One of the oldest citrus sellers in the state is just outside Gainesville in North Central Florida. The Orange Shop, in tiny Citra, Florida has been "growing, picking, hand-packing, selling and delivering fruit" since 1936! Located along US 301, it's hard to miss the place because for miles before and after the store, the highway is full of distinctive hand-painted billboards counting down the miles to the storefront. The business itself is located in what appears to be an old two-and-a-half story house with an orange and white striped awning across the front. Note the palm tree poking through the awning near the front.
Citra is located in the furthest north growing point for citrus in the state and the Orange Shop claims to have the highest quality navel oranges in the world. In addition to oranges, the shop features Indian River grapefruit, orange blossom honey, jellies and marmalades and specialty sauces and dressings. Long a Florida tradition, a stop at the Orange Shop is worth straying off the interstate to visit. Or just shop online!
Worth waiting for indeed!
ReplyDeleteI love Citra and Orange Lake. I used to stop in while exploring the area when I lived in Gainesville. I would then go west south of the Lake to McIntosh on US 441, which is second to Micanopy in old Florida appeal.
ReplyDelete