Mixon's Fruit Farm is an EXCELLENT place to take your kids for the day or your out of town guests. Dalton and Andrew had found a flyer for the place and wanted to go because they liked the "trolley" that takes you on a tour of the farm. I was hesitant at first because I thought it may be a little "tourist cheesy". Boy was I wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mixon's Fruit Farm is a family owned business and operation. They provide a guided tour through the fruit groves with education on fruit farming. Along the path they have preserved some of the old tools that used to be used to keep the fruit trees alive and growing. The guide stops and talks about each tool and explains it in a way for all ages to understand.
Half-way through the tour is the wildlife refuge. Everyone gets out at this stop to enjoy some education and up close looks at some of Florida's wildlife. The tour guide was very knowledgable, well-spoken, and great with children. The kids got to hold a boa constrictor, touch a tortoise, pet a large iguana, and stand next to screech owls. After the tour, one of the farm owners greeted us in the shop and asked the boys about the tour. She told us that some of the animals vary from time to time depending on what has been brought in to them for rehabilitation or education. There are no alligators at this time, but will be in about two weeks. They will also be getting a couple racoons soon.
While still in the shop, we got to enjoy a sample of lemonade and orange juice made from the fruit from Mixon's farm. YUM! YUM! and refreshing on such a hot day.
After samples, we headed out to Mixon's Magical Maze where we came across large, painted, wooden signs with holes in them. Each sign was something you may see at Mixon's. The holes were for your head -- PHOTO OPPORTUNITY! While very cute, they also made it educational as one sign had the lifecycle of a butterfly, one was an orange tree, and the other had things you will see in the garden - butterfly, flower, bee. After a few photos we proceeded into the butterfly garden maze. It was absolutely beautiful!!!! (and yes, it was a maze for the kids, but beautifully cultivated and pleasing to the eye for adults) The kids enjoyed trying to find their way out of the maze while I enjoyed the colorful flowers and butterflies. As we neared the end of the maze a path led us through a rose garden, out to a gazebo (wedding area), and to the koi and turtle pond. There were so many fish. It was unbelievable! Here, you can also feed the fish and turtles for 25 cents.
The pond is pretty large and surrounded by lush plants and a waterfall. You can take an enjoyable walk around the pond and stop at all three pond decks to view the scenery. This is another great place for photo taking.
Now, if that weren't enough, Mixon's has also set up a bounce house in the picnic area for the kids to enjoy. You can purchase lunch from their deli, if you wish, and eat in a beautiful garden near the butterflies. While you are still enjoying your lunch and the kids are finished, send them into the bounce house to burn off some energy! Sorry, I can't give you details on their deli food for lunch because we did not have lunch here, but it sure smelled delicious!
Before leaving, we took a walk around the Mixon shop. Yes, they sell a lot of novelty, tourist items, but they also sell their own jams, jellies, marmalades, salad dressings, hot sauce, honey, etc. all made from the citrus. They also sell orange ice cream made from their orange juice. JUST WONDERFULLY REFRESHING!!!!
Other things to do at Mixon's that we did not experience this day: sample varieties of citrus in season, sample homemade fudge, go out into the fields and pick in season citrus, and wine tasting daily.
This is my number one pick of the summer so far!!!! I can't wait to go back next year!!!!!
2712 26th Ave. East
Bradenton, FL 34208
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