I have seen several posts on Instagram about the wonders of the Parkesdale Market, and I knew I needed to make the trip over there. Located in Plant City, Florida, the Parkesdale Farm Market has been drawing in visitors for decades. They have such a wide selection of local produce available, but they’re best known for their strawberries – especially their strawberry shortcake.
While the Parkesdale Market is now open again after a brief summer break, their “world famous” strawberry shortcake is only available between January and mid-April. That didn’t stop Sara – who you might remember from some other Florida local adventures, like Sweetfields Farm and Myakka River State Park – and I from making our way over there this long Labor Day weekend to scope out the market. We spent our Sunday morning indulging in treats from the ice cream shop and checking out the local wares.
I got a pineapple and strawberry dole whip, while she got a strawberry milkshake. Both were excellent and a great way to beat the heat. You can check out their summer menu here, which is available through December. They have a lot of seating, including their strawberry throne, which we obviously took turns sitting on. We then shopped around. There were so many great, local products available, including more jams than I can even remember, but we wound up purchasing strawberry cookies and strawberry bread. I haven’t sampled the cookies, but the strawberry bread made for an excellent breakfast this morning!
Strawberry milkshake, strawberry + pineapple dole whip 
The strawberry throne 
Fun wares for purchase
The short answer: Parkesdale in Plant City is now open Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm. Starting November 1, 2021, through mid April 2022, they will be open every day, Monday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm. I definitely plan to go back, if only to try some of that strawberry shortcake! If you’re heading that way, I also recommend making other plans while you’re in the area, to really make the most of your visit to Plant City. Sara and I went to Keel and Curley Winery, part of Keel Farms, for lunch, since it’s so close to the market, but you could also squeeze in some Grady Goat Yoga while you’re there.
Have a “berry” good time!