With so many things to do at the Florida Strawberry Festival, from rides to games, livestock competitions to A-list entertainment, it’s hard to lose interest. But in case you find yourself outside of the festival grounds and in the heart of the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, you should check out these local spots and town attractions.
Unique Site
Dinosaur World
5145 Harvey Tew Road
(813) 717-9865
Dinosaur World has 20 acres of forested walkways to explore. And the best part is that it’s full of life-sized dinosaur statues.
There are more than 200 dinosaurs, a playground, fossil-digging sandbox, dino gem excavation, a prehistoric museum with real dinosaur fossils and animatronics. Enjoy a picnic in the shade or hike on concrete paths.
Dinosaur World is the perfect place for families to adventure.
Sky High
Jump Florida Skydiving
9002 Paul Buchman Highway
(352) 461-3461
Are you an adrenaline junkie? Does free falling from 14,000 feet at 120 miles per hour sound like a walk in the park? Then Jump Florida Skydiving might be for you. Jump Florida Skydiving offers tandem jumps at a drop zone just 14 miles outside of the city center.
Take a Walk
Edward Medard Park
6140 Turkey Creek Road
(813) 757-3802
ALL ABOARD
Train Viewing Platform
102 N. Palmer St.
(813) 754-7045
The new train-viewing platform and Robert W. Willaford Museum makes a unique experience for train-spotters, history buffs or curious families.
Recently receiving a donation of railroad memorabilia, including a 1963 Seaboard caboose, from Plant City resident Robert Willaford, the museum has revamped, offering more exhibits and learning opportunities.
The two-story train platform sits next to the historic train depot that was instrumental in putting Plant City on the map as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. The train depot was operational until 1971. It is on the United States National Register of Historic Places.
Night life
Keel and Curley Winery
5210 Thonotosassa Road
(813) 752-9100
Keel and Curley Winery may not be the queen of the strawberry, but it is the king of the blueberry. The winery has a variety of wines made from the berries of its local blueberry farm by the winery. It also carries other varieties of wine made out of different fruit like peaches and tangerines.
And it’s not just wine that’s served. Recently, the winery started a craft brewery under the label Two Henrys Brewing Company.
There’s live music every Friday and Saturday nights on the outside deck overlooking the grounds.
If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, Edward Medard Park would be the perfect place for some peace and quiet.
One of Hillsborough County’s largest regional parks, Edward Medard Park is a popular recreation area with a 700-acre reservoir being its main attraction. A boardwalk and fishing pier leads to an observation tower across the reservoir.
There are boat ramps and docks, paved roads for bicycling and inline skating, and primitive and RV campsites. A one-way, 3.25-mile bridle path is well suited for equestrian use. Three picnic areas with tables, grills and restrooms make for a nice lunch spot.
Good Eats
Duke’s Brewhouse
2212 Jim Redman Parkway
(813) 752-2700
Chuck Jamieson recently transformed this eatery into a popular sports bar. Jamieson brings experience from Ybor City and has expanded the menu by collaborating with the Strawberry Crest High School culinary department.
Parks and playgrounds:
Burchwood Park, 104 Lake Blvd.
Cherry Street Park, 904 E. Cherry St.
Collins Street Mural Park, 110 S. Collins St.
Courier Field & Veterans’ Monument, 703 N. Wheeler St.
Dr. Hal & Lynn Brewer Park, 1491 Hunter St.
Gilchrist Park, 704 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Mary B. Ellis Park, 601 E. Laura St.
McCall Park, 102 N. Wheeler St.
Roseland Park, 1417 S. McDonald St.
Rowena Mays Park, 502 N. Alexander St.
Samuel W. Cooper Park, 900 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Sunrise Park, 1203 E. Baker St.
Washington Park, 1808 E. Warren St.