Agritourism & U-Pick Farms

Imagine picking up your fresh produce at an open air market or farm rather than a crowded grocery store. Even better, imagine picking your very own peaches right off the tree.

Create lasting memories that reach from farm to the table and discover Central Florida’s famed agriculture. Explore an authentic Florida citrus grove, fill baskets with fresh blueberries, or get a glimpse behind the curtain at a working organic farm where you’ll find garden-fresh produce, ripe for the picking. You can even start a holiday tradition and cut your own tree down from one of our many local tree farms.

Here is a list of fun agriculture-based activities at some of Ocala/Marion County’s most-popular agritourism destinations.

Farmers Markets

The Ocala Downtown Market is one of the biggest farmers markets in the county. It is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. under a covered pavilion near City Hall in Historic Downtown Ocala. Vendors offer seasonal fruits and vegetables, garden and houseplants, meats, dairy, seafood and handmade crafts.

Named one of the best farmers markets in the country by Livability.com, Circle Square Commons Farmer’s Market provides a wonderful selection of fresh seasonal produce from over 30 local growers as well as baked goods, plants and hand-made soaps. This farmers market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Circle Square Commons located at 8405 SW 80th Street in Ocala.

The Orange Shop

An iconic must, when visiting the area is a stop into The Orange Shop. Open since 1936, The Orange Shop grows, picks, hand-packs and sells a multitude of citrus including: Citra Navel Oranges, Temples and Honey Tangerines, Temple Oranges, Valencia Oranges, Tangy Tangerine Tangos and Ruby Red Grapefruit. The local shop also sells honey, jelly, sweets and pecans. Shop hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, October 15th through June 1st. The Orange Shop is located at 18545 US Highway 301 in Citra, Florida.

U-Picking

In Ocala/Marion County, berry-picking is so abundant that there multiple U-pick farms offering fruits including blueberries and blackberries, many with peaches and other produce as well. With the best time to pick falling between April and July, berry-picking is seasonal, so plan your visit accordingly.

Some of the most popular farms for picking include Abshier Blueberry Farm (located in Belleview), B&G Blueberries (located in Fort McCoy) and Wet Hammock Farm at Douglass Farm (located in Citra). Options do not stop with those though—for more farms, check out our guide to U-picking.

Crones Cradle

Open year-round, on more than 750 acres in northwest Ocala/Marion County, Crones Cradle Conserve is an all-natural farm growing chemical free vegetables, herbs and fruit. The Citra-based farm focuses on sustainability and conservation. Visitors can take part in workshops and tours exploring the farm’s gardens and greenhouse, see honey bee demonstrations and shop local at the onsite country store. The Country Store is a must when visiting Crone’s Cradle, as you can take farm fresh produce, honey, homemade jams and other delicious treats home with you.