CUPS U-pick Prepares Opens in Late November
by SHAYLYNN MARKS
After months of anticipation, Golden Ridge Groves and Market in Alturas is ready to welcome visitors with its grand opening celebration in late November. Founders Katie and Shane Bevilacqua say the positive response from the community has been nothing short of overwhelming.
The couple credits the support of neighbors, growers, and local partners who rallied behind the project — including the community of Alturas, FDACS, Polk County Farm Bureau, Visit Central Florida, and the many vendors and volunteers who helped to make the vision a reality.
“Everyone has come together to help us get the word out,” Katie says. “It’s been incredible.”
The Great Grapefruit Extravaganza
The grand opening, which Shane dubbed the Great Grapefruit Extravaganza, will feature live music, a barbecue food truck, and a full day of festivities.
The event will debut the farm’s new creamery, juicery, and market. Guests can explore u-pick fields of CUPS grapefruit, sunflowers, and zinnias while sampling fresh ice cream, fresh juice, and roasted pecans.
Visitors driving onto the property will pass by rows of sunflowers and strawberries before reaching the main barn, which is surrounded by breathtaking views of citrus groves and Lake Garfield, as well as historic phosphate mines in the distance.
Once visitors arrive, they will have the chance to experience the grove on scenic hayrides.
“The farm hayride will take guests through the property and will stop at the CUPS structures where they can learn about our grapefruit varieties and even pick some while they’re there,” Katie explains.
Fresh Flavors and Local Finds
Inside the market, visitors will find an expansive selection of Florida-grown produce, including tomatoes, peppers, citrus, onions, and more.
“We think it’s important that when people come in, they can actually see where their food came from. It will list the city or county right on the stand so everyone knows exactly what part of Florida that produce comes from.”
Golden Ridge Groves’ signature orange blossom honey, produced from hives on the property, will be available alongside homemade jams, jellies, butters, salsas, and candles. In addition, they will be offering locally made lotions, soaps, body mists and candles. The grove’s online store now offers gift fruit boxes, honey, and beauty products, with more seasonal goods to come.
Scoops of Sunshine
The Golden Ridge Groves creamery will feature flavors inspired by the surrounding groves.
“We’re going to have our famous Orange Dream, which is our own oranges mixed with vanilla in a swirl,” — a flavor made famous at Ridge Island Groves in Haines City — “plus strawberry, blueberry, and a signature grapefruit flavor made exclusively from the fruit grown here on the farm,” Katie says.
The Bevilacquas are also introducing Cousin Colby’s Roasted Pecans from South Georgia.
“You’ll smell the roasted cinnamon pecans as soon as you walk in,” Katie says.
Immersive and Educational Experiences
Golden Ridge Groves will debut a fresh-squeezed juice flight tasting that mirrors a wine-tasting experience. Visitors can sample orange juice varieties such as Hamlin, Early Pride, and Valencia, each served with tasting notes and sourcing details.
“We want people to understand what it takes to grow premium Florida citrus and to appreciate how much love and labor goes into every piece of fruit,” Shane says.
The Bevilacquas also view the grove as a space for agricultural education. They plan to host field trips to encourage the next generation of industry innovators.
“Ag starts with the farmer, but it doesn’t end with the farmer,” Katie says. “We need young people in every discipline — marketing, engineering, sales — the industry is ready for them.”
Season of Celebration
On December 12 and 13, the venue will host a Christmas Jubilee, which will include Santa visits, hayrides, live music, and holiday-themed desserts. All vendors will be local, continuing the farm’s commitment to community collaboration.
“When people visit, we want them to feel delight and connection,” Katie says, “to sit on the wraparound porch, overlook the grove and Lake Garfield, and remember the classic Florida citrus we know and love.”