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There’s something a bit appalling—but absolutely fascinating—about an attraction that not only entertains you with its animals, but also uses them as tasty snacks. Such is the case with one of my favorite venues: Gatorland.
People always laugh when I say I love this place. Perhaps it’s because it was one of the first theme park-type experiences I had years ago when I first visited Florida.
I was fascinated by all things gator.
I couldn’t quite grasp the concept when people said they had gators in their backyards. But the opportunity to experience gators firsthand presented itself when I was 13 and my family took a road trip from Michigan. I’d heard about a place called “Gatorland,” and boy, oh boy, was I excited.
I convinced my entire family (easily done by whining during an entire 22½-hour trip) that this had to be our first stop. So Disney World was put on hold and we headed to Gatorland. I was not disappointed.
There were hundreds of gators, plus guys wrestlin’ gators, and gators that jumped a dozen feet into the air after a chicken sent ziplining into their cage. (No worries, the chickens were of the grocery store variety.)
There was also a petting zoo, slithering reptiles, bird shows and tons more cool stuff. When my family sat down for a snack, guess what was on the menu? You got it—gator bites. I had to have them. These little crunchy snacks tasted like—well, I must admit—they tasted like chicken. But what did I care? It was gator and I was thrilled.
Over the years, Gatorland has grown into a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve. It still combines “Old Florida” charm with lots of new exhibits and entertainment. Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, it now draws visitors from around the world. It’s still way up there on my list when folks come to Florida to visit.
I always say, “Yep, let’s do the theme parks, but let’s also take a side trip to this other attraction I know....”
Now you’ve learned my secret. I love Gatorland, and that’s that.
So how about you? What’s your secret venue or favorite Florida destination?
If you’re interested in reading about some of the favorite Florida venues and attractions from our Going Places staff writers and editors, check out the story here.
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Editor-in-chief, AAA Going Places |
Email to letters@aaagoingplaces.com |