Smiley Apiaries

We operate a commercial beekeeping operation ( Smiley Apiaries ) in Gulf County, Florida. We have about 800 beehives. We specialize in Tupelo Honey production. The nector is collected by the bees from the Tupelo tree Nyssa ogeche during the months of April and May. We have been in business since 1989. Tupelo Honey does not crystalyze and has a pleasant mild flavor. It is a specialty and is produced in the Apalachacola river basin in north west Florida. This area is well known for its Tupelo Honey and is the only place in the world where fine white Tupelo Honey is produced on a commercial scale. Tupelo Honey was featured in the book Robbing the Bees by Holley Bishop. Robbing the Bees profiles the life of a Florida beekeeper (Donald Smiley) as he goes about tending his bees and produceing Tupelo Honey. You are welcome to visit us on our web site to find out more about Tupelo Honey and the area where it is made.