E:

When Megan and I got invited to Mixon’s Fruit Farm, I was excited to see all they had to offer. All I knew going into it was that they host weddings and make orange ice cream.

I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of attractions they offer. We were able to tour the wedding pavilion, take the tram ride, hold a baby alligator (optional- don’t worry!), peruse the gift shop, (and to my delight), try their famous homemade orange ice-cream that is dairy free!

I would recommend a trip to Mixon’s for a little outdoor fun and a cool treat to top it off!

M:

Visiting Mixon’s Fruit Farm in Bradenton was such a treat. I found that I didn’t know very much about the organization before our trip. While the property is not as large as it once was, activities exist for kids (& adults!) of all ages.

One of the most unique parts of our experience was the tram ride to the small wildlife sanctuary. If you have children who are fascinated by animals, Mixon’s needs to be on your summer list. While many zoos or petting zoos are a distance away and require a full day trip, Mixon’s is right in our Bradenton backyard. Animals you’ll be able to meet include but are not limited to: a crocodile, an alligator, an albino raccoon, parrots, turtles, snakes, and owls.

Checking out the Mixon’s store is a must! The orange dreamsicle ice cream is incredibly fresh on a hot summer day. They also sell a variety of juices, jellies, wines, and sweets that you can take home with you!

If you’re in the market for a wedding venue, Mixon’s offers customizable and all inclusive options for all couples! Called The Pavilion at Mixon Farms, the venue sits on a lovely Koi pond and has a gorgeous covered pavilion to host both ceremonies and receptions. It’s worth taking a tour if you’re searching for a venue for your special day!

We were able to ask Brandy, the Wedding, Event, and Marketing Coordinator, a few questions so you can get to know the heart behind the business.

Q: Introduce yourself! How long have you been running Mixon’s Fruit Farm?

“I’m Brandy Harlan, the Lead Wedding and Event Coordinator & Marketing Coordinator. I’ve been with Mixon’s for almost 4 years; however, I’ve been planning weddings for about 15 years.”

Q: What is the story & inspiration behind Mixon’s?

“We are a Christian company with southern charm and a huge heart for family & making memories.”

Q: Briefly describe all of the services you offer at Mixon’s.

“We are essentially a local attraction. With the cafe, tram ride, wildlife rehab center, gift shop, and a meeting and event space, we really have something for everyone.”

Q: How did location play in to account as you decided to start Mixon’s?

“Mixon’s is celebrating 80 years this year! It all started with a small fruit stand at the corner of 26th Ave & 27th St E.”

Q: Tell us about your cafe! What do you serve?

“We serve a great variety of food with our most famous option being the Cuban. Additionally, we have everything including soups and salads. The ladies make many of our items from scratch.”

Q: What is your favorite item on the menu?

“My favorite item on the menu is the citrus salad with chicken and extra bleu cheese.”

Q: What makes Mixon’s unique?

“We’re unique because our business is an experience. We don’t offer the same things as other wedding venues. We have 5 star reviews and we don’t think of our weddings as numbers, but as family. The family aspect is woven throughout all our day to day operations in the company.”

Q: What is your favorite part living in the 941?

“I LOVE the community aspect of the 941. I can literally see communities coming together to offer our kids something, including the older generations that live here. It’s really a tight knit city and there’s something to be enjoyed at every turn.”

We had a great time learning about Mixon’s – the history, the agriculture, and the community! Be on the lookout for a giveaway next week – we’d love to give you the opportunity to check it out!