You pull off a quiet country road in Florida expecting a quick bag of oranges and maybe a cup of juice. Then you spot a lifted school bus rumbling past the groves, a camel waiting for snacks, and a line of happy people holding frosty orange creamsicle treats.
It feels like a slice of the old roadside Florida many of us thought had faded away. Grab a spoon and a sense of curiosity, because this little citrus stop turns into a whole afternoon.
A Citrus Stop on Frank Jarrell Road
Out in the rolling countryside of Lake County, just a short drive from the busy theme park corridor, sits Showcase of Citrus at 15051 Frank Jarrell Rd in Clermont. From the road, it looks like a classic grove stand with a country store.
Step inside the gate, though, and it quickly reveals itself as something much bigger.
Officially, it is listed as a tourist attraction with scenic citrus groves and an old-timey gift shop. Unofficially, it is a mix of farm, fruit market, animal park, and snack stop all rolled into one sunny property.
Visitors come for oranges and end up staying for hours.
Here is the part that surprises most first-timers: walking in costs nothing. There is no entrance fee to stroll the grounds, visit the shops, or look around.
You only pay for extras like animal feed, the famous truck tour, and treats from the concession stands.
That free-to-enter setup makes it an easy pick for Central Florida families, retirees looking for a relaxed outing, and snowbirds wanting a taste of the state beyond the big parks. Some visitors call it a hidden gem they stumbled upon by accident.
Others have been coming back for years and still find new corners to explore.
Roots That Stretch Back to 1989
Long before capybaras and monster trucks joined the party, this land was all about fruit. According to visitor accounts, Showcase of Citrus was established in 1989 as a family-owned working ranch.
That family touch still shows in the careful way the grounds are kept today.
The scale is hard to picture until you are there. The property is described as stretching across roughly 2,500 acres, with more than 50 varieties of citrus growing on the land.
That is a lot of oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit-style cousins in one place.
Guests often mention how thoughtful the layout feels. One visitor compared the attention to detail to what you might expect at the major theme parks miles down the road, only with a much more down-home vibe.
Clean paths, shaded spots, and clever decorations make the walk around feel easy.
Fun fact for Florida history buffs: Lake County was once a major citrus region, and places like this help keep that farm heritage visible. Instead of turning the groves into another strip mall, the family turned them into a spot where people can see, taste, and learn about Florida fruit up close.
It is agritourism with a friendly face, and it still feels personal after all these years.
Creamsicle Swirls and Pineapple Whip
Forget the plain paper cup of juice. The treat that gets people talking here is the orange creamsicle, a frosty blend of creamy ice cream and orange that tastes like a childhood summer in one sip.
Visitors mention the ice cream and orange juice drink again and again as a must-try.
Some folks go for the orange creamsicle slushy, which leans icier and extra refreshing on a hot afternoon. Others swear by the pineapple whip, a tropical soft serve that one mom proudly called the best she has had.
Honestly, ordering both and sharing is the smartest move.
Why does it hit so well? Part of it is the setting.
Sipping something cold and citrusy while looking out at the very groves that inspired it just makes the flavor pop a little brighter.
Regulars describe the drinks as super fresh and delicious, which fits a place built on fruit. It is the kind of snack that turns a quick stop into a lingering one.
You sit down at a picnic table, take one sip, and suddenly nobody is in a hurry to leave.
Tip: grab your treat after the truck ride. It feels like a well-earned reward after bouncing through the backwoods in the Florida sun.
Jars, Jellies, and Local Honey at the Country Store
Picture wooden shelves crowded with jars in every shade of orange, red, and gold. That is the feeling inside the old-timey country store, where the retro roadside charm is on full display.
It is easy to walk in for one thing and leave with a full bag.
Shoppers mention picking up salsa, jam, and fresh peaches on their way out. Others rave about the wide selection of locally made jellies and honey.
One regular even said he loves the honey so much that he keeps coming back for it.
Exotic jerky also shows up on the shelves, which makes for a fun road trip snack. And of course, citrus-related products are everywhere, from fruit to goodies that make great gifts for friends up north.
If you know someone who misses Florida, this is where you shop for them.
