- Attraction: Parkesdale Farm Market
- Location: 3702 W Baker St, Plant City, FL 33563
- Industry: Farm Market
- Website: https://parkesdale.com/
Presidents have made pilgrimages here, Food Network crowned it the best drinkable dessert in America, and thousands of families plan entire Florida vacations around a single bite.
Parkesdale Farm Market isn’t just any roadside produce stand—it’s the birthplace of what many consider the world’s most perfect strawberry shortcake, served fresh from fields that have been family-owned since 1956.
What started as Roy Parke’s humble 10-acre strawberry operation has blossomed into Florida’s largest family-operated strawberry and citrus market. You’ll discover a magical combination of working farm, bustling produce market, and dessert destination where the assembly-line efficiency of shortcake preparation has become entertainment in itself.
The tradition continues strong under third-generation ownership, with the same family recipes and commitment to quality that made this Plant City institution famous worldwide.
World-Famous Strawberry Creations
The Legendary Shortcake: Pure perfection arrives on your tray as sweet, sun-ripened strawberries cascade over tender shortcake that’s part biscuit, part cake, all deliciousness. The fresh whipped cream dollop melts slowly in Florida’s warmth, creating the ideal balance of textures and flavors that has earned national recognition.
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Keep Exploring →Thick Strawberry Milkshakes: These aren’t ordinary milkshakes—they’re so thick you’ll need a spoon to enjoy them properly. Made with fresh strawberries picked at peak ripeness, each sip delivers concentrated berry flavor that Food Network named America’s best drinkable dessert.
Seasonal Variations: During strawberry season (January through March, sometimes April), you’ll choose from multiple shortcake combinations including options with or without cake, strawberries, whipped cream, or ice cream. The portions are generous enough to easily share between two people.
Strawberry Cookies: These soft, chewy delights are baked fresh using strawberries picked at their prime. You’ll taste the difference that comes from using fruit harvested just hours before baking.
Year-Round Milkshake Menu: Beyond strawberry, you’ll find delicious flavors like peach, mango, chocolate, café mocha, banana, papaya, vanilla, pineapple, coconut, and piña colada available throughout the year.
Fresh Market Treasures
Farm-Fresh Produce: You’ll browse an impressive selection of fruits and vegetables that local supermarkets simply can’t match for freshness or price. Most items are grown locally, harvested at peak ripeness for maximum flavor.
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Discover MoreCitrus Specialties: The market features Florida’s finest oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus varieties, many available for shipping nationwide. You’ll taste the difference that comes from fruit picked fresh from the grove.
Homemade Preserves & Jams: Take home the flavors of Parkesdale with their signature strawberry jam and other preserves made from the same high-quality fruit used in their famous desserts.
Plant Nursery: Four extensive greenhouses produce over a million vegetables and flowering plants annually. You’ll find everything from starter vegetables to beautiful flowering plants for your own garden.
Specialty Items: Browse unique finds like local honey, gourmet jellies, Seven Keys coconut toast, and other Florida-made treats that make perfect souvenirs or gifts.
Atmosphere & Historic Charm
Open-Air Market Feel: The breezy, covered market creates the perfect old-Florida atmosphere with tropical gardens and lush foliage surrounding outdoor seating areas. You’ll feel transported to a simpler time when roadside stands defined Florida tourism.
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Keep Exploring →The Famous Strawberry Throne: This larger-than-life photo opportunity lets you pose like royalty while wearing provided crowns and holding strawberry scepters. It’s become an iconic Instagram moment that visitors of all ages enjoy.
Assembly Line Theater: You’ll be entertained watching the efficient shortcake preparation process during busy periods. The organized system has been perfected over decades and moves impressive volumes while maintaining quality.
Tropical Garden Setting: Picnic tables scattered throughout tropical gardens provide peaceful spots to enjoy your treats surrounded by Florida’s natural beauty. The setting enhances the overall experience beyond just the food.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Multiple generations gather around tables sharing oversized desserts, creating a warm community feeling that reflects the market’s family-owned heritage.
Other Considerations
Value Pricing: You’ll find the portions incredibly generous for the prices—most items can easily be shared between two or three people. A strawberry shortcake runs around $6.50, while milkshakes cost approximately $5, representing excellent value for the quality and quantity.
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Discover MoreSeasonal Schedule: The market operates Wednesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM during off-season (April through October), and daily during peak strawberry season (November through March). Prime strawberry shortcake season runs January through March.
Parking & Access: Ample free parking makes visits convenient, though expect crowds during strawberry festival season and weekends. The location at exit 17 from I-4 provides easy access between Tampa and Orlando.
Best Visiting Times: Weekday mornings offer shorter lines and a more relaxed experience, while weekends buzz with energy and families. Peak strawberry season creates the longest waits but also the freshest, most flavorful berries.
Shipping Options: You can order their famous strawberry cookies and other treats online for nationwide shipping, letting you share the Parkesdale experience with friends and family anywhere.
Presidential Approval: The market has hosted visits from Presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, cementing its status as a truly special Florida destination.
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Keep Exploring →Parkesdale Farm Market
📍 3702 W Baker St, Plant City, FL 33563
