Florida orange groves used to blanket the Sunshine State, but today, genuine family-owned citrus farms you can actually walk through are a rarity worth chasing. Just about 30 miles south of Tampa, tucked along the rural roads of Ruskin, Dooley Groves is the real deal — a working, fragrant, fruit-laden grove where you grab a basket, head out among the trees, and pick your own citrus straight off the branch.
The Country Farm Market was founded in the 1960s by Mrs. Edith Houghtaling and her husband, Julius F. (Dooley) Houghtaling. If you’re wondering why it’s not called Houghtaling Groves, it’s because Julius’ little sister had a hard time pronouncing her brother’s name when they were kids, so it sounded more like “Dooley,” and the name stuck. Houghtaling family members have lived on the property for more than five generations. That deep-rooted history gives Dooley Groves a warmth and authenticity you simply can’t manufacture.
Highlights of the Dooley Groves Experience
Dooley Groves is Florida’s largest U-Pick Honeybell grove. Honeybells are bell-shaped gems only grown in Florida, known for their juice which some say is as sweet as honey — and Dooley Groves harvests them from about 6,500 trees spread across the 40-acre property. If you’ve never tasted a Honeybell fresh off the tree, prepare to be converted.
Beyond Honeybells, the grove also features about 2,000 trees for Navel oranges, Tangerines, Novas, Red Seedless grapefruit, Ponderosa lemons, Sunshine lemons, Sugar Belles, Pink Pomelos, and other varieties. The sheer range is impressive — visitors especially love getting to try the Pink Pomelo, which is actually where grapefruit originally came from. There’s genuinely something new to discover on every visit depending on the season.
When you arrive, you’ll walk through the gift shop and let the staff know you’re there to pick your own citrus. They’ll walk you through to the back and share some history of the farm, as well as explain the types of citrus available and offer tips on how to select the best ones. You’ll be provided with picking tools and baskets, and the well-marked rows make the whole experience easy and enjoyable even for first-timers.
The oranges and grapefruits you bring home are very juicy and tasty — noticeably better than anything you’d find at a grocery store. The fruit tastes so much better fresh off the tree; even the grapefruit is delicious and unlike any grapefruit you’ve ever had. Picking your own adds a sense of connection to the fruit that makes it taste all the sweeter.
While there, try samples of fresh fruit and juice squeezed on-site, and check out the gift shop — it’s packed with local honey, organic jams and jellies, citrus-themed home décor, Amish-made chocolates, Flamingo-themed memorabilia, and Florida kitsch like alligators on pencils, orange blossom perfume, citrus sippers, and citrus peelers. It’s an ideal place to pick up a truly local Florida souvenir.
Dooley Groves also ships fruit all around the USA and Canada, so if you fall in love with the Honeybells or any other variety, you can have them delivered right to your door. From November through April, they ship Navel oranges, Tangerines, and Red Grapefruit, and in January they start shipping their famous Honeybells.
Atmosphere & Setting
The orange blossom scent in the grove is intoxicating. Spending time out in the grove smelling the lovely scent of citrus, surrounded by trees full of produce in a clean and well-maintained setting, is one of those simple but genuinely memorable Florida experiences. The family also planted beautiful eucalyptus trees around the groves to protect them from wind and insects — they offer shade, aroma, and lovely sounds as they sway in the breeze.
As you pull up, the place has the feel of an old roadside stand — and that’s a compliment. The store is very neat, clean, and organized, and you’ll also find fresh orange juice, salsa, jams, and jellies. It’s a compact, friendly space that feels like stepping into a slice of old Florida that the rest of the world seems to have forgotten.
Other Considerations
When should I visit? Sugar Belles start the day after Thanksgiving and run through December; Honeybells start just after Christmas and run through early spring; and Ortaniques (a Jamaican Temple Orange/Tangerine combo) are available in March. Call ahead, as not all citrus is in season at the same time. Timing your visit around Honeybell season — January through February — is highly recommended for the most coveted fruit.
Is it open year-round? The store is closed from April to November. U-pick is available seven days a week between December and April from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It’s a seasonal operation by nature, so plan accordingly and check the website before making the drive.
How’s the pricing? Fruit fresh off the tree and available in the store is either $2.99 or $3.99 a pound. It’s not cheap by any means, but well worth it given the quality and freshness you’re getting. There are free samples of all the citrus available, so you can taste before you commit.
Is it good for families and kids? Absolutely. Families with younger children should find the U-pick experience especially interesting. Kids have a great time here, and the hands-on nature of picking your own fruit makes it a genuinely educational outing. The grove is wide open with plenty of space to roam.
What about parking and getting there? Visitors can expect a friendly atmosphere, ample parking, and a clean retail store. The place is pretty easy to get to and there are signs along the way. You’ll be walking through the groves, so comfortable footwear is a must. A hat and sunscreen are also smart additions given Florida’s sunshine.
Dooley Groves
📍 1651 Stephens Rd, Ruskin, FL 33570
Website: https://dooleygroves.com
