When it comes to planning the ideal getaway, summer is often the season of choice for a Central Florida vacation. However, you may be surprised to learn that one of the best times to visit is October through May, when you can experience the area's many citrus-related attractions in full swing! World-famous for those plump, delicious oranges, Polk County boasts the highest citrus production numbers in the state. With more than 82,000 acres of commercial citrus land and 9.9 million orange, tangerine, tangelo and grapefruit trees, there are countless ways to experience this Polk County tradition.

Explore The Groves And Pick Your Own Fruit

What could possibly be more refreshing than biting into a delectable orange? This sweet, juicy fruit has become the most widely recognized symbol representing the Sunshine State. If you're looking for unique citrus-inspired things to do in Central Florida, the best place to start is directly at the source: the stunningly beautiful groves that adorn the region's landscape!

For a truly authentic citrus adventure, check out Ridge Island Groves in Haines City. This family-owned business has been a staple of the community for more than 20 years, selling a variety of freshly squeezed juices and sweet marmalades. They even allow you to pick your own fresh fruit directly from the groves - an experience you'll likely never forget. And if you're visiting in the spring, don't forget to take in the beauty and heavenly smell of those gorgeous orange blossoms, the state's official flower. Another option for educational family fun is the Florida's Natural Growers Grove House in Lake Wales. The whole family can enjoy a video tour explaining how orange juice is made, as well as historical exhibits and free orange juice samples. Best of all, admission to this popular attraction is always free, making it ideal for the budget-conscious family.

Enjoy A Regional Sweet Treat

A Central Florida vacation just wouldn't be complete without sampling some of the region's finest citrus confections! The variety of candies, pies and other sweet treats available is truly extraordinary. Never heard of grapefruit pie before? Then a visit to the Taste of Florida Café at Lang Sun Country Groves is in order! For more than 50 years, this local favorite has been tantalizing customers' taste buds with their juices, jams and other regional offerings. Best known for their award-winning grapefruit pie, Lang Sun Country Groves has even been featured on the Food Network show Epicurious. If it's something savory you desire, the Taste of Florida Café is also a great spot for lunch. A variety of soups, sandwiches and salads can be enjoyed, including Mary Lang's Grapefruit Slaw Dog.

You also won't want to miss the candy factory at Davidson of Dundee, where you can watch traditional citrus candies being made. Also featured on the Food Network, Davison of Dundee slow cooks their candy and marmalade in copper kettles, using native Florida ingredients.

Experience A Citrus-Inspired Central Florida Vacation

After indulging in those sweet treats, you may be ready to experience the citrus tradition in a more exhilarating manner. Waldo Wright's Flying Service, at aviation attraction Fantasy of Flight, gives you the opportunity to revel in gorgeous views of the orange groves from above with biplane and hot air balloon rides. You can even take the controls and fly a Boeing Stearman PT-17 yourself, if you dare! And for those dedicated sports fans, a Spring Training game with Florida's Grapefruit League is a sure bet. Fifteen Major League Baseball teams participate in the league, including the Detroit Tigers, who have held their Spring Training in Lakeland for the past 75 years.