We went strawberry picking this past weekend. It’s something I’ve been waiting to take the kids to do for a while, but never seemed to have the time. This weekend was perfect. No soccer and cooler temps.
So I made plans to visit a nearby field (aptly named Berry Sweet Acres in Plant City) and we paid almost $40 to pick our own 8 pounds of berries. Why I had to pay to pick my own berries…and then pay for the actual berries is beyond me. But I did. It was expensive but sometimes you just gotta suck it up and pay the money. It was fun and the people that worked there were really nice. The girls all seemed to enjoy it too. I think it’s the “gatherer nature” in us woman. It’s really cathartic to pick fruit. I could probably do it for hours.
Along the way, we sampled the merchandise of course. It probably wasn’t the wisest decision. At one point Scarlett even questioned our choice, citing pesticides and dirt. She was probably right, but I still ate about 10 strawberries along the way. It was hard not to. Hopefully this doesn’t bite me in the ass later…. literally.
After working the fields, I swapped out Evie‘s shoes since her Crocs were full of farm dirt since she’s two and shuffles her feet CONSTANTLY. Despite having gorged on berries, we were all quite hungry so we loaded up into the car and headed to a local diner I had scoped out ahead of time. I like to do research and plan...I might have a slight issue.
Awhile back, I had made loose plans to spend an afternoon in Plant City. The plans weren’t originally to go berry picking. I had wanted to check out the train platform, see a train go by, and visit the nearby museum that was in the downtown area. I even checked out the train schedules to plan the visit around when the Tropicana train was passing through so we could be on the platform when I happened. Evie was on a big choo choo kick at the time and I thought this would be fun. After seeing all the train stuff, I wanted to visit the Whistle Stop Café and eat (keeping with the train theme.)
We never went through with the train day plans, but I remembered the cafe, so we stopped at the Whistle Stop after strawberry picking to eat lunch. Gotta wash out the taste of pesticides, ya know?! As soon as we parked the car and got out, we all fell in love with the downtown Plant City area. Scarlett even said it looked like it would be in a Hallmark Christmas movie. Red brick roads, train tracks, old buildings, cute boutiques, and an old theater. It was something out of a movie. Just add some snow and a horse drawn carriage, and voila! Having lived in a suburb for the past 15 years or so, with all new buildings and houses, this history was a welcomed change. There’s nothing like downtown Plant City in Wesley Chapel. “All we got is Target and a mall,” Scarlett said with disdain. You don’t realize how new everything is around you until you step into a town with real history.
The love continued as we entered into the Whistle Stop. Ahhhhhh, mom and pop diners. Where things aren’t really that clean, but dammit, you don’t care. The nostalgia, knick-knacks, warmth, and good food make up for it. There was so much to look at. A model train display, another train that circled the entire main eating area, some guy playing the piano, old school signs and photos, personal artifacts, and memories of the owners. It was awesome. It makes you realize how cold and impersonal other restaurants are. This place made you feel like you were a part of a family, of something warm and welcoming. They even had a little kiddie corner with tons of toys (albeit old and likely not sanitary), but you can’t care about that shit at diners like this. Let your kid touch it all. It builds immunity. Evie is a testament to that. She’s pretty much never been sick, and she puts everything in her damn mouth.
Ambiance aside, the food was good. But what made me want to write about this place wasn’t just the at-home feel or the food (they make their own bread!). It was the family the runs the Whistle Stop Café. I don’t know why, but after visiting, I feel like I am a part of the family. We spoke to the owner (Marti) for a good amount of time, and she was so damn nice. Easy to talk to, friendly, warm. I know more about her life than I do most the people I’ve known for years. I mean, I gave the woman a hug when we left. I am not a hugger. Not that I don’t ever give hugs, but it’s not my thing. But she was so sweet. When we were leaving, it felt odder to just wave and say “see ya next time” than it did to go in for a hug. She’s the type of person you just enjoy being around…and hugging apparently.
After our Whistle Stop stop, we decided to load up on more calories and get some ice cream. At least we walked to the little shop. It was super cute as well and they had popsicles which made Evie happy. Note that I did not hug the owners here. So I’m not that strange. Stuffed, we made our way back to the car, stopping for a bit to check out the trains. Vince was pleased he got to read some plaques. If you recall, he love plaques.
So, if you’re in the Plant City area, or looking for something to do, go pick some berries then head down to the North Depot parking lot, check out the train museum/platform, and make a stop at the Whistle Stop Café. You might meet a stranger who becomes like a friend. Yes, it’s kinda weird…but kinda cool at the same time.
Some people just seem like they were meant for you to meet.
