Citrus Inspired Central Florida Vacations eBook

How to Plan A

Citrus

Inspired

Central Florida Vacation

Plan A

Citrus Inspired Central Florida Vacation It’s no secret that citrus fruit is a big part of many people's diet. After all, who doesn't love a nice, cold glass of orange juice? We don't often consider exactly where those plump, delicious oranges came from -‐ but if you were to investigate, there's a good chance that your morning glass of OJ originated somewhere in the thousands of acres of citrus groves in Central Florida. That's why a Central Florida vacation just wouldn't be complete without visiting some of the top citrus-‐ themed hot spots in the area. Whether you're a casual fan of grapefruit and oranges, or a full-‐ fledged citrus aficionado, there are a number of citrus-‐related things to see and do in Central Florida.

Explore Polk County s Citrus Groves If you're looking for an authentic citrus grove experience, Central Florida is the place to go. Last season, Polk County again led the state in total citrus production with 32.2 million 13/5 bushel boxes, the standard industry measure. Polk County also came out on top in overall commercial citrus land, with an impressive 82,572 acres. Time your visit carefully, however, because many citrus-‐ themed attractions are open seasonally -‐ from October through April or May -‐ and you don't want to miss out. Ridge Island Groves If you plan to visit Central Florida in the springtime, you are in for a special treat if you encounter the wonder fragrance of orange blossoms on the trees. And if you're searching for the perfect place to revel in the beauty of the state's official flower, and the juicy oranges it produces, check out Ridge Island Groves, a family-‐owned business that has been growing quality citrus

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for more than 20 years. Ridge Island Groves offers one of the most unique Central Florida vacation experiences you'll find -‐ you can actually pick your fruit directly from the trees. When you visit their Haines City location, you can take a tour of their groves. Pay for two tours and you will receive a five-‐pound bag to fill with fresh fruit that you pick straight from the tree. It doesn't get any more authentic than that. While you're there, be sure to try a free sample of their freshly squeezed juices, including orange, tangerine and grapefruit. If a sweet treat is what you desire, you can also choose from a variety of delicious marmalades, jellies and honey. Ridge Island Groves is open seasonally, Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Orlampa Express (Orange Grove Trolley Tour at Fantasy of Flight) Step back in time and enjoy a taste of Florida’s citrus history on the quaint Orlampa Express orange grove trolley tour. Your expert guide will take you on an entertaining and memorable tour through an authentic orange grove, complete with photo opportunities and fascinating history tidbits about the area. Tours operate seasonally and advance reservations are recommended. Florida's Natural Growers Grove House Visitor Center For a relaxing, educational and fun option, check out the Florida's Natural Growers Grove House visitor center in Lake Wales. Kids (and kids at heart) will love the free orange juice samples and visitors of all ages can enjoy exhibits depicting the history of the state's official fruit.

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Ever wonder how orange juice is made? Take a video tour and watch the orange's journey from the groves to your kitchen table. Open seasonally from October through Memorial Day, this can't-‐miss attraction is perfect for the budget-‐conscious family, as admission is free to the public. Of course there are all sorts of citrus souvenirs available in the gift shop, so you can take home a reminder of your visit. The Orange Ring Not only does the Orange Ring sell some of the tastiest fresh citrus fruit in Polk County, but their unique round building has become a landmark in Haines City -‐ making it an ideal spot for a roadside photo opportunity. Founded in 1914, Orange Ring has been growing, packing and shipping fresh Florida citrus for decades. From Ruby Red Grapefruit to Navel Oranges and Honeybell Tangelos, they have it all. Even if you aren't the biggest fan of citrus fruit, the seasonal gift shop at Orange Ring offers all types of Florida souvenirs, including novelty items, jams, jellies and candies.

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Give Your Taste Buds A Sweet Treat With Traditional CitrusFlavored Confections Although fresh fruit like oranges, grapefruits and tangerines may be the stars of the show when it comes to citrus-‐related things to do in Central Florida, there are so many more ways to experience the citrus tradition -‐ especially if you have a sweet tooth. There are a number of culinary treasures to explore, including regional favorites like delicious pies, candies, marmalades, jellies and more. Lang Sun Country Groves & Taste of Florida Café If you've never had grapefruit pie, here's your chance to taste some of the best. The Taste of Florida Café at Lang Sun Country Groves is known for its award-‐winning grapefruit pie. This signature dessert from founder Mary Lang's personal recipe has even been featured on the Food Network show Epicurious. Started in 1951 by Mary and Joe Lang, Lang Sun Country Groves has been a staple of the Central Florida citrus community for more than 60 years. For those who love to shop, a visit to their "old Florida style" gift shop is definitely in order. The perfect spot to locate distinctive souvenirs and gifts, a wide selection of jams and jellies, citrus fruit, juices and other unique food items can be found at Lang’s. They squeeze more than 150 gallons of orange juice daily and take pride in serving it fresh at their café. The Taste of Florida Café is also a great place for lunch with a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches on the menu -‐ Mary Lang's Grapefruit Slaw Dog is another signature item you won't want to miss. The café is open Mondays through Saturdays seasonally, October through May.

