The Florida Strawberry Festival is without a doubt, the main attraction that brings people from around the country to Plant City.
However, the whole town is rich with history and culture, offering entertainment, eateries, and educational sites.
For those who are curious about venturing around Plant City outside of the festival, here are some great spots to visit.
History
Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum
Plant City isn’t only known for strawberries, but its long history with railroads. The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum is a significant landmark that is located by railroad tracks that were used to bring resources into town.
It consists of the Plant City Union Depot, a viewing platform, railroad memorabilia, and a caboose.
Located at 102 N. Palmer St., the museum is open every Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
For additional information call 813.719.6989 or visit WillafordRailroadMuseum.com.
Bing Rooming House Museum
Once a resting place for African Americans visiting from out of town, the Bing Rooming House Museum now exhibits history through photography, videos, and sports memorabilia.
Located at 205 S. Allen St., the museum is open on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To schedule a tour throughout the week or weekend, call 863-398-2059.
For additional information, call 813-757-6760, email BingHouseMuseum@gmail.com, or visit PlantCityBingHouse.com.
Courier Field and Veterans’ Monument
For a patriotic site that honors our men and women in uniform, the Courier Field and Veterans’ Monument park is the spot.
The open field has commemorative plaques, a large monument, a pavilion and bricks engraved with the names of veterans laid along the foundation of the grounds.
Courier Field is located at 703 N. Wheeler St.
For more information, call the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department at 813-659-4255.
Plant City Photo Archives and History Center
The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center goes down the history of the town through photography and documentations. It’s a great way to take a history course of Plant City without ever leaving the building.
Located at 106 S. Evers St., the History Center is open every Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information, call the history center at 813-754-1578 or visit PlantCityPhotoArchives.org.
Outdoor Fun
McIntosh Preserve
The McIntosh Preserve is over 360 acres of nature to explore with walking trails that span 2.2 miles through the property, educational signage, and an observation tower to take in a breathtaking view of the preserve.
Located at 775 E. Knights Griffin Rd., McIntosh Preserve is open during daylight hours. It’s best to come handy with water and your phone or camera on this adventure. For more information, call the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department at 813-659-4255.
Its hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center
For those who want to stay physically active while having fun, the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center is for you.
Basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts are available Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Xtreme Hip-Hop Step and Burn cardio classes are on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The DJ Ken Miller Morning Dance event on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The Line Dance classes for beginners are on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and advanced classes are on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.
ZUMBA classes are on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
The community center is located at 302 S. Maryland Ave. For more information, call 813-659-4253 or visit www.PlantCityGov.com/ParksRec.
Dr. Hal and Lynn Brewer Park
The Dr. Hal and Lynn Brewer Park is a great spot to visit for more outdoor activities.
The park includes a paved trail that wraps around the pond that features a fountain, a pavilion, benches, bike racks, trail lighting and an outdoor fitness system.
The park is located at 1491 Hunter St.
For more information, call the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department at 813-659-4255.
The Mercantile
To find vintage accessories, art, hand-crafted goods, jewelry, and furniture, there’s always The Mercantile in downtown Plant City. Vendors bring in various items that are great for home décor or to just liven any atmosphere. Located at 208 S. Collins St., The Mercantile is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, call 813-659-1600 or visit www.TheMercantilePC.com.
Food/Drinks
Johnson’s Barbecue/Fred’s Market Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for down home barbecue or southern comfort food, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than Johnson’s or Fred’s. Located side-by-side at 1401 and 1407 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Johnson’s is your standard barbecue joint with pit-smoked meat, burgers, wings and classic southern sides, while Fred’s offers a farmhouse feel with all manner of southern homestyle cooking, served buffet style.
Krazy Kup
Krazy Kup offers one of the more fun coffee experiences you’ll find, with unique decor, baked good, snacks, wraps and espresso drinks all wrapped up in this cool hangout spot. In the evenings, Krazy Kup also offers a number of entertainment options in their upstairs loft, ranging from live musical performances, Bluegrass nights, open mic nights and retro movie showings. Whether you’re looking for some light food, a place to meet with friends, a fun evening in downtown Plant City or just a good cup of coffee, Krazy Cup is the place for you.
Located at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., Krazy Kup is open from 7:33 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 7:33 a.m. to 8:33 p.m. on Fridays and 8:33 a.m. to 8:33 p.m. on Saturdays. You can check out their event schedule at www.krazykup.com.
Norma’s
Norma’s is your one-stop shop for some of the best Spanish food in Plant City. Not only do they offer sandwiches, tacos, salads, soups, bowls and traditional sides, but they’re also home to one of the best Cuban sandwiches in the area and offers taco specials each Tuesday from 11 a.m. to close. Located in the heart of downtown Plant City at 120 N. Collins St., Norma’s is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday through Saturday.
Root’s Tap Room & Wine Bar
Roots Tap Room is a low-key bar in downtown Plant City that offers something on tap for everyone. With several wine options and eight rotating drafts ranging from a light pilsner to an imperial stout, Roots strives to always have a beer available for you, no matter your taste.
Located at 101 S. Evers St., you can check their ever-changing list of beers available on tap at www.rootsofplantcity.com.
Keel Farms
Stop by Keel Farms while you’re in town for a chance to tour the grounds, taste their award-winning wines, ciders and beers, hand pick your own bushels of strawberries from their 25-acre farm and grab a bite from their handcrafted menu of upscale pub style food.
For more information on Keel Farms, Keel & Curley Winery or to make a reservation for dinner, visit www.keelfarms.com