It Ain’t Apples and Oranges

Maybe it’s been awhile since you’ve visited the Fruit and Spice Park, but there’s no better time than this lazy summer to stop by our very own natural version of Willy Wonka’s 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 don’t hurt the cause, but this weekend’s 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, you’ll be able to enjoy exotic offerings that your neighborhood Publix probably doesn’t carry. Being able to choose from 125 varieties of mango and 40 types of grapes might not impress you, but once you’ve taken a bite of a black sapote or a jaboticaba, you’ll know that, fruit-wise, you ain’t in Kansas anymore. Don’t let the ice-cold smoothies, chocolate-dipped fruits, and acres of fresh produce distract you from the Strictly Business Blues Band — it’ll 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