Information courtesy of Barbara Routen at Fryed Egg Productions
If you’re looking for an easy and fun day or weekend trip, Plant City has you covered. This city is more than just the destination for Florida’s Strawberry Festival, it also houses a number of different attractions and activities for a range of ages, as well as a rich history.
What are Plant City’s roots?
Plant City began in the mid-1800s and has a long, colorful heritage. In fewer than 30 square miles, there are more than 300 houses and buildings that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, including the Bing Rooming House, which was built in 1928 as an overnight accommodation for black people visiting Plant City. In 2011 it was restored to its former glory and turned into a museum. Nearby is Bealsville, a town settled in 1865 by freed slaves, one of the oldest continuous African American communities in Florida.
Plant City was named not for its produce but for railroad man Henry B. Plant, who boosted the area’s economy by connecting Central Florida to national railroads. Train enthusiasts will love the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, a former depot, which houses a real caboose and locomotive.
If you’re looking for a nature destination nearby, the city has Edward Medard Conservation Park, a beautiful reservoir that allows visitors to boat and canoe on its water, and camp along the beach.
Plant City also contains a smaller nature park called Metals and Nature, garden that contains handmade wrought iron, lush vegetation and a variety of different animals, including parrots and peacocks. This worry-free garden is free of charge and even offers complimentary water for guests.
To learn more about what Plant City has to offer when planning your trip, visit their website at visitplantcity.com.
