After my recent quick visit to southwest Florida (please see Southwest Florida Back Roads Road Trip and Part 2), I headed to Ft. Lauderdale.
My first stop was a fresh Mexican restaurant owned by a high school classmate. Zona Fresca in Plantation was convenient for yummy tacos, delicious chips and salsa (from a salsa bar), a refreshing margarita, and eye-catching decor.
Zona Fresca – Plantation Florida
Zona Fresca – Plantation Florida
Zona Fresca – Plantation Florida
I spent the next six days exploring South Florida—mostly Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.
Odd name, but Robert is Here is an amazing fruit stand in Florida City, located within a mile of the southern end of highway 821 (Florida Turnpike) and US 1 intersection. It is a great stop before heading to or returning from the Florida Keys.
Robert Is Here, Florida City
For me, the key lime shake is THE thing to get—but Robert’s also has a dizzying array of other fruit shakes, food items, sauces, gift items, and amazing produce (tropical, standard, and exotic).
Robert is Here, Florida City
I visited a winery, yes, a winery, in South Florida. In fact, Schnebly Redland’s Winery is the southernmost winery (and brewery) in the United States.
Schnebly Winery
Schnebly’s is located in Homestead, Florida, on the edge of the southern Everglades and between Miami and Key Largo.
Instead of grapes, Schnebly’s uses tropical fruits. I sampled wines made from guava, mango, passionfruit, and other fruits.
Knaus Berry Farm, Homestead Florida
About 10 miles from Schnebly’s, also in Homestead, is Knaus Berry Farm, owned and operated by the Knaus family for over 50 years. Even though berry is in the name and Knaus has amazing fresh produce, most people visit (based on my experiences) for their baked goods. On my last visit, around 3pm, there were about 25 people and a 10 minute wait for fresh cinnamon buns.
When departing the Homestead/Florida City area, I like driving north on Krome Avenue, instead of the Turnpike (821), Palmetto (826), or I-95.
Krome Avenue, South Florida
Krome Avenue (997) skirts along the eastern edge of the Everglades. Friday afternoon at 4:45 and not a car in sight while those other roads (the highways) were at a standstill. Brilliant!
I was thrilled to find this small community cooperative garden in Dania Beach.
Community Garden, Dania Beach Florida
Located near Bryan Road and 1st Street in a residential area, this garden was impressive. I bought a few freshly picked carrots and, of course, some baked goods (not from the garden).
From another amazing farm stand place I found this kitschy display.
Flamingo Road Nursery, Davie Florida
Most of the Flamingo Road Nursery property is dedicated to gardening but I would guess most customers come for the food. On site is a fantastic farmer’s market store and prepared food areas (BBQ, etc.). Within the farmer’s market is a popular smoothie counter. Great smoothies made with the freshest ingredients.
Flamingo Road Nursery, smoothie counter
NOTE: As much as I wish I was compensated by the companies mentioned in this article, I am NOT.
I already covered some aspects of South Florida in recent posts: Opa Locka: Funny Name, Cool Architecture, Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach, and Quirky Sites of Miami and South Florida.
Previous McCool Travel post ====> Quirky Sites of Miami and South Florida
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© 2014, Charles McCool
