Playing in Plant City

In case you weren't aware, Plant City is the strawberry capital, at least in Florida. Every year they have a huge Strawberry Festival, with rides, food, and fun. And of course, world famous strawberry shortcake. I've been to the festival only one time, but it is a wildly popular event in Central Florida. My mom grew up really near Plant City and she's talked many times of picking strawberries when she was a girl. I got to do that one year too and it was a fun thing to do...all those beautiful strawberries ripe for the pickin'. Plant City also has a really cute historical area in town, with some fun shopping, so one day me and my cousin's wife, Dot went over for an afternoon of lunch and strolling. First stop was this store, called Southern Hospitality, so of course I had to go in here! It reminds me a lot of Old Time Pottery, some good things and some not some great things, but it was fun to look. A lot of these type stores have way too much Made in China products for my taste, as I do like to be a little more original with my decor. I did find one really pretty white iron bird that I'll show you sometime.
There were lots of dishes to be found. Most things were more country than my taste, but I took some pics to show you around. I loved this saying!
Dishes

Birdhouses
More birdhouses
Rooster weathervanes
Pottery
Baskets galore

Ever-popular tin stars
Wildly popular apothecary jars
Large and small, the prices were pretty good.
Downtown Plant City.
This is in the historic district, old brick and antique stores.

Frenchmans Market
We had lunch in the Orange Blossom Tearoom.
My spinach salad was really delicious. Hot bacon dressing was yummo!
More browsing in the markets.
Furniture. I think this meant, do not sit here.

An old china cabinet
Vintage chair
And driving out, we went down one really pretty street in the historical district complete with red brick streets. I couldn't resist taking some pics to show you these beautiful homes that have been saved and restored.
I could live in any one of these.
It surprised me a little at all the architectural styles that you see here. You wouldn't think that about Florida.

But, these older homes have quite the charm and character.
Thank goodness some of the small towns have seen fit to save them. Enlarge the one above to see the ivy growing all over the front.
Beautiful
Quaint cottage.

Hope you enjoyed shopping and browsing with me in Plant City! I sure had fun. Tomorrow we will visit Kim's house again. You don't want to miss that!