Grimm’s Fairy Tales are something I’m sure we all grew up with in some form or another. Whether you are more familiar with the Disney spin offs or the more grim originals, the stories have influenced generation upon generation ever since their publishing in 1812. One way I never thought I would experience them though, would be through life size replicas of them outside of a riverside restaurant in Tampa Florida.
Back in the 50’s and 60’s, the local Lowry Park Zoo had a fairy tale exhibit with dozens of these figurines. It was adored by children, but when the Zoo expanded, the Fairy Tale Land was shut down and the figures were put into storage. That’s where they sat for years, rotting away until the city decided to auction them for sale. Restaurateur Richard Gonzmart bought the fairytale characters, restored them, and had them put out for display at his restaurant Ulele.
And that’s where the figures reside today! They are free to see, being outside of the restaurant. They restaurant invites all ages to come and enjoy them whether they eat there or not. They just ask to “enjoy with your eyes” as the figures can be easily damaged.
Closest Supercharger Tampa FL 4.5 mi
2502 N 50th St, Tampa, FL 33619
Fairy Tale Figurines at Ulele Restaurant
Ulele, 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
