Robert Is Here is a Florida institution on the road to the Everglades, a roadside fruit stand in Homestead that began in 1959 when a young boy named Robert set up a table selling cucumbers. Over the decades it has grown into a destination for tropical fruit, honey, jams, sauces and the milkshakes that draw lines on weekends. The shakes are made with fruit from South Florida's farms, with choices such as key lime and other tropical fruits, and a small animal area gives children something to look at while waiting. The stand sits on Palm Drive, the route that leads from Homestead to the main entrance of Everglades National Park, so it fits naturally into an Everglades day. Visiting costs nothing beyond what you buy. It is a good way to taste the agricultural side of South Florida, where the farmland around Homestead produces much of the region's tropical fruit and vegetables. Hours and seasonal schedules vary, and the stand has closed for periods in the past, so check before you go.
The surrounding agricultural region is the reason a fruit stand has endured here. Homestead's warm climate and limestone soil support mango, avocado, lychee, mamey, guava and more, and a drive through the farms in season can be as rewarding as the stand itself. Mango season is typically summer, and different fruits ripen at different times, so what you find depends on when you go. Ask the staff what is in season and what they recommend; the experience is part of the charm.
Go off-peak if you can. Lines are longest on weekends and winter afternoons, when Everglades visitors pass through. A late morning or mid-week visit is easier. The stand is outdoors, so dress for heat, and consider carrying a cooler if you want to buy fruit to take back. Parking is simple. Cash and card are commonly accepted, but check at the counter. Ask about what can be shipped if you do not have room to carry it.
Use the stand as a break between the Anhinga Trail and the Alligator Farm or as an end to a day at Flamingo. It is a good family stop, a good place to pick up gifts and an easy way to add a local flavor to a trip that is otherwise about water and wildlife. Check the stand's website for current hours and seasonal notes before you go.
What to expect
The experience
A roadside tropical fruit stand and milkshake counter with a small animal area, on the road to the Everglades National Park main entrance.
Best time
Mid-week or late morning to avoid lines; fruit varies with the season.
How long
Thirty to sixty minutes.
Tips
Check current hours, ask what is in season, bring a cooler if buying fruit, and expect lines on weekends.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone heading to the Homestead entrance of the park
- Families
- Excellent for children and families
- Couples
- A sweet, casual stop
- Pair with
- Anhinga Trail, Alligator Farm
- Time needed
- About an hour
Good questions
Is it free to visit?+
Yes. You pay only for what you buy.
What should I order?+
Ask for the fruit in season and try a milkshake. Key lime is a popular choice.
Where is it?+
On Palm Drive in Homestead, on the route to the main entrance of Everglades National Park.
Is it open every day?+
Hours and seasonal schedules vary, and the stand has closed at times. Check before you go.
Can I ship fruit home?+
Many stands offer shipping. Ask at the counter about options and any restrictions.
