If you've ever eaten a midwinter strawberry, odds are good it absolutely was grown in Plant City, Florida, called the winter strawberry capital of the world. A lot more than three-fourths of the nation's midwinter strawberries are grown here on more than 7,000 acres of rich, fertile farmland.As with many rural Florida communities, farming was the staple around which Plant City grew, initially as a big cotton center. Its original designation, Ichepucksassa, after an Indian village that when claimed the land, was a troublesome mouthful that didn't last long house decoration items .

The community's Irish postmaster renamed Ichepucksassa after his hometown in Ireland: Cork. But that didn't last long either, in 1884, Henry Plant brought the South Florida Railroad into town; in 1885 the city was incorporated and renamed after him. The historic Union Station depot still stands on Palmer Street today, acting as a downtown area welcome center and mini-railroad museum.
Although Plant City is known as a tiny town, residents enjoy all of the amenities of big city life. Applebees, Carrabbas, Chilis, all of the major chains come in town. Shopping malls also dot the city, including the PC Outlet Mall. Nearby Lakeland Square Mall offers almost everything else you could need, including anchors Macy's, Dillard's, Sears and JC Penny's.

But what really makes shopping and dining in Plant City special is the downtown historic district. Park for free in the ample downtown parking, and stroll the brick-paved streets exploring the many antique shops, outdoor cafés and ongoing special events. For antiques, visit the Olde Floridian, Pressed Penny or the Frenchman's Market, a unique indoor flea market with increased than 20 vendors selling their wares. Rest awhile and refuel at Linda's Crabshack, the Whistlestop Café or Camelia Rose's Tea Room. Or, try Snellgroves Restaurant, the oldest restaurant around fabled for its handmade, country home-cooking. Another local shopping experience is the Farmer's Market at Alexander and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Industry is open 7 days a week and offers local produce, plants and crafts.