FARMS | ANIMAL PERFORMERS | WINERY | TOURS
Gulf Coast AgVentures is an organization of like-minded agritourism businesses whose goal is to raise awareness and support of the local agritourism industry as it relates to education, conservation, promotion and economic development. They offer an array of experiences that connect you with our agricultural roots, our animal friends and the world we live in. Some AgVentures businesses are open seasonally, while others welcome visitors year ‘round. Learn more about what each AgVenture offers by visiting the links below, calling 855-AG-TOURS or going to www.GulfCoastAgVentures.com.
Start your "agventure" at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum, then head out on a tour of a dairy, citrus, vegetable or hydroponic farm and sample the local foods. Check out the Royal Lippizan Stallions at their Florida training facility or visit retired animal performers at Bearadise Ranch and Big Cat Habitat. And end your day at the Rosa Fiorelli Winery to try some of the local grape and take home a taste of Florida.
Manatee County Agricultural Museum
The Manatee County Agricultural Museum is located in Palmetto Historical Park and features equipment, tools, photographs and artwork reflecting the rich agricultural heritage of Manatee County. Special events and exhibits are often going on. Individuals and small groups are welcome for self-guided visits, but reservations are necessary for guided group tours. Children’s programming is also available on a reservation basis. Admission is free.www.manateeclerk.com/historical/AgMuseum
FARMS
Dakin Dairy Farms
Dakin Dairy Farms is the only milk bottler in Florida that offers the rare treat of tasting milk freshly produced and bottled right on its own “sustainable” farm. Farm tours are available fall through spring; watch milk flow from the cow to the bottle, and learn about the benefits of an all-natural fresh grass diet, which makes Dakin's cows' milk noticeably delicious.
www.dakindairyfarms.com
www.dakindairyfarms.com
Mixon Fruit Farms
Highlighted on the Travel Channel, Mixon's has become a favorite attraction of visitors and residents. Visitors to Mixon can see how a citrus farm works, including a packing house, juice processing and bottling room. Stop in the gift shop and sample some of Florida’s best wines, homemade fudge and Orange Swirl ice cream. Step outside and hop on the tram for a ride through the orange grove and see their Wildlife Rescue. Take a stroll through the Butterfly Garden Maze and wander out to the beautiful pavilion, gazebo, pond, waterfall and tropical gardens.
www.mixon.com
King Farm & Farm Market
King Farm is family-owned and -operated, growing a mix of heirloom produce and varieties developed to thrive naturally in the Florida climate. The farm is known for its peaches, blueberries and tomatoes. It works with universities, seed companies and local farmers, testing new seeds and developing environmentally friendly farming practices to grow healthy food. Visit the Farm Market and sample the day’s harvest, or contact them to arrange a farm tour.ANIMAL PERFORMERS
Herrmann’s Royal Lipizzan Stallions
Witness the beauty and grace of the Original Lipizzan Stallions from Austria. See the white Lipizzans practice at the Hermann Training Grounds. The Royal Lipizzans are a rare and aristocratic breed of horses founded in the 16th century for Austria's royal family. Colonel Hermann, whose ancestors aided in the rescue of these animals, maintains a 200-acre ranch here to ensure the propagation of the breed. The ranch offers winter shows and training sessions, weeklong ranch stays, private riding lessons and a venue for weddings.www.hlipizzans.com
Big Cat Habitat
Big Cat Habitat is a nonprofit safe haven for big cats, bears and other animals in need and was founded by Kay Rosaire, who has more than 30 years of experience working with and caring for exotic animals. Big Cat's goal is to educate the public by fostering appreciation for animals and stressing the importance of habitat preservation. Open Friday through Sunday, including daily performances.www.bigcathabitat.org
Bearadise Ranch
A unique attraction in a natural Florida setting, Bearadise Ranch is home to the famous Welde family bears. Established in 1926 to educate and generate public awareness for habitat preservation and conservation for all bear species, the ranch offers a tour that includes educational presentations with plenty of photo ops for nature lovers or bear enthusiasts. A minimum donation is required. Private bear viewing tours by reservations only. Seasonal operation.www.bearadiseranch.com
Rosaire's Riding Academy & Pony Rides
Rosaire's offers quality riding lessons for children and adults at all levels with master trainer and horses backed by 35 years of experience. Home to a summer day camp program with an all-adult staff, the academy offers pony rides and a petting zoo for parties or events, as well as live animal shows.www.rideapony.com
WINERIES
Rosa Fiorelli Winery
Rosa Fiorelli Winery was established in 1998 and is a family-owned and -operated business located just south of Lake Manatee in the rolling hills of eastern Manatee County. Rosa and her husband, Antonio, moved to this area from Casteldaccia, Sicily. The Fiorellis have won awards not only at state levels, but internationally as well. Each bottle is carefully filled with the recipe that Mr. Fiorelli himself crafted. Recently expanded to 10 acres. Free wine tasting. www.fiorelliwinery.com
TOURS
Gulf Coast Florida Limousine
Gulf Coast Florida Limousine offers packaged tours as well as individually designed itineraries. With a diverse fleet of vehicles, they can provide transportation from one up to 20 passengers. Their "Daycation" tours feature visits to all the members of Gulf Coast AgVentures, or you can customize a tour to visit any or all of the AgVentures attractions.
www.gulfcoastfloridalimo.com
