Maybe its been awhile since youve visited the Fruit and Spice Park, but theres no better time than this lazy summer to stop by our very own natural version of Willy Wonkas factory. If fruit is indeed the candy of the gods, the hundreds of varieties in the park must be satisfying their eminently sweet teeth. The oodles of delicious herbs, spices, veggies, and nuts dont hurt the cause, but this weekends Redland Summer Fruit Festival is all about las frutas.
You can indulge in the arts and crafts, educational workshops and demos, and animal meet-and-greets, but most important, youll be able to enjoy exotic offerings that your neighborhood Publix probably doesnt carry. Being able to choose from 125 varieties of mango and 40 types of grapes might not impress you, but once youve taken a bite of a black sapote or a jaboticaba, youll know that, fruit-wise, you aint in Kansas anymore. Dont let the ice-cold smoothies, chocolate-dipped fruits, and acres of fresh produce distract you from the Strictly Business Blues Band itll be rocking out all weekend long. The fest is free for kids under 12, and six dollars for adults.
Sat., June 21; Sun., June 22, 2008