Florida Travel: Family Trip to Showcase of Citrus in Clermont

By Dalia Colón

The oranges are a given.

At Showcase of Citrus in Clermont, you’ll find more than 50 varieties of U-pick fruit. Prime picking season is wintertime, with January and February being the best months for a bumper crop of sweet citrus.

Beyond the grove, this working farm and cattle ranch offers family-friendly diversions any time of year.

“It’s a family-owned attraction, so it’s got that family feel. Everyone’s really laid back,” says tour guide “Gator Johnny” Matos. “Everything is designed with kids in mind.”

That includes a playground, petting zoo, gem mine, weekend circus show and the highlight for many visitors, an off-road tour of the 2,500-acre property.

“What kid doesn’t like a monster truck ride?” asked Matos, a former alligator wrestler.

Gators are one of the many animals you might see from your perch in the safari-style vehicle, which is actually a converted school bus. Keep your camera ready to capture water buffalo, zebras, watusi and other exotic and native wildlife, and listen out for citrus-related trivia from your tour guide.

After the hour-long excursion, return to the country store to cool off with the signature Creamsicle, a vanilla- and citrus-flavored frozen treat that hits the spot on a warm afternoon.

The store started in 1989 as a humble, family-owned orange stand and expanded into a cornucopia of products for all ages, from fruit wines to soaps to orange-themed souvenirs and local honey, so you can bring home a taste of Old Florida.

When you go: Showcase of Citrus is located at 5010 US Highway 27 in Clermont, about 30 miles west of Orlando. The attraction is open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Leashed pets are welcome. Wear close-toed shoes. For monster truck tour reservations, call (352) 394-4377. Coupons are available at https://showcaseofcitrus.com/special_offers/.

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