Barberville Yard Art Emporium is a whimsical stop in Central Florida

Today’s destination: Barberville Yard Art Emporium, Volusia County, FLBarberville Yard Art Emporium is a must-see in West VolusiaFrom towering giraffes to bigger-than-human hens, the yard art business boasts a colorful and eclectic display of lawn ornaments in West Volusia.This story is part of our weekly Hidden Gems feature series as the USA TODAY Network-Florida takes readers around the state to highlight some of our most interesting attractions.In a rural stretch of western Volusia County, drivers can see a metal menagerie near the U.S. 17 and State Road 40 intersection ― such as a (much) larger-than-life rooster sculpture or a 19-foot-tall metal giraffe standing near the road. Quirky sculptures are one of the main attractions at the Barberville Yard Art Emporium, a business that’s not your typical outdoor decor shop.While in the area, history lovers could also stop by the Barberville Pioneer Settlement which is just down the road. The nonprofit museum features a wide range of buildings and displays that highlight “life in rural Florida in the bygone days of the late 19th and early 20th centuries,” according to the attraction.Where is it?The Barberville Yard Art Emporium is at 140 FL-40, Pierson, FL 32180. It’s in northwest Volusia County, about 25 miles west of Daytona Beach.What is the Barberville Yard Art Emporium?The business describes itself as a place to shop for “one-of-a-kind lawn ornaments,” including sculptures of horses, cattle, eagles, chickens, lions and zebras ― and some fantasy items, too, such as alien sculptures and bigfoot. The collection includes recycled cast aluminum creations, wrought iron and steel pieces and ceramics from Mexico.”Our recycled cast aluminum yard art has been melted down and poured into molds that retain some imperfections, allowing the statues to have character and appear aged, which is the preferred look,” according to the business.The crew hand paints aluminum pieces on site and offers custom orders.The inventory also includes teakwood creations “directly from the Indonesian jungle” that are “all hand carved out of stumps, branches and even roots.”What is there to do at Barberville Yard Art Emporium?Look around. It’s more like visiting a fun museum than visiting a regular store.Why should I go?It’s a good stop for people who are looking for something to spice up their yard or who just want to discover a unique place in Central Florida.Visitors won’t have to worry about toting their huge bear sculpture home, either. The business delivers around the state via “a zany giraffe box truck.”While people can shop from afar, it’s better to go in person, according to the website:”Our emporium is better enjoyed in person, since we offer a huge amount of one-of-a-kind handmade yard art, mostly custom painted on-premises, and therefore impractical to showcase on our website. Most of our inventory can’t even be duplicated. It’s our passion to offer you handmade, unique, (colorful) creations to uplift your spirit as well as your home!”When should I go?For people who are temperature or sun-sensitive, it’s best to go when the weather’s nice or to avoid the middle of the day. Many items are in unshaded areas.When is it open?Every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check with the store for holiday hours.Where do I learn more?Go to barbervilleroadside.com, call 386-749-3562, or email info@barbervilleyardartemporium.com.



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