Early March is prime cycling season here in southwest Florida. The weather really doesn’t get any better than this. Cool mornings and warm afternoons, no humidity and pleasant sunshine. Sure – it can get a little windy this time of year, but that wind is at your back for at least part of each ride, so it’s not worth complaining much.
When I looked out my bedroom window this morning on the dawn of yet another perfect cycling day, i just knew I was going to get out for a ride. All I needed was someplace to go.
I’ve been thinking about riding out to Hunsader Farms for a few months now. Part farm stand, part amusement park, part craft fair, it seems like this place has a little something for everybody. Best of all,it’s a nice one hour bike ride from my house here in Lakewood Ranch.
The route take me past Lake Manatee State Park. It’s always nice to stop by the lake and check it out. And it has that most elusive of all things in Florida cycling – a public restroom! The crowds are out on the lake this morning – lots of folks fishing and kayaking. It’s a great place to stop for a quick break before heading east to Waterbury Road.
It is necessary to ride a few miles on State Road 64 for this trip. It’s a busy road with fast-moving traffic that may make some riders nervous. But SR64 east of Lake Manatee is way less busy than it is nearer to Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. There is a wide bike lane, and I did not feel particularly nervous on the trike.
Turn off the highway to Waterbury Road, and find your way to Hunsader Farms a few miles further on the right hand side. It is primarily a farm. Starting in 1967 the Hunsader Family began growing fresh fruit and vegetables on this property and selling them locally. There is a farm stand on the property where you can buy the items picked that morning, or you can venture out into the “U-Pick” area, and pick them yourself. This morning there were groups picking fresh strawberries, but if you show up at a different time of year you can pick your own peas, eggplants, Okra, Rhubarb and tomatoes . I ventured out into the field on my way off the property, and ‘tested’ a few fresh berries. I can testify that they are terrific, especially after an hour on the bike!
There is much more to Hunsader Farms than the farm stand. The Farmer’s Wife is an old-fashioned ice cream shop serving cones and sundaes. There is a playground and a petting zoo. 
An old barn filled with interesting antique farm equipment. And some shady areas with picnic tables looked like they would be great spot to stop for lunch.
In late October the farms host the annual Pumpkin Festival. For three weekend a year, as many an 65,000 people descend on Hunsader Farms to experience crafts, country music, BBQ, hayrides, pumpkin’ chuckin’ and much more. Nancy has driven past the farms during this event, and she has told me how crazy it can get!
But on a Tuesday morning in March, the crowds are small. I had a great ride and a really nice visit to Hunsader Farms. If you are in he area, it is well worth a visit.