Festivals Showcase Florida's Fanciful Flavors

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A historic tour via horse-drawn carriage in Downtown Fernandina Beach.

Photo Credit: Amelia Island TDC

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Great shopping and dining can be found all around the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Destin.

Photo Credit: Andrea Richard

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Dale Chihuly glasswork among the plants at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

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One of Dade City's best known events is the annual Kumquat Festival.

Photo Credit: www.visitpasco.net

Florida's agricultural treasures make culinary treats at annual Florida festivals.

Florida is synonymous with abundant sunshine and natural gifts. Both lead to such culinary treats as citrus fruit, mangoes and seafood. A visit to the Sunshine State isn’t complete without a slice of fruit or a plate of seafood to savor. Luckily, festivals throughout the state offer visitors and locals alike plenty of chances to taste Florida’s favorite flavors.

On the first weekend in May, Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island hosts the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. More than 400 years of regional history are reflected in the festival’s pirate-themed and multinational events and attractions. This festival takes place April 29-May 1, 2011.

The shrimp festival was also named a top-20 event nine times by The Southeast Tourism Society. Guests at the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival can also enjoy a juried art show and the unique Blessing of the Fleet. While in the area, visit Fort Clinch State Park, one of the most well-preserved 19th-century forts in the United States.  

Around the same time on the other side of the state, the Sandestin Wine Festival at Baytowne Wharf will celebrate its 25th year. Venues and activities run the gamut from the widely attended Wine Pavilion to exclusive private dinners with celebrity vintners and James Beard Foundation Award-winning chefs.

This four-day community extravaganza includes a fundraising component, Wine & Dine in Paradise, which has raised $4 million for northwest Florida’s children’s charities in recent years. Oenophiles and foodies both will appreciate this annual festival, slated for April 28-May 1, 2011.  

It seems that all the good things at the Sweet Corn Festival in Zellwood begin with the letter “C.” Now in its 37th year, this May event features big-name country music acts, crafts and carnival rides.

Zellwood is a charming town located within a short drive of Apopka, Mount Dora and Orlando. Put the Sweet Corn Festival on your calendar for May 14-15, 2011.

Spring blossoms give way to juicy summer fruit at the International Mango Festival at Miami’s Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Every July, it features the world’s only mango auction and gourmet mango brunch.

Culinary demonstrations by world-famous personalities such as Chef Allen Susser, known for using tropical fruit in his dishes, are on the schedule. Eco-tourism discounts also attract thousands to this mango madness, scheduled for July 10-11, 2011.

If you want a preview of some delicious mango flavor, check out some of Chef Allen’s delicious recipes here.

Just off the mainland in the Gulf of Mexico, Cedar Key’s popular seafood festival is also a showcase for more than 200 artists. It is held each year on the third weekend of October.

Delectable seafood, live music and a Saturday morning parade are the traditional favorites. Plus, the remote Seahorse Key Lighthouse welcomes shuttle boats from the City Marina. The 42nd annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival will be held Oct. 15 - 17, 2011.

On the last Saturday in January, historic Dade City hosts the Kumquat Festival. Throngs of people – nearly 40,000 of them – come to this country-style fair that includes an extensive farmers’ market, 350 vendors, wagon rides and an antique car show. All of this takes place in the heart of “Old Florida,” with stately, moss-covered oaks at every turn.

Jan. 28, 2012 marks the next Kumquat Festival. While in the area, take a driving tour of Florida’s historic courthouses or hike The Nature Coast’s extensive trails and parks.

By land or by sea, Florida’s flavors vary from stone crabs to strawberries. In every corner of the state, food events delight every palate. And remember, you can enjoy all these treats with a whole glass of sunshine: the classic Florida symbol, fresh-squeezed orange juice!

Other Favorite Florida Festivals:

January - Key Largo Stone Crab Festival
February - San Sebastian Wine Festival    
March - Plant City Strawberry Festival
April - Crescent City Catfish Festival
May - Newberry Watermelon Festival     
June - Florida Keys Tropical Fruit Fiesta in Marathon
July - Mango Mania in Pineland
August - Gulf County Scallop Festival in Port Saint Joe
September - Fall Seafood and Pirate Fest in Panama City
October - Hernando County BBQ & Rodeo Festival
November - Ruskin Seafood Festival
December - Death By Chocolate in Largo

If You Go:

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival
Fernandina Beach
(866) 426-3542
www.shrimpfestival.com

Sandestin Wine Festival at Baytowne Wharf
Destin
(850) 650-3732
http://www.sandestinwinefestival.com/

Kumquat Festival
Dade City
(352) 567-3769
www.dadecitychamber.org

International Mango Festival
Coral Gables
(305) 667-1651
www.fairchildgarden.org

Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival
Zellwood
(407) 886-0014
www.zellwoodcornfestival.com

Cedar Key Seafood Festival
Cedar Key
(352) 543-5600
www.cedarkey.org/events.php