There's solid logic behind the theory that if you drive by the restaurant and there aren't many cars in the parking lot, you should keep driving. Use that same methodology when you pick where you're going to eat at The Florida Strawberry Festival. Not much changes from year to year in Plant City. If you've been to the festival once, you can rest assured that funnel cake you loved is still in the same spot as it was five years ago. These were the spots that had the longest lines when I was there last night!
The Strawberry Cheesecake Elephant Ear
"Mama Jane" Harris has been seen on TV shows like Carnival Eats a bunch of times so when she creates something new every year for Plant City, her truck is worth seeking out. This is what she's serving up this year. That cheesecake icing is crazy good. From the main gate entrance, head left away from the concert stage to find this. I didn't try all of the foods you'll see in this gallery, but this one I made a point to eat. Zero regrets. It's as good as it looks.
Funnel Bacon on a Stick
Bacon fried in funnel cake batter topped with a maple butter glaze! This was Mama Jane's creation for the festival a few years ago but she brought it back last night for a few hours. Mama took a walk around the Festival with me to show her where SHE likes to get a bite to eat. I figured there's no one better to give me some tips.
Island Noodles
This was a tough sell for me, but listeners insisted I try them. I am all about satisfying my sweet tooth at the fairs, but these are really really good.
Amish Doughnuts
Peachey's has several booths around the festival this year since they've become so popular. They're most popular for the doughnuts but the pretzels are fantastic too. One word of advice though - eat the doughnuts right away. There are some festival foods that are good take home options. This isn't one of them. The Amish Doughnuts are MAGICAL when they're still fresh and warm.
Fiske Fries
Weird how a pic of a sign can make your mouth water, isn't it? If you've had Fiske Fries, I bet it's happening right now. You can probably taste the vinegar.
Fiske Fries
They are legendary. You can get french fries anywhere, but Florida Strawberry Festival vets know this is a stop you've gotta make.
Steak on a Stick
Why does everything taste better on a stick? Maybe scientists one day will have the answer. No need to question it. Just enjoy.
Doughnut Bacon Burgers
These you'll find at the northeast part of the festival. I didn't have one last night but have in the past. The salty vs. sweet fight with your taste buds is glorious.
Fried Wisconsin Cheese Curds
These things are so good. I wish we had "squeaky cheese" here in Florida, but at least we have the fried kind!
St. Clement's Make Your Own Strawberry Shortcake
$4 is a bargain.
St. Clement's Make Your Own Strawberry Shortcake
Where the pros go. Want more whipped cream than strawberries? Knock yourself out.
Corn Dogs
Note the warning sign on the counter. Believe it or not, at age 46, I finally had my first ever corn dog. I never saw the appeal. Now I've got some catching up to do. If you know of a good one in Pinellas, let me know!
Where's the best corn dog?
As for the best corn dog at the Florida Strawberry Festival, many swear by Smitty's and they had the longest line. There's something about the places with a non-colorful simple sign - they usually have the best stuff!
Polar Bear Ice Cream
Not a line when I walked by last night, but there usually is one. But Mama Jane says the thing they have that keeps the lines long isn't so much the ice cream...
The Waybetter Strawberry Sundae
They are famous for their Waybetter shake and sundae. This one was featured on Carnival Eats last year.
Fried Florida Alligator
I passed on this one, but many love 'em.
Taylor's Funnel Cakes
Lots to choose from here.
The M&M Funnel Cake
Because funnel cakes are too healthy without chocolate candy on top. They also had one with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups for my fellow chocolate / peanut butter lovers!
Sugar Waffles
Like a good crunch? It's like a giant fortune cookie with powdered sugar.
Lots of trucks to give vegetarians nightmares...
And they aren't kidding when they say Jumbo.
Meeeeeeat!
Turkey leg lover?
After a Jumbo Turkey Leg... have a Mini Donut
Great snack that won't fill you up too much. Plus these are good to take home.
Netterfield's Lemonade
Their popcorn and lemonade are well known to regular Festival go'ers.
Netterfield's Candy Apples
Always a line for these. These are good to take home so you can focus on their popcorn while you walk around.
Deep fried... anything.
Chocolate lover?
Deep fried... anything.
Oreos, Twinkies... there's even deep fried strawberry shortcake.
Cotton Candy and Candy Apples
Need a sugar fix? Mama Jane suggested I hit up Perfection Confection for the good stuff.
Griff's Pizza
Meat lover? They got ya covered.
Griff's Pizza
Meat lover? They got ya covered.
Healthy choices?
There are some... but personally, it's FSF week. We don't do healthy on FSF week.
