FLORIDA CRACKER TRADING COMPANY

COUNTRY-THEMED HOLIDAY GIFTS (AND FUN!) HOMEGROWN RETAILER

Written by: Ava Grace

The holidays are up yonder, and the Florida Cracker Trading Company is gearing up for the season.

The Brooksville retailer has a deep selection of Florida-themed goods that makes perfect gifts. On the giving side, the company this season holds its 3rd annual Florida Cracker Christmas, a concert benefiting Operation HeartF.E.L.T. (Feeding Empty Little Tummies).

Florida Cracker Trading Company is a lifestyle brand that encompasses the heritage of the original Floridian. “One of our main goals is to preserve and teach what a Florida cracker is,” says co-owner Blair Hensley, who started the culinary and retail firm with his brother, Ethan, in 2012. The firm has since opened other outlets and resorts. It has a real estate component, Florida Cracker Properties, and an online business, as well. Brooksville is north of Tampa in Hernando County.

Historians insist the term “cracker” originated from the sound made by whips used to drive wild cattle by Florida’s settlers and cowboys. Others claim that it refers to use of cracked corn to make moonshine — either way, the term “Florida

Over the holiday season, shelves at the Florida Cracker Trading Company (and online) get stocked with Florida-themed items that make for great gifts. Before or after shopping, grab a yummy meal at the Florida Cracker Kitchen or a cool drink at the Tap Room.

THE COMPANY THIS SEASON HOLDS ITS ANNUAL FLORIDA CRACKER CHRISTMAS (DECEMBER 11), A CONCERT BENEFITING OPERATION HEARTF.E.L.T. (FEEDING EMPTY LITTLE TUMMIES) cracker” relates to the state’s 500-year history of working cowboys and cowgirls, agriculture, and a country lifestyle.

The goods sold by Florida Cracker Company are in keeping with this tradition, and so searching online or visiting a brick-and-mortar store shoppers can find everything from home goods, fashion collections, outdoor gear, food lines and accessories to other cool stuff. “Even our logo, the upside-down boot, looks like a cowboy boot in the shape of Florida,” adds marketing manager Mandi Dixon.

Over the holiday season, shelves get stocked with Florida-themed items that make for great gifts, such as fashionwear, blankets, jewelry, hats, sauces, spices, and honey. Plus, there are items for kids such as The Elf on a Shelf, onesies, T-shirts and hats. “During the holiday season, we will also have the third annual Florida Cracker Christmas that features the Bellamy Brothers, a true original Floridian band,” explains Blair Hensley.

David and Howard Bellamy from nearby Darby, Florida, are star performers that first received acclaim with “Let Your Love Flow” in the 1970s. They have since released more than fifty albums. They tour the world and have the reality show “Honky Tonk Ranch” on the Cowboy Channel.

The Christmas event is staged behind the Florida Cracker Kitchen diner, where patrons savor breakfasts such as chicken and waffles and catfish fry lunches. There’s also a tap room with extensive selections of whiskey and rum.

The Christmas event, December 11 from 6 to 11 p.m., benefits Operation HeartF.E.L.T., a nonprofit providing nutritious meals to students and their siblings on weekends, holidays, and extended school breaks. Expect about 1,200 music fans dancing away to The Bellamy Brothers, Craig Campbell and Emmet Stevens. Check online for details. “Our sponsors—Frank Miller, Dixie Vodka, Florida Cracker Properties, Russell’s Western Wear and 103.9 The Boot—have been a huge part in making this upcoming event a success!” says Blair Hensley.

The Bellamy Brothers Limited Edition Collection arrived this November (2021). “It also makes a great holiday gift item,” adds Dixon. FCM

Roundup

Florida Cracker Trading Company

924 E. Jefferson St., Brooksville, Florida 352-754-8787, floridacrackerstyle.com

Florida Cracker Kitchen 966 E. Jefferson St., Brooksville, Florida 352-754-8787, floridacrackerkitchen.com

Florida Cracker Properties 924 East Jefferson St., Suite B, Brooksville 352-345-8151, floridacrackerproperties.com

Operation HeartF.E.L.T. operationheartfelt.com