Parrish

Enjoy the relaxed pace of Parrish and its down-to-earth residents. Meet the owners of the longstanding citrus farm Brown’s Grove, which was founded in 1915. The Brown family, now on its fourth generation of citrus farmers, sells their 17 different varieties of citrus at farmer’s markets and their own property. From December through February, stop by the farm to take a tour and pick your fruits yourself! Another local farm, Gamble Creek Farms, has its own indoor market and grows everything from arugula to yellow squash.

If you want to spend time outside when it’s not citrus-picking season, head over to Fort Hamer Park, where you can hang out at picnic tables or even rent the pavilion for a special event. The Park has a dock and boat ramp, as well as the Rowing Facility. Manatee County Youth Rowing offers training for children and teens, while the Masters Rowing program is for anyone 21 and up, regardless of experience.

Check out the Florida Railroad Museum to learn all about Florida’s railroad history, or take a ride on a historic train!