Beyond dessert, the market overflows with Florida grown produce. You will find crisp lettuces, field ripe tomatoes, zucchini, squash, and sweet corn stacked beautifully. Citrus steals the show in winter, with ruby grapefruit, navels, tangelos, and local specialties boxed for gifting.

Do not skip the legendary strawberry onions, a mild sweet onion grown alongside berries that locals swear by. They caramelize like a dream and elevate burgers instantly.

Prices are fair, quality is high, and staff gladly help you pick the freshest haul. Grab a basket, sample what is in season, and build a picnic for the garden tables. If you love cooking, stock up for the week.

Your kitchen will smell like sunshine. It brightens every meal you make.

5. Jams, Baskets, and Gifts To Go

Shopping here feels like a treasure hunt. Shelves brim with strawberry jam, marmalade, pepper jelly, dressings, salsas, and seasonings that scream Florida flavor. Pre made citrus baskets make easy road trip gifts, and the staff can pack them to travel.

You will also spot cookies, candies, local honey, and fun souvenirs to remember the day. Everything begs to ride home in your trunk.

Build a breakfast kit with jam, biscuits, and oranges, then thank yourself tomorrow morning. If you prefer savory, grab hot sauces and a bag of strawberry onions. Many items ship, so snowbird friends can taste along from afar.

Snap a photo on the strawberry throne before you go, gift basket in hand. It makes leaving surprisingly hard.

6. Tropical Gardens and Picnic Vibes

One of the joys here is lingering. After you grab treats, take a seat at the picnic tables nestled among tropical greenery and blooming flowers. Ceiling fans hum, families chat, and you can watch baskets of fruit roll by.

The vibe is casual, colorful, and completely unpretentious. It is the perfect reset between Tampa and Orlando day trips.

Bring the whole crew for a low key afternoon. Kids love the strawberry throne photo op, and grandparents appreciate the shade and gentle pace. There are clean restrooms, ample parking, and room to spread out.

Stay long enough and you will meet friendly regulars eager to recommend favorites. It feels like community, not a quick transaction. You may never want to leave.

7. How To Plan Your Visit

Planning your first visit is easy. Parkesdale Farm Market sits at 3702 W Baker St in Plant City, open daily 9 AM to 6 PM. Shortcake season typically runs January through early April, so target those dates for the full experience.

Weekdays and earlier mornings bring shorter lines, but weekends are festive and fast moving. Parking is available out front and in the back.

Bring cash and cards, an appetite, and sun protection for the garden seating. Call +1 813 752 0502 or check parkesdale.com for current offerings. If you are heading to the Florida Strawberry Festival, swing by before or after.

Set your map, follow strawberry signs, and come hungry. One stop, and you will be planning the return.