User Rating: 5 / 5
Sarasota (1956–1980)
Sarasota was well known as the winter home of the circus, so it was logical that a roadside attraction paying homage to the history of the circus industry would be established. The nearly all-glass building was constructed in 1956 along US 41, just north of the Ringling Museum.
User Rating: 4 / 5
Chiefland (1960–1974)
Dog Land was founded in 1960 between Chiefland and Old Town by Kentucky dog breeders Bob Shetterly, Vincenzo Calvaresi and C. J. Wade, head of the Lexington Kennel Club. They convinced 32 other dog enthusiasts to invest in the attraction. Dog Land’s purpose was to showcase the 113 different breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club at that time.
Dog Land covered eight acres with an entrance on US Highway 19/98 that featured a giant sign in the shape of a dog. Each dog had its own “house” which included a patio and breezeway. A grooming salon was also located at the attraction. The dogs were supplied by leading breeders across the country, paying for the privilege to have their dog on display (visitors to Dog Land could place an order to purchase a dog from any of these breeders).
A list of smaller “mom and pop” Florida attractions that opened prior to 1972.