Plant City is called the Winter Strawberry Capital for a reason. Over 75% of the nation's winter strawberries come from right here, and the berry is woven into the fabric of our town. Here's your guide to every strawberry experience worth having.
Parkesdale Farm Market
The granddaddy of Plant City strawberry experiences. Parkesdale has been serving their iconic strawberry shortcake since 1956. It's massive — fresh berries, a buttery biscuit, and towering whipped cream — for a price that'll make you do a double-take. Their strawberry milkshake is equally legendary: thick, creamy, and made with berries grown steps away.
Beyond the sweets, Parkesdale is a full farm market with fresh produce, local honey, plants, and a gift shop. It's the first stop for anyone visiting Plant City — locals bring out-of-town guests here religiously.
Florida Strawberry Festival
The 91st annual festival runs March 4–14, 2027, and it's the ultimate strawberry celebration. You'll find strawberry everything — shortcake, crepes, dipped in chocolate, squeezed into lemonade, baked into pies, and even on pizza if you're brave enough. The Strawberry Supreme (a full shortcake layered with strawberries in a souvenir bowl) is a rite of passage.
Don't miss the Strawberry Tent, where competitive growers display their finest berries. And the entertainment lineup brings in major acts — past headliners include Alabama and Joan Jett.
Strawberry Picking at Local Farms
During the growing season (December through March), several local farms open their fields to the public for U-pick strawberries. There's nothing like pulling a warm, sun-ripened berry straight from the plant. Check with individual farms for hours and availability — the season varies by weather.
Strawberry Treats Around Town
The strawberry love doesn't stop at Parkesdale. Andy's Frozen Custard spins strawberry concretes that locals swear by. Krazy Kup does a seasonal strawberry latte with house-made syrup. And during the Festival, even the savory spots get in on it — look for strawberry BBQ sauces, strawberry jalapeño jams, and strawberry-topped burgers at local stands.
Strawberry Lover's Checklist
Strawberry shortcake & milkshake at Parkesdale Farm Market
Strawberry Supreme at the Strawberry Festival
U-pick strawberries at a local farm (Dec–March)
Strawberry concrete from Andy's Frozen Custard
Seasonal strawberry latte at Krazy Kup