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Davidson of Dundee Citrus Candy Factory Davidson of Dundee began in the early 1900's with T.W. Davidson's orange, grapefruit and tangerine groves located near Dundee, Florida. Today, Dundee Groves is still growing that juicy citrus and the Davidson of Dundee Citrus Candy Factory and Gift Shop offers one-‐of-‐a-‐kind marmalades, jellies, coconut patties and chocolates as well. If you want to take part in a true Central Florida confectionery tradition, you have to try their citrus delicacy candies. All of their candies and marmalades are slow cooked in copper kettles, one batch at a time -‐ the traditional way. Best of all, the ingredients used are native to Florida, including fruit grown in their own groves and pure cane sugar from the Everglades. You can actually watch the candies and jellies being made during free tours, and enjoy samples afterward. Davidson of Dundee's sweet treats are so popular that when the season hits, they make 4,000 lbs. of marmalade and 3,600 lbs. of candies every day. This unique attraction is open year-‐round, but operating hours vary based upon the season. Be sure to stop by during your next Central Florida vacation and you'll soon learn why Davidson of Dundee has been nationally recognized and featured on the Food Network. Webb s Candy Shop The Webb family has been putting smiles on customers' faces with their sweet confections since 1932. From peanut brittle, hand-‐dipped chocolates and homemade ice cream to the popular regional favorite -‐ citrus candy, Webb's Candy Shop has everything you need to satisfy your craving for sweets. And if you have an adventurous palate, you'll definitely appreciate their specialty candies, such as goat's milk fudge, as well as their selection of exotic regional wines, including vegetable and citrus wines. Webb's Candy Shop is open year-‐round, seven days a week.

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Planning A Central Florida Vacation? Don't Forget Your Passport! Before you board that plane to embark on your journey through Central Florida's citrus attractions, make sure you remember your passport -‐ your Passport to Adventure and Savings, that is. The Passport to Adventure and Savings card, available from the Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau, is your source for special discounts on Central Florida accommodations, attractions, shops and restaurants. A new edition is released every January, not to expire until December 31, and will feature gift shop discounts; buy one, get one free offers; and free samples at some of your favorite citrus-‐related hot spots, such as Davidson of Dundee and Lang Sun Country Groves. No matter your budget or interests, a citrus-‐themed Central Florida vacation is never out of reach. With a wide variety of citrus-‐ related attractions and activities, there truly is something for everyone.

Davidson of Dundee P: 863-‐439-‐2284 Toll Free: 800-‐654-‐0647 28421 U.S. Hwy. 27 Dundee FL, 33838

Florida's Natural Growers Grove House P: 863-‐679-‐4110 Toll Free: 800-‐237-‐7805 20160 U.S. Hwy. 27 Lake Wales FL, 33853

Lang's Taste of Florida Café & Sun Country Groves Retail Store P: 863-‐956-‐1460 Toll Free: 1-‐800-‐535-‐1199 5900 US Highway 17 92 W Haines City FL, 33844

Ridge Island Groves P: 863-‐422-‐0333 Toll Free: 800-‐493-‐7374 6000 Polk City Rd. Haines City FL, 33844

Webb's Candy Shop P: 863-‐422-‐1051 Toll Free: 800-‐289-‐9322 38217 N. U.S. Hwy. 27 Davenport FL, 33837

Orlampa Express at Fantasy of Flight P: 863-‐984-‐3500 1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E. Polk City FL, 33868

The Orange Ring P: 863-‐422-‐1938, Toll Free: 800-‐237-‐7847 35969 U.S. Hwy. 27. Haines City FL, 33844

Copyright © 2012 Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau • 2701 Lake Myrtle Park Road, Auburndale FL 33823 • 1-800-828-7655 photo credit: ecstaticist via photopin, cc | photo credit: Lloyd K. Barnes Photography</a> via photopin, cc

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