After my recent southwest Florida visit, I continued my South Florida road trip to Ft. Lauderdale.
South Florida Back Roads, Baked Goods, Farm Stands, Fresh Food, and a Winery
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.
I visited a winery, yes, a winery, in South Florida. In fact, Schnebly Redland’s Winery is the southernmost winery in the United States. And they also have a brewery.
Schnebly’s is located in Homestead, Florida, on the edge of the southern Everglades and between Miami and Key Largo.
See also 6 Best Miami Scenic Drives.
Instead of grapes, Schnebly’s uses tropical fruits. I sampled wines made from guava, mango, passionfruit, and other fruits.
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 (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!
>>> Read the McCool Travel article: Opa Locka: Funny Name, Cool Architecture
I was thrilled to find this small community cooperative garden in Dania Beach.
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.
Most of the Flamingo Road Nursery property is dedicated to gardening but I would guess many 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.
>>> Read the McCool Travel article: Spanish Monastery in North Miami Beach
Yes, lovely post on Micanopy. That is really Old Florida. I was fortunate to visit that area a few years ago.
The South Florida wine has no grapes but is really interesting with the tropical fruit. Mango was not as sweet as I thought it would be. I remember not caring for passionfruit. Guava was a good one for me.
Love Florida! I have connections to St. Pete on both sides of the family, and consider it one of my “homes”. I haven’t explored the East Coast as much, so this was a fun read. How is the wine down there?