To most tourist and even many Florida natives the sunshine state has become nothing more than a Disney fueled tourist attraction situated with warm weather. While in many instances this description is an accurate depiction of the state it is worthwhile to note that this has not always been the case and before the 1971 opening of the magic kingdom, Florida was graced with numerous odd and intriguing roadside tourist attractions. North West Florida in particular was home to many of the states oddly unique tourist attractions which garnered local fame with tourist and visitors trying to get a glimpse of the Floridian culture. The miracle strip is a term, which refers to the region of Panama City and the other Florida coastal beach cities which
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Soon local residents and crafty business men discovered that they themselves could cater to the visitors and turn a profit while doing so. Small attractions such as Panama City Snake-A-Torium where visitors could view a large collection of exotic reptiles up close began popping up everywhere. Following the success of small ventures like the Snake-A-Toruim, even larger attractions such as the Gulfarium, which can be best described as early version of Sea world, began to arise seemingly overnight. The Gulfarium found in Ft Walton was a shining example of impact of tourism in the area as Panama City was now one of several locations in which visitors could enjoy unique experiences in Florida’s panhandle. Pensacola although late in its arrival as a prime tourist destination also claimed home to some of its own unique wacky tourist attraction including Goofy Golf, which was miniature golf course, decorated with giant obstacles shaped in numerous objects. The latter half of the book goes into further detail describing some of the odd attractions which thrived in the Miracle Strip prior to the opening of Disney which would go on to dominate the tourist industry of the state. Before 1971 tourist attractions came in all sizes and forms and helped open up a one little
Soon local residents and crafty business men discovered that they themselves could cater to the visitors and turn a profit while doing so. Small attractions such as Panama City Snake-A-Torium where visitors could view a large collection of exotic reptiles up close began popping up everywhere. Following the success of small ventures like the Snake-A-Toruim, even larger attractions such as the Gulfarium, which can be best described as early version of Sea world, began to arise seemingly overnight. The Gulfarium found in Ft Walton was a shining example of impact of tourism in the area as Panama City was now one of several locations in which visitors could enjoy unique experiences in Florida’s panhandle. Pensacola although late in its arrival as a prime tourist destination also claimed home to some of its own unique wacky tourist attraction including Goofy Golf, which was miniature golf course, decorated with giant obstacles shaped in numerous objects. The latter half of the book goes into further detail describing some of the odd attractions which thrived in the Miracle Strip prior to the opening of Disney which would go on to dominate the tourist industry of the state. Before 1971 tourist attractions came in all sizes and forms and helped open up a one little