Nestled Between Orlando And Fort Myers Is Florida's 'Antique Capital' With A Walkable Downtown And Festivals

If you want to visit a quiet destination in Florida that wears its cowboy culture with pride, consider the city of Arcadia. Filled with bustling antique markets and exciting festivals, this is the type of place that invites visitors to explore and enjoy at a relaxed pace. Similar to other Florida cowboy towns like the breezy Davie, Arcadia's laid-back vibes provide a welcoming atmosphere for your travels.

Arcadia is located in DeSoto County, 112 miles south of Orlando and just 47 miles north of Fort Myers. Much like Florida's family-friendly Dade City, Arcadia is a hotspot for antique shopping. There are numerous stores selling vintage curiosities in Arcadia's charming downtown district, located in close proximity to each other on Main Street. Here, visitors can spend a quiet afternoon browsing shops for nostalgic treasures.

Arcadia's downtown district also hosts monthly antique fairs on the fourth Saturday of every month. The district gets busy when this fair is in full swing, and vendors take to the streets to share their creations. Some shoppers hope to find that elusive item to complete a rare collection, while others simply come to browse and see what they will find. Festivals and rodeos are also common in this city, providing plenty of entertainment for residents and visitors year-round.

You can see some remarkable buildings in Arcadia's historic district, such as the Koch building, originally built in 1926. Formerly known as the Rosin Arcade, this magnificent structure features elaborate architecture and pink walls, making it a must-see on your visit. It once housed a post office and local stores. Today, the building houses antique stores, restaurants, and a variety of other businesses. The DeSoto County Courthouse is another historic building worth a visit just for its architecture. This brick building, built in 1913, features a beautiful Classical Revival motif that still impresses visitors today. 

Arcadia's downtown is pleasant and walkable, with shops situated close by one another. Pedestrians can easily browse businesses on foot and stop at cafes for coffee and pastries as needed. This is a wonderful way to discover local eateries, such as Broken Spur Diner — a cozy family-owned Southern-style spot for home-cooked fare, so you don't get hangry while shopping. It boasts a 4.4 rating on Google, with reviewers praising the delicious food, friendly service, and good prices.

West Oak Street is the place to go for antiquing in Arcadia, home to its monthly Antique Fairs. You'll find a variety of vintage treasures in these downtown stores, from retro home decor to rustic cookware. Another place to find antiques is the Biggar and Biggar Antique Mall, which contains a variety of vintage items and collectibles. The mall is located on Oak and Monroe, in the heart of Arcadia's antique district.

There is an exciting competition that takes place during March and October: the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo. Guests can watch cowboys on bucking broncos, roping competitions, and steer wrestling from the comfort of their seats. The March rodeo even starts off with a parade downtown. This beloved event, featuring live music and food, is a wonderful way to spend the day. It also gets people excited about upcoming events while introducing the community to a bit of cowboy heritage. You'll see horseback riders from various organizations, as well as beautiful horse-drawn carriages and local cowboy athletes.

Another fun event in Arcadia is the DeSoto County Watermelon Festival, which takes place each spring. The festival features live music and games, as well as seed-spitting and eating contests. It's the local seasonal festivals like this that make this small city so endearing and can make you feel like part of the community. The Annual Pioneer Day & BBQ is worth attending for its history and small-town charm, with period-accurate demonstrations, musical performances, and delicious food. Between the rodeos and seasonal festivals, it's easy to see how this city has maintained its roots over the decades. If you want to keep the Florida cowboy theme going on your travels, consider glamping with horses at the off-grid River Ranch, 75 miles away.