Celery City

While I’ve made a few stops in Sanford, I often felt rushed, so this season I booked 10 nights in a house in the quaint Historic District. It was a good idea!

Sanford’s downtown is known for its brick-lined streets, towering oaks, and Victorian homes. But, it wasn't always known as "Celery City". When the Great Freeze of 1894 and ‘95 ruined the area’s citrus groves, farmers diversified by growing vegetables. Sanford then became one of the largest vegetable shipping centers in the United States by the early 20th century, with celery as the most successful crop.

With time to play, I learned a great deal about this small city at the Henry Shelton Sanford Museum and the County Library. While I was quite familiar with the Sanford RiverWalk, I was also able to extend my two-wheel journeys around Lake Monroe by natural spring parks and by the towns of DeBary, Enterprise and Osteen. In late 2024, Sanford was recognized as a Florida Trail Town, so while the RiverWalk now connects to three trail networks, they’re committed to expanding recreation and ecotourism county-wide. Very nice.

​It’s been a good stay and with just one day to go, I’m pondering one last ride and a relaxing breakfast at El Coqui Bakery before hopping the train.