If you find yourself headed north for some last-minute holiday shopping, try to schedule a spare hour for rural old Florida fun.
Twenty-eight minutes from Key Largo, right at the end of the Stretch and about a half-mile west of U.S. 1, is Robert Is Here Fruit Stand in Homestead. This South Florida staple technically opened in 1959 when 6-year-old Robert was helping his dad sell produce. The best way to get the attention of passersby was holding a sign. Little did they know that sign, which read “Robert is Here,” would stand the test of time. They are still family-owned but the expansion compared to where they started is impressive.
You’ll find an animal farm, live music, Cuban sandwiches, food trucks and even a play area. This quaint fruit stand has morphed into a South Florida attraction but hasn’t lost its roots. It still feels very grounded and local. Don’t believe me? You’ll find even Robert Moehling himself is really still there. I can’t tell you how often he has been the cashier checking out a long line of patrons.
The milkshakes are really the star, they hand cut fresh fruit daily and make it to order. They have two ingredients, fruit and milk or ice. What makes them so special you might ask. I can’t put my finger on it but I’ve never had a milkshake anywhere else even come close to one from here. Their fruit just sings through the cup. Take one look around and you know you better grab a basket or cart. The product here looks like a cartoon between the perfect shapes and bright colors. I swear you can see your reflection in some of the fruit.
They also specialize in rare and exotic produce. I love grabbing fruits I’ve never heard of, paying, snagging a picnic table and trying it right there while people watch. It really makes for a heavenly weekend. One thing I can’t get enough of is their absolutely massive selection of jams, jellies, dressings, honeys, you name it. Every flavor you can possibly imagine. It’s like Willy Wonka’s factory but the healthy version.
Here are the things I never leave without when visiting Robert is Here. For one, their jaw-dropping sunflowers. I mean these suckers are easily 2 feet tall. Their boiled peanuts are the best you’ll find south of Georgia. The fresh cut watermelon in the fridge has a hue that even Crayola hasn’t coined yet. Of course, I get a milkshake, I pick whatever is on the specials board.
Technically speaking, it’s less drive time from Key Largo to Robert is Here than it is to Islamorada with the traffic nowadays. Consider sprucing up your holiday gifts with some unique local flavors. They also make amazing gift baskets. Visiting Robert is Here is like time traveling to old Florida. I swear I hear the John Anderson song “Seminole Wind” when I pull in. Connect to the soul of Florida and go visit Robert is Here Fruit Stand.
