If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your day with a peaceful farm stroll, feeding goats, sampling edible flowers, and then rewarding yourself with a cinnamon roll the size of your head, let me introduce you to Fat Beet Farm just outside of Tampa, Florida. I recently took a guided tour of this charming, self-sustaining farm and left feeling full in every sense of the word.
Location & Info
Address: 706 W Lutz Lake Fern Rd, Lutz, FL 33548
Website: fatbeetfarm.com
Tours: Check the website or social media for current availability
Pro tip: Go hungry. Seriously.
Touring the Garden: Fresh Samples Straight from the Earth
The tour started with a walk through Fat Beet Farm’s lush garden. This wasn’t your typical “look but don’t touch” type of tour. Our guide encouraged us to pick and taste different plants along the way. We sampled long beans, fresh herbs, and even nasturtium flowers—bright orange blossoms with a surprisingly peppery kick. Some of the kids in my group weren’t very adventurous eaters. Not many kids want to eat their vegetables on a regular day, but good luck getting them to eat a flower. Meanwhile, I’m snatching flowers from the farm like a loose goat.
Without a doubt, I eagerly accept each freshly picked sample, excited to discover what flavor I’ll taste next. This hands-on garden experience made it obvious that Fat Beet Farm’s dedication to organic and sustainable farming isn’t just for show. Everything here is grown thoughtfully, and the flavors speak for themselves.
Animal Encounters: Chickens, Goats, and Farmyard Charm
Speaking of goats, Fat Beet Farm is home to a lively crew of chickens and goats, and yes, you get to feed them snacks during the tour. And no, I did not sample the goat treats.
After several failed attempts to get the kids in our group excited about sampling vegetables, everything changed when we hit the animal pens. Suddenly, the enthusiasm returned. Turns out, tiny humans and goats share a mutual love of chaos and snacks.
This was a hit for kids and adults alike, and honestly, the goats had more personality than most influencers I follow. Feeding the animals added a fun, interactive twist to the tour. Nothing will make you feel more important than a group of 30 hens racing from the barn towards you like you’re a long-lost love. Sure, they were technically just chasing a handful of feed, but let me have my moment.
Hydroponic Gardens: The Future of Farming, Right Here in Tampa
The highlight of the tour for me was stepping into the hydroponic garden. Not only was it a reprieve from the Summer heat, but it was like walking into a futuristic lettuce laboratory. Picture rows of leafy greens floating in water like they’re having a spa day. This climate-controlled setup grows herbs, vegetables, and greens using water-based systems, no soil, no mess. This produce is then served right in the Fat Beet Farm Cafe or sold in their market.
It’s impressive to see how this self-sustaining urban farm operates. Not only do they grow their produce, but they also compost. The whole place is a zero-waste wonderland. Kitchen scraps are turned into compost, compost becomes fertilizer, and fertilizer grows more veggies. It’s the Circle of Life, but far less dramatic than Mufasa being pushed off the cliff by Scar. At Fat Beat Farms, this is just scraps being pushed from a plate. No lions are harmed in the making of compost here.
Post-Tour Eats: Breakfast Sandwiches & Cinnamon Roll Heaven
After walking in the heat, an iced office was the perfect pairing between a warm breakfast sandwich and a cinnamon roll. My stomach was ready to cash in on all that talk of fresh food. I made a beeline for the farm’s on-site cafe, where I ordered a breakfast sandwich made with ingredients fresh from the garden. It was warm, melty, and impossibly satisfying.
But let’s be honest: the star of the show was the cinnamon roll. This thing was massive, gooey, and glazed to perfection, everything you want in a cinnamon roll and then some. It’s reason enough to return. No exaggeration.
Beyond the Tour: Events & Community at Fat Beet Farm
Fat Beet Farm isn’t just a spot for tourists or weekend outings. They also host a variety of weekly events in Tampa, making it a true community hub.
Some of their regular events include:
- Storytime with the Animals — kids are read a story about life on the farm to teach children about farming, food, and animals.
- Yoga Flow at the Farm — unwind and stretch in the barn with the soft sounds of nature
- Volunteer Opportunities — for those interested in learning how to work the farm or give back to the local food community.
These events make Fat Beet Farm in Tampa a fantastic destination for families, foodies, and anyone curious about sustainable farming practices.
Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend activity, a unique date idea, or just want to pick up some organic veggies and grab brunch, Fat Beet Farm offers an unforgettable experience. Next time you’re googling fun things to do in Tampa or farm-to-table experiences in Florida, remember: Fat Beet Farm has it all, greenery, goats, and a cinnamon roll you’ll be thinking about for days.
If you loved reading about my visit to Fat Beet Farm and want more farm-fresh Florida fun (say that five times fast), you’re in luck! I’ve visited some amazing spots around the state, from the colorful blooms at Amber Brooke Farm, to the gentle giants at Gypsy Gold Horse Farm, to the dairy delights at Dakin Dairy Farm. Don’t miss my adventures at The Market at St. Martin Farms and Cow Creek Farm, too. Each one has its own unique charm, animals with attitude, and snacks worth the drive. Check out those posts for more down-to-earth Florida gems.
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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