Enjoy The Simple Life With Cowboys, Antiques, and Watermelons in Arcadia, FL

Although Arcadia may be considered a small city there is a wide selection of things do to in and around the town. Outdoors’ enthusiasts will be pleasantly surprised with parks, trails, and camping sites in Arcadia. There are also events centered around local cowboys and rodeos. The Downtown Historic District in Arcadia showcases around 290 buildings of historic value. Spend a relaxing day in the Downtown Antique District.  You will be pleasantly surprised with down-to-earth shopkeepers, great restaurants, antiques, and many other mom-and-pop shops. On Oak Street there is a popular Arcadia Antique Fair held on the last Saturday of each month. Around 100 antique vendors join the antique shops to display their rare finds. People familiar with this event try to attend as many fairs as possible throughout the year. The more they attend the more chance they will have the opportunity of finding that one-of-a-kind treasure.

Antiques in Arcadia

Arcadia has a reputation as the best place for antiques in Florida. This is not a myth or a slogan made up by the City Commissioners. Antique dealers congregate from all over the state and country to treasure hunt some of the finest antiques.

The Arcadia Antique Fair

Known as one of the larger antique fairs helps bring an excessive amount of vendors and collectors to the area. The Fair takes place in 3 blocks of West Oak Street on the fourth Saturday of each month. On this day around 100 vendors join the 24 local Arcadia antique shops along with many wonderful restaurants and specialty shops.

Arcadia Opera House

The Opera House was built in 1906, a year after the great fire of 1905 that wiped out most of the City. There were only 3 brick buildings standing after the fire and all wooden structures were completely destroyed. In the aftermath of the fire, the city commissioners voted for all buildings to be constructed with bricks. After that, resulted in the great buildings like the Opera House that we admire today. Although the Opera House was destined as a show place the building is used for multi-functional art and antique venues. However, there has been a movement to bring more artistic functionality to the Opera House. Consequently, Team Arcadia is a non-for-profit organization working hard in bringing the Opera House to its glory days. Future planning means less of antique vendors and more theater-related functions. Currently, there are dance, theater, musical workshops, and more similar venues on the way.

Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo

Rodeos in Arcadia

Arcadia Rodeo

Arcadia all Florida Championship Rodeo

This annual event is the oldest, longest-running, and most popular Rodeo in Florida. The event was initially started in 1929 by the American Legion as a fundraising function. Eventually, a nonprofit organization was created to take over the event. The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo Association is 501(c) (3) and manages both the Rodeo and the stadium. They also contribute to many local non-for-profit establishments like JROTC and Future Farmers of America.

Arcadia Championship Rodeo has been recognized by Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association as the best rodeo east of Mississippi. Participants are awarded purses as winners of different challenges. There is also a point system in place. The athletes with the highest earned points will compete in the finals of the national championship in Las Vegas. Arcadia Rodeo consists of many events. Shows includes fields like bareback and saddle bronco riding, team roping, barrel racing, and steer wrestling.

Parks and Campsites in Arcadia, FL

Morgan Park – Arcadia, Florida

Morgan Park is a great place to visit nestled alongside the quiet Peace River. The three trails take visitors through cypress and live oak trees. There are colorful wooden bridges over the stream adding more charm to this already beautiful Park. Birdwatchers are in for a special treat when exploring Morgan Park. The Park is equipped with many amenities like restrooms and a covered picnic area. An April Fool’s Day 5K run is sponsored by the local Rotary Club held every year at the Park. Morgan Park is located at 1100 Hickory Street, Arcadia, FL 34266

Brownville Park

Another beautiful park with trails and campsites is on the banks of Peace River in Arcadia, FL. This 75 acres Park is a great place for hiking, camping, fishing, or kayaking. There is a smaller and easier trail that is perfect for exploring with children or the elderly. The campsites are situated under the cover of mature oak trees with picnic tables, restrooms, and shower facilities. If traveling in an RV there is electric stations and dump sites.
Brownville Park is located at 1885 NE Brownville Street, Arcadia, FL 34266