I surprised even myself this past weekend. Despite a whole lot of jet lag, I felt the need for a road trip to just clear my mind, and the first thing I thought of was heading north to Micanopy. If you’ve never been to this real little treasure of a Central Florida town it's well worth the trip. From my house, it’s around 115 miles each way mainly up 75. The main road through the historic district isn’t all that long, maybe under a mile, but filled with sweet little antique and  book stores, the fantastic Herlong Mansion that’s a great place to get away when you’re looking for a unique B & B, and something that was new to me but is now a favorite – The Mosswood Farm Store, in a wonderful 1910 home on Cholokka Avenue.

   Think back to old Florida, to Cracker Country and to those who treasure what we’re so blessed with. Good weather! A stroll through the store, owned by mom Morgan Pevonka and her daughter Emily Piazza is an opportunity to enjoy their artisan organic breads and pastries, see what new Fair Trade products are in stock, discover heirloom seeds for the garden, and even pick up a vintage butter churn or dough bowl. The addition of an outdoor wood-fired brick oven in 2008 enabled them to offer the breads on the weekends, and a few years later they added a coffee and expresso bar. When I was in the store there was a group of cyclists enjoying a brief stop in town and taking full advantage of the Mosswood's sweet offerings and cool drinks!

   Morgan opened Mosswood about five years ago, and concentrates on supporting the local economy and offering earth friendly products. It’s the little country store that as Morgan said, morphed into a bakery. Come early by the way. I was there midafternoon and the store was very busy, especially in front of the bakery case which had a delicious looking selection that included a lemon cheesecake and raspberry brownie. Grocery selections included Vanilla Macaroon Granola, Organic Cornmeal and steel cut oats, along with an impressive selection of organic herbs and spices in glass jars. And the books! Interested in raising dairy goats, or making your own wine? Why not check into beekeeping (and yes, local honey is for sale) or how to build a green home? The Mosswood Farm Store is what makes this area of Central Florida a favorite for me. It’s a locally owned store that is more than a labor of love for this mother-daughter team. Just chat with Morgan and she’ll show you what a passion she has for her town and locally sustained products.  It’s well worth a day trip to step away from the ordinary and remember what a beautiful state we live in, and what wonderful small towns are a part of it. Take a moment to visit their website at mosswoodfarmstore.com.

   If you plan to stay closer to home this weekend, it’s the first Sunday of the month, and the Hyde Park Fresh Market will be open for business starting at 10 am. You’ll love the new vendors and expanded shopping area. The Hyde Park Fresh Market is the official sponsor of Kelly’s Kitchen!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

All my friends are so small town – John Cougar Mellencamp