This charming family farm has been a mandatory attraction for generations of Bradenton vacationers who can load up on fresh oranges, grapefruits and seasonal exotics such as mangos and star fruit, fresh juices, citrus-inspired fudge and candies, local wines, and the mandatory orange or orange-vanilla swirl cone. Don’t miss the $5 educational tram tour that includes the orange groves and a stop at a wildlife rehabilitation area where kids can see (and sometimes touch) Florida rescues, such as a blonde raccoon, skunk, sandhill crane, tortoise, alligator and a few imports including a blue hyacinth parrot and lemon-yellow python. The store café offers tastyitems such as barbecue pork, Cuban paninis and orange juice slushies, so it’s easy to linger without worrying about hunger-induced meltdowns. Tours are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 3 to 10.
Mixon’s Fruit Farms
2525 27th Street E, Bradenton, 34208-7427, FL