Whimzeyland – This Technicolor Playground is an Artist’s Paradise (and a Great Roadside Attraction You Won’t Want to Miss!)
Located in Safety Harbor, Florida – a small city on the west shore of Tampa Bay – there is a quaint house called Whimzeyland that welcomes visitors to an unexpected wonderland.
For several decades, full-time artists Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda have been continually transforming the property, which doubles as their home, into a technicolor playground of bright paint, mosaic tile, and large sculptures.
Todd and Kiaralinda describe themselves as “two of the most colorful creative soulmates you will ever meet,” and their home is a wonderful and welcoming expression of that fact!1
A Vibrant History
Todd and Kiaralinda became friends in 7th-grade art class, setting the tone for their colorful lives together. Known as the “Whimzey Twinz” because they collaborate on all of their projects, they use artwork to make the world a brighter place—figuratively and literally!
In 1985, they purchased a plain, beige house in Safety Harbor Florida. However, it wasn’t long before beige became bold, and their international travels inspired fun changes to their home, both inside and out. The creative spark was burning, and it burst into a wildfire thanks to ten free bowling balls from a flea market. The couple painted them and placed them all around the property. It was the beginning of a grand collection.
Indeed, the once-drab house on Third Street eventually became known as the “Bowling Ball House” as the Whimzey Twinz recycled more and more bowling balls into colorful borders for their gardens and pathways.
These bowling balls still play an integral role in the décor and can be found lining the property or arranged carefully as part of larger art pieces. (More often than not, the bowling balls are still dappled with colorful paint jobs, too!) Today, the bowling balls are also joined by an eclectic collection of metal, tile, and painted murals that represent an unusual and fantastical collection of materials, all shaped into breathtaking art.
Falling Down the Whimzeyland Rabbit Hole
Whimzeyland is unlike any other art museum.
That’s because Whimzeyland itself is a work of art. Rather than experiencing separate pieces in a gallery, Whimzeyland is meant to be experienced holistically. Every piece of art makes Whimzeyland what it is! If you took away one of the beautifully crafted sculptures or even a single bowling ball, it would change the makeup of Whimzeyland.
Part of what’s so cool about this place is how much of the folk art comes from recycled materials. You’ll find garden beds filled with giant wire flowers, mosaic pathways, oversized jester masks, and many other surprises! Todd and Kiaralinda have a special talent for breathing new life into abandoned items, making their beauty apparent to those of us who might have been oblivious to it at first. They even have a giant outdoor gazebo (rescued from another local roadside spot) that doubles as a performance art space for concerts and events.
Chaotic and cheerful, Whimzeyland is definitely not a roadside attraction you should rush through. You’ll find all kinds of hidden gems if you take your time wandering through this colorful locale!
Brilliant blue glass bottles have been shaped into trees and lush foliage lines the intricately-tiled pathways that wind their way through the recycled art. Large metal sculptures shaped into oddly proportioned creatures (real and imagined) happily greet visitors along the way.
And speaking of visitors, they are invited to take part in the art as well! You can set astride a mosaic moon statue or pose with a lovingly crafted elephant or unicorn. Interacting with these pieces is greatly encouraged (so long as you are mindful and respectful of the property, of course).
Oh, and in case you were wondering, the inside of the Bowling Ball House is just as intricately decorated as the brightly-hued, multi-colored exterior might suggest! The bathroom alone is worth the visit. Tiny plastic toys cover the ceiling, each salvaged from an earlier era. (It definitely makes me want to redecorate my bathroom—or at least add in something fun, like a rubber duck, at least!)
In addition to The Bowling Ball House, you’ll also see Casa Loco, which serves as a guest house. This Mexican-inspired villa is where the couple hosts visiting artists and friends who come to contribute to large community art projects on the property and elsewhere!
Honestly, all of Whimzeyland is a fantastic (and interactive) photo op!
Fantastical Whimzeyland Tours
Whimzeyland is FREE to visit and always open to the public! How awesome is that??
However, if you’d like a more detailed experience, you can also book a guided tour of the gardens and art installations that will give further insight into the history and inspiration behind the art. Also included in this 90-minute tour is a visit to the nearby Safety Harbor Art and Music Center (SHAMc)—also run by Todd and Kiaralinda—where you can see folk art and handcrafted works from the local art collective.
This artistic wonderland should certainly be added to your roadside attraction bucket list, especially if you ever find yourself in the area! Not only is it budget-friendly, but Whimzeyland makes for a truly fun and inspiring day trip!
And the best part is, you can take a bit of Whimzeyland home with you as Todd and Kiaralinda sell gorgeous, custom-made “Whimzey Wire” aluminum art. After all, I think everybody should have a little whimsy in their life, don’t you?
Have you ever visited Whimzeyland? What was your favorite part? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image
Unsplash
Recommended Gear for this Adventure
Disclaimer: We earn a commission if you click any of the links above and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
