4 Weird Roadside Attractions in Florida
Photo: Al Muya
Florida is full of, well, let’s just say “interesting” people. To match the quirkiness of its residents, you can find an odd collection of roadside attractions as you travel through the Sunshine State. Here are four of the most intriguing things to see as you drive through Florida.
Gadgets Galore: Check out these new car gadgets before your next road trip
[wptab name= “Mermaids of Weeki Wachee”]
Photo: Megan Smith
The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
You’ll have to get out of the car to see this attraction, but it’ll be well worth it once you see what’s in store. The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Spring Hill is sure to dazzle anyone who wishes that mermaids were, in fact, real. The mermaid shows first started in 1947, showcasing the fish-tailed women eating fruit during picnics while posing gracefully. Currently, the mermaid roster does a few underwater performances throughout the day, including choreographed routines followed by photo-ops.
[/wptab]
[wptab name= “Skunk Ape Research Headquarters”]
Photo: Richard Elzey
Skunk Ape Research Headquarters
The mysterious skunk ape — also known by its many hilarious monikers such as swampsquatch, stink ape, and swamp cabbage man — is a humanoid creature said to inhabit the states of Florida, North Carolina, and Arkansas. However, most sightings (and smells) have come from Florida. Head to Ochopee to visit the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters, where you can meet Dave Shealy, a man who has spent nearly his whole life searching for the creature. Be sure to stop at the gift shop on your way out, which features a variety of skunk ape items like magnets, t-shirts, hats, and, of course, a drink koozie.
[/wptab]
[wptab name= “Spongeorama Sponge Factory”]
Photo: Walter
Spongeorama Sponge Factory
If you didn’t get enough underwater adventure visiting the Mermaids of Weeki Wachee, you should stop in Tarpon Springs at the Spongeorama Sponge Factory. The building houses the world’s largest collection of natural sea sponges, and the town claims to be the Sponge Capital of the World. (No word from Bikini Bottom representative Spongebob Squarepants on whether this is factual.) In the museum, you can learn all about sea sponges, where they come from, and the industry that evolved around them. As with any roadside attraction, the gift shop offers a variety of sponge-related trinkets to take back to your loved ones.
[/wptab]
[wptab name= “Potter’s Wax Museum”]
Photo: Cliff
Potter’s Wax Museum
Forget Madame Tussauds! Instead, head to St. Augustine to see some lifelike wax creations of your favorite celebrities and historical figures. Potter’s Wax Museum opened in 1948 and has been entertaining guests ever since. Open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., museum tickets are about $10 per adult and $7 per child (free for children under 5). Some of the wax figures you can expect to see include popular film characters like Harry Potter and Austin Powers, as well as historical figures like Albert Einstein, Henry the VII, and many of the United States presidents.
[/wptab]
[end_wptabset]
Get There Comfortably: See the new Chevy Premier Plus edition SUVs
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.