Spotting jars of local, golden honey I’m like a…well. Like a fly on honey. I initially noticed the Harold P. Curtis Honey Co. when driving along Florida SR 29 through LaBelle sometime last year. I saw the “Honey” sign and jars of honey in the window of a stand-alone building that looked as though it was built in the early 1900s. I almost expected a cowboy to saunter out.
An entire store devoted to honey? How cool is that? I’m a fan of the sweet liquid gold because it’s a unique food item representing a destination, it’s consumable and honey is good for you! And here in rural Florida was what looked like a little nifty shop selling nothing but honey.
Fast forward to last weekend when I took the parents to the LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival (and armadillo race) and ended up watching the parade while standing in front of the SAME honey store I saw months ago. SUH-WEET!
Sweet honey bears lined the window begging me to come in and explore the store. Inside were jars of honey in a variety of flavors as orange blossom, mangrove and sea grape and a tasting station to sample all. There was also beeswax, candy made with honey and other locally-made products. Decor was modest, a little rustic and authentic for a Florida honey shop with wood shelving and concrete floors.
Two jars of honey made the trek back home with me – orange blossom and mangrove. If you’re wondering if you can really tell the difference in flavors, the answer is yes. Each flavor is distinct. I’m not a honey connoisseur so I won’t elaborate but yes, each honey variety is unique.
LaBelle is located about an hour east of Fort Myers and offers plenty to do, including the wonderful Harold P. Curtis Honey Co. Visit the Hendry County Tourism website for a list of things to do, where to stay and where to play.
Harold P. Curtis Honey Co.
355 North Bridge St. (SR 29)
LaBelle, Fla. 33975
Tel: 863-675-9097
www.curtishoney.com
Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