There are actually two gift shops on the property, one near the front and another in the back area. So if you forget something at the start, you get a second chance before heading home.
That is a nice touch when you are juggling kids, buckets, and souvenirs.
Prices are often described as reasonable, which fits the overall budget-friendly spirit of the place. Bring a reusable bag, because those jars add up quickly.
Picking Oranges Straight From the Branch
Nothing beats the snap of a ripe orange coming off its branch into your hand. At Showcase of Citrus, visitors can pick their own fruit straight from the trees during harvest season.
It is a simple joy, and one that many Floridians have never actually tried.
Timing matters, though. U-pick depends on the trees and the weather, so it is not available every single day of the year.
One family shared that the picking area was closed during their visit, even though it was the usual season, because an unusually cold winter had affected the crop.
They still had a great time, which says a lot about everything else on offer. But if picking is the main reason for your trip, a quick call ahead at 352-856-0507 can save some disappointment.
The staff are known for being friendly and helpful with questions.
When conditions line up, walking the shaded groves is one of the most peaceful ways to spend an afternoon here. Kids love hunting for the biggest fruit, and grown-ups tend to enjoy the quiet between the rows.
It feels a world away from the traffic just down the road.
Think of it as a bonus when the season cooperates, not a guarantee.
The Monster Truck Safari
Imagine a school bus that hit the gym, grew enormous tires, and decided to go off-roading. That is the Monster Truck ride, easily the most talked-about thing at Showcase of Citrus.
Hundreds of visitors bring it up as the highlight of their day.
The ride costs about $25 per person and lasts around 45 minutes. It rumbles past the groves and into the back of the property, where zebras, buffalo, deer, and other animals roam.
Along the way, you might spot some playful fake creatures too, like lions, giraffes, and alligators, so keep an eye out for Big Foot.
The guides are a big part of the fun. Visitors mention drivers by name, praising their sense of humor and how much they know about the animals, the oranges, and even the trucks.
Plenty of stops mean plenty of chances to learn something new.
Here is a thoughtful detail: guests say the truck is wheelchair accessible, so you do not have to climb up to enjoy the ride. Save some animal feed, because the tour includes a stop to feed Joe the Camel, a crowd favorite described as delightfully silly.
One group of bikers called the bouncing ride every bit as ridiculous and fun as it sounds. That about sums it up.
Feeding Pens With Friendly Faces
Hold out a handful of veggies, and you will have new best friends in seconds. Right near the entrance, you can buy buckets of food in different sizes and head to the front pens.
Goats, ponies, donkeys, pigs, and a huge tortoise wait eagerly for visitors.
Guests describe the animals as eager but never pushy. The ponies and goats trot right over, while the pigs and tortoises take their sweet time.
One goat has a habit of standing on top of the tortoise, which never fails to get a laugh.
A smart money tip from regulars: buy the big bucket and split it into smaller buckets so everyone in your group gets a turn. The tortoise is said to be especially fond of lettuce.
Handwashing stations nearby make cleanup easy after all that feeding.
Beyond the front pens, there is another area in the back with a llama, a large pig, goats, and more farm animals. Peacocks strut around, and you may catch sight of kangaroos too.
One family even watched a kangaroo hop by with a little joey peeking from its pouch.
Many of these animals are described as rescues, which adds a warm, feel-good layer to every carrot handed over.
Ron and Rhonda, the Resident Capybaras
Meet Ron and Rhonda. These two capybaras have become small celebrities, and families often name them as the best part of their whole vacation.
Not bad for a pair of giant, easygoing rodents.
Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world, and they are known for their calm, relaxed personalities. Seeing them up close is something you do not come across every day in Florida.
That surprise factor is part of what makes the encounter so memorable.
For a closer experience, there is a capybara meet and greet with scheduled time slots. Visitors strongly recommend it, calling it well worth the extra cost.
Since time slots are involved, it is smart to book early in your visit.
Staff here get a lot of love for going the extra mile. One family shared how two team members gave their daughter a special short feeding session when she felt unwell and could not wait for her scheduled slot.
Stories like that explain why people drive in from places like Riverview and keep coming back.
Even if you skip the meet and greet, the kids will probably insist on stopping by to say hi. Several families admit that visiting the capybaras has become a little ritual every single trip.
Gem Mining, Playgrounds, and Quirky Photo Ops
Treasure hunting in the Florida sun? Absolutely.
The gem mining station lets you buy a bag of dirt and sift through it at the sluice box to find crystals. Kids light up every time something shiny appears.
One family did wish the gem area had more shade, so plan it for a cooler part of the day. A hat goes a long way here.
Once the treasure is found, it makes a fun, free souvenir to carry home.
Behind the concession stand, a play area gives little ones space to run off their energy. There is also a shaded fun zone with ride-on toys that cost between 50 cents and a dollar.
Parents describe the playground as simple fun and the perfect way to wrap up the day.
Then there are the photo spots, scattered all over the property. Watch out for the sharks, which turn out to be a playful photo opportunity rather than anything to worry about.
In the fall, visitors mention beautiful setups for pumpkin patch portraits, and the holiday decorations are said to be fabulous.
Bring a selfie stick or a willing photographer. Even kids who usually refuse the camera have been known to pose for tons of pictures here.
Old Florida Charm for Every Kind of Crew
Some places feel like a time capsule, and this is one of them. Guests describe a laid-back, old Florida feel that is getting harder and harder to find.
Nobody rushes you out the door, and the pace invites you to slow down.
The crowd is wonderfully mixed. Families with toddlers, grandparents with grandkids, groups of friends, and even a motorcycle club on a chapter ride have all found their place here.
As one visitor put it, everybody fits in.
Dog lovers, good news: the property is pet friendly. One couple brought their two senior dogs, though they left earlier than planned because of the heat.
That is a helpful reminder to pick a cooler day if your pup is coming along.
Hungry? Food trucks show up regularly, and there is a restaurant on site too.
Visitors have enjoyed BBQ from Food for the Soul, and others note that lunch felt fairly priced. Picnic tables are scattered around, so finding a seat is easy.
For locals tired of the crowds and costs of the giant parks, it offers something refreshingly different. One regular summed it up nicely, calling it a taste of what Florida used to be like.
There is also event space for weddings, graduation parties, and school events.
Hours, Costs, and Smart Tips Before You Go
Good planning makes a sunny day even better. Showcase of Citrus is open every day of the week from 9 AM to 7 PM, so weekday and weekend trips are both easy to fit in.
You can reach them at 352-856-0507 or check showcaseofcitrus.com for updates.
Budget-wise, it is refreshingly kind. Entry is free, while the truck ride runs about $25 per person and feed buckets and treats are paid separately.
Many families say it was the most reasonably priced thing they did on their entire vacation.
Tickets for the ride can sometimes be bought at the counter on the day. One group arrived around 3:30 PM without booking and still got seats.
Weekends may be busier, though, so reservations are wise if you have your heart set on a certain time.
Heat is the biggest thing to prepare for. Guests mention waiting about 10 minutes in the sun before boarding the truck, so an umbrella for shade is a clever idea.
Lightweight or quick-dry clothing works best in spring and summer.
Restrooms are real, not portable, with handwashing stations nearby, though they can feel a little warm. Pack water, sunscreen, and patience for pop-up rain showers, which can pause the outdoor fun.
Worth the Drive for a Creamsicle and a Camel
So, is it worth pointing the car toward Clermont? For most visitors, the answer is a happy yes.
One guest who had put off the hour-long drive for years admitted the joke was on her, because the day blew her expectations away.
It is not a high-tech theme park, and it never tries to be. What you get instead is a grounded, nostalgic mix of groves, farm animals, silly photo spots, and a bumpy truck ride with a guide who loves telling stories.
One mom described it as a small zoo and a safari ride rolled together, without the big price tags or long waits.
A couple of honest notes help set expectations. If you are hoping for loads of exotic animals on the truck tour, know that many big critters along the route are playful fakes.
U-pick also depends on the season and the weather.
Still, the free entry, fair prices, and friendly staff make it an easy win for Florida families and snowbirds alike. Come for the oranges, stay for Joe the Camel, and leave with sticky fingers from a creamsicle.
That feels like a pretty great Florida afternoon.
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