THE GROOVY ZOO

Metal Yard Art

by TERRY MCAFEE

Planning a trip to the North Georgia Mountains is never a bad idea for a weekend adventure or even a day trip. One thing is certain; there’s plenty to see and do. There is a place you don’t want to miss that is well worth exploring.

The Zoo… Groovy Metal Yard Art (The Groovy Zoo) in Mineral Bluff is just a stone’s throw from Blue Ridge and a must-see attraction. Owners Steve and Wanda Wile have made yard art an adventurous and mystical experience. The Groovy Zoo consists of metal art creatures from very small handheld figures to ultra-enormous elephants, giraffes and dinosaurs that easily tower over all the other figures on the property.

“Our business actually started in Morganton on a half-acre tract of land and was focused on wood cutouts and designs. Our plan was to use yard art as an eye catcher for the business,” says Steve. Almost immediately, it was clear the main attraction was the yard art, as it easily caught the attention from passersby and was more of an impulse type of purchase.

Steve and Wanda’s business savvy to go with what works led them to quickly change gears and make metal yard art primary. It would prove to be a home run decision.

Soon it became apparent the location in Morganton wouldn’t support the growth of their business and sent them searching for a much larger tract of land. As fate would have it, a sevenacre site in Mineral Bluff became available and was perfect for The Groovy Zoo vision.

General manager Seth Shelton and lead employee Ivy Mooney are a vital part of the success The Groovy Zoo vision has had. They understand the importance of interaction with guests and rolling up their sleeves to keep everything running smoothly.

“We are truly blessed to have such a great TEAM in place,” says Steve and Wanda.

The Groovy Zoo is always changing as new metal animals and figures arrive regularly. New ideas, additions and expansions keep The Groovy Zoo new and exciting. In addition, the new location has given Wanda room to expand her wood cut-out workshop and she is ready, willing and able to design something special and unique for anyone.

The vision the Wiles have for The Groovy Zoo may take twists and turns, but remains focused on keeping it fun, adventitious and educational.

Much like a traditional zoo there are signs describing the animals, making it a great place for a field trip, a birthday party and fundraisers. Regardