A small roadside produce stand in Oxford has grown into one of the region’s best-known specialized markets and agritourism destinations.

The roots of Brown’s Country Market extend back to when the Brown family settled in Oxford after a train breakdown unexpectedly stranded them in 1915. The family later opened a small general store in Wildwood during the 1930s before launching their farming operation on 93 acres in 1955.

“I grew up on this farm, so this piece of land holds a very special place in my heart,” Alisha Brown says. “Being able to take the reins from my dad and continue what my grandfather started is something I don’t take lightly. It’s a tremendous honor and responsibility to carry on our family’s farming legacy.”

Brown’s Country Store opened at 13940 U.S. Highway 301 in Oxford in 1977 as a simple roadside stand selling fresh produce directly from the farm. As demand grew, so did the operation, eventually expanding into the large country market now housed inside the farm’s former tomato packing house.

Over the decades, Brown & Brown Farms expanded into grass seed production as the market became known for local produce, meats, baked goods, jams, honey and old-fashioned country store staples.

Today, the property continues adapting to a changing Central Florida through seasonal festivals, concerts and agritourism attractions that draw families from across the region.

“Farming in Sumter County has changed tremendously over the years with the growth our area has experienced, and like many family farms, we’ve had to evolve with the times,” Alisha says.

“Opening the farm to the public through agritourism has allowed us not only to preserve our family farm, but also to help connect a new generation of families to agriculture.”

Even with that growth, the business remains deeply tied to its farming roots and the idea of creating a gathering place centered around community, agriculture and tradition. It joins The Humble Native in Wildwood as another deeply rooted Sumter County family business keeping that heritage alive.

“At the end of the day, that’s really what Brown’s Adventure Farm is about,” Alisha says. “Connecting families to the farm for generations to come.”