Knaus Berry Farm is a South Florida fall tradition. Here’s how to win at cinnamon rolls

It’s not the start of Fall in Miami until cinnamon rolls start showing up in our timelines.

Knaus Berry Farm, famous for its house-made cinnamon rolls, pies and fresh-baked bread in the Redland, opens for the season the last Tuesday of every October. It stays open Monday through Saturday, through mid-April, and closes only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s day.

Visiting the farm, a family operation since 1956, is an annual South Florida tradition.

And while it is a fully-functioning farm, offering fresh produce — including you-pick strawberries in the late winter — its cinnamon rolls are by far the biggest draw.

A warning, however: Lines can stretch to well over two hours during peak times. What are peak times? Certainly the first weekend the farm is open qualifies. Friday night and all day Saturday nights are sure to bring the masses down from Miami.

Here are some tips if this is your first time driving south for cinnamon rolls:

Come midweek

It’s not by accident that Knaus first opens for the season on a Tuesday. The number of Miamians willing or able to go into work late or leave early cuts down on the long lines. But no doubt the first few days will rival Black Friday, no matter the day of the week.

So bring a folding chair, bottled water to stay hydrated and sunscreen. A hat wouldn’t hurt. You’re going to be waiting a while.

Bring cash

There’s nothing worse than waiting in an hours-long line just to reach the front and realize you can’t pay for your food. Knaus Berry Farm is strictly a cash business. And there’s no ATM at the farm and the closest one is at a gas station several miles away. Stop off at your bank first.

Cinnamon rolls cost $1.75 a piece, $7.50 a half dozen, $14.50 a dozen.

There’s more to the menu

It’s not just cinnamon rolls. The fresh-baked bread is the reason many folks make this trip a weekly, not annual, tradition.

The dinner rolls ($4.75 a dozen) are fluffy heaven. The dilly, raisin or mountain bread loaves ($4.40) have legion fans. And the coconut and pineapple upside down cakes ($11.50) are required.

Just love cinnamon rolls? Try the pecan rolls ($18 for a tray of 10). It’s the most overlooked upgrade to Knaus’ cinnamon rolls.

Try the shakes

In season, Knaus’ strawberry shakes are some of the best around. Lacking that, try the cinnamon roll shake — there’s nothing quite like it in South Florida. And they make for a great pastime while you’re waiting to move ahead in line.

Knaus Berry Farm

Address: 15980 SW 248th St., Homestead

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday

More info: 305-247-0668, KnausBerryFarm.com

This story was originally published October 18, 2018 at 1:10 AM.