Written by: Victoria Saunders. Victoria runs the Instagram account @igersplantcity. She is a Plant City resident who loves showing off the town she now calls home.

Nestled between Tampa and Orlando is the hidden gem that is Plant City. While Plant City is known for its scrumptious strawberries and the Florida Strawberry Festival, this charming city has got so much to offer all throughout the year.

The historic downtown hosts events nearly every weekend and is home to locally-owned restaurants, shops, a community theater, and more. It’s a small town with a big community and loads of character.

Along with the beautiful city parks and historic district, my Top Seven Places to Hangout in Plant City are:

The Corner Store, 121 W. Reynolds St.

The Corner Store | Photo by @igersplantcity

There’s always something new and fresh to try at this eatery. Creative lemonades, colorful salads, craft beer, and their unique grocery store always keep me coming back for more.

Krazy Kup, 101 E. J Arden Mays Blvd.

My favorite coffeehouse blends the perfect organic Papua New Guinea brew with honey, cream, and cinnamon to top off my morning routine. This unique space also offers many events from bluegrass jams to stand-up comedy, indie-rock to board game nights.

Cow Creek Farm, 6802 Five Acre Rd. + 7523 Cattle Dr.

Cow Creek Farm | Photo by @igersplantcity

Miniature. Highland. Cattle. Yup, you heard that right. You can’t help but smile from ear-to-ear after meeting their furry cuties in person. Miniature Highland cattle, miniature donkeys, and more right here in itty bitty Plant City, who knew?!

Parkesdale Farm Market, 3702 W Baker St.

There’s a reason multiple U.S. presidents have stopped by this iconic roadside market + I bet it’s for the must-have Parkesdale strawberry milkshakes and shortcakes.

Metals & Nature, 1501 W. State Rd. 60

Metals & Nature | Photo by @igersplantcity

Tucked away, off Highway 60, is a unique garden sanctuary with peacocks, handmade iron art, and blooming flora. Stroll through the natural trails to a shaded greenhouse for a nice picnic, shoot some photos with Boinky the pig, or just relax with friends, it's a great spot to get a little bit of tranquility.

Keel & Curley Winery and Two Henrys Brewing Company, 5210 Thonotosassa Rd.

Listening to live music on the outdoor porch of Keel & Curley paired with a crisp Blueberry Vanilla Wheat brew is how I wish I could spend every Friday.

El Mirasol Inc., 1419 S. Collins St.

El Mirasol Inc. | Photo by @igersplantcity

All bread, cakes, and desserts are made fresh every day at El Mirasol Inc. Not only do they make their bread in-house, but they also make their own ice cream, popsicles, juices, drinks, rotisserie chicken, tamales, chicharrones, and (of course) tortillas right in their building. My foodie favorites are the Al Pastor + Barbacoa tacos, the coffee and the Fresas con Crema (strawberries and cream) ice cream, and anything from the bakery paired with a big cup of Horchata.

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– LALtoday team (Abby + Kaylee)