Nestled in the heart of Florida’s sunshine state lies a haven for fresh produce and charming critters: The Market at St. Martin Farms in Plant City, Florida. Whether you’re seeking a destination for a weekend adventure, a locavore* searching for locally sourced produce, or simply an animal lover looking for furry encounters, this vibrant farm promises an experience that’s anything but ordinary.
*Locavore – a person whose diet consists only or principally of locally grown or produced food. I learned a new word this week and had to use it in a sentence.
A Feast for the Senses
Location – 4898 James Redman Pkwy Plant City, FL 33567
As I turned off the highway and entered St. Martin Farms, I was welcomed by charming hand-painted signs that advertised boiled peanuts, fresh produce, and milkshakes. The entrance and the inside of the building were decorated with wooden cartoon strawberries that added a lively personality to the famous fruit, for which Plant City is well-known.
Inside the open-air market, locally grown herb plants, seasonal fruits, and vegetables are neatly organized and ready to take home to enjoy for a future meal. The red and white streamers hanging high above add to the festive ambiance, and the decorative farmhouse backdrop makes the perfect spot for taking photos. Along the market’s perimeter, you can spot fluffy rabbits quietly observing the hustle and bustle of the visitors. Some hopped around the cages as if performing a show when I approached the cages for a closer look.
Beyond the Bounty
Two food options are available on the property in addition to the produce. A small food truck called Taqueria y Pupuseria Salvadoreña serves delicious El Salvadoran pupusas in front of the market. If you have never tried a fresh and fluffy pupusa before, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. My recommendation from their menu would be the quesabirria tacos, which pair perfectly with a refreshing Jarritos soda.
A food truck inside the market serves a variety of food items on a rotating basis. The offerings are simple lunch options such as hot dogs, chili dogs, pretzels, street corn, and milkshakes. However, during the strawberry season, which lasts from January to March, the menu options are dominated by strawberry shortcake, cheesecake, and strawberry ice cream. During the holiday season, the milkshakes transform into seasonal delights featuring pumpkin and peppermint flavors.
The Cuddle Factor is High
The Market at St. Martin Farms is more than just a produce paradise. It’s a playground of discovery for little ones and adults alike. Make sure to purchase a bag of treats for the resident farm animals who greet you with curious snorts and wagging tails.
As I made my way towards the back of the market, I felt like I had entered a movie set for an old Western film. Behind the pens filled with bleating sheep and mooing cows, a backdrop resembled the setting of the TV show Gunsmoke. In the center of this Western-themed area, you will come across a long-horned cow whose corral has a warning sign to “beware of horns.” Without warning, each four-foot-long horn will silently glide over the fence to snatch snacks from tiny hands reaching into the enclosure.
Cows and sheep are just the beginning of the unique animal collection that calls St. Martin Farms their home. Gentle miniature donkeys wait patiently to be pet while pot-bellied pigs shuffle around with comical nonchalance. Billy goats climb onto a bridge that gives them access to a bird’s eye view of the farm. Guarding the passage to the other half of the farm, these goats peer down at me as I pass under the bridge. I moved quickly, hoping not to find myself in a shower of pelleted goat poop. After a safe passage, I continued to the buffalo pin to give them the last of my treats.
The emu pin is located in the same area, but I avoid this oversized bird out of fear of it pecking at my head. I scrambled back through the billy goat bridge to the safety of the picnic tables. Shaded under the umbrella and centered in the symphony of barnyard noises, I finished my milkshake. I looked toward the new unsuspecting visitors as they divided their treats amongst the animals while narrowly dodging the horns of the overly eager cow.
Memories Made
As the sun dips behind the fields, casting long shadows and painting the sky in hues of orange and gold, your day at The Market at St. Martin Farms draws to a close. But the memories you’ve made will linger long after. From the sweet taste of local berries to the laughter bouncing off hay bales, this experience leaves hearts full.
Make The Market at St. Martin Farms your next weekend destination for laughter, fresh air, and memories. It’s more than just a market; it’s a day out and memories waiting to be made.
Pro Tip: Check out The Market at St. Martin Farms Facebook page for updates on special events, seasonal offerings, and farm animal antics!
Looking for more Florida Farm Fun? Check out these other amazing Florida Farms Spotlight post!
The information in this article was accurate when published but can change without notice. Please confirm rates and details when planning your trip by following the links in this article. If you find out-of-date or inaccurate information, I’d love to hear about it to update the article. Use the comments section below. Thanks!
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