What started as a fruit stand more than 55 years ago, has evolved into a classic Florida roadside attraction that still draws visitors today. Located on the top of a hill in Brooksville, Boyett’s Grove and Citrus Attraction not only offers delicious citrus fruit, but also a nostalgic look at Florida oddities, along with a walk on the wild side.
From the outside, Boyett’s Citrus Attraction looks like any other old Florida kitschy gift shop. A tree face welcomes you with a smile and colorful cheesy paintings of animals adorn the exterior walls. The quirkiness doesn’t end there. Once you step inside, you are in for a big surprise! Boyett’s is filled with everything “touristy” you can imagine, from the typical shell gift items to t-shirts and other Florida souvenirs.
The Store
Speaking from experience, it’s difficult to know which way to go once you’re inside the store. Souvenirs to the left; a tribute to the King of Rock n Roll straight ahead; and a saloon to the right.
Just when you think you are at the end of an exhibit, you round another corner and there is more. Make sure you take your time through the store, as you are likely to find some old treasures you haven’t seen in a while. Not to mention an ice cream parlor that offers 24 flavors!
Wildlife Park
A big part of this attraction is the Wildlife Park. To get outside, stop by the register at the back of the store to purchase your tickets and a bag of food for a more interactive experience. While you are making your way through the park, stop and say hello to Wally, the dromedary camel. Use the map provided to you or wander on your own. No matter which way you go, you are sure to see Wally and other animals, like Stripes the Zebra, or any of the other goats, sheep, geese, and monkeys. Concrete pathways wind through another part of the park and take you by deer and pigs and Elvis the alligator.
Other Things to See
The admission to the wildlife tour also includes the aviary and the dinosaur cave. In the aviary walk through and get closeup views of tropical birds.
The dinosaur cave is sure to please the young dinosaur lovers in your family. Get next to a T-rex. Look up for the pterodactyls and don’t forget to say hi to Chompers – if you dare get close enough!
For an additional charge, there is also a mini golf course and the DinoMight Gold Mine.
Oranges!
Before Boyett’s became a tourist attraction, it was a citrus stand, where visitors could walk through the orange grove. Even with the zoo and other features, citrus growing and shipping remain the focus of Boyett’s. During citrus season, visitors can watch the operation in motion, from the washing to the packing, all on a machine that was built in the 40s.
History of the “Attraction”
Folks in citrus know the industry peaks at certain times of the year. Because of a few years of freezes and to combat the slow summer months, Boyett’s decided to make additions to the business. The gift shop was added in 1975 and about 10 years later, they started taking in donated and rescue animals. Even if you walk through the entire attraction, you will probably miss something here and there.
Location and Hours
Boyett’s is located between Brooksville and I-75 on Spring Lake Highway and is open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is no charge to look around inside the store, but if you want to venture out into the wildlife park, mini golf, dinosaur cave or aviary, you will have to pay. There are a variety of price packages to choose from.
Just remember, if you plan to take that walk on the wild side, you should plan on two hours or so to get through it all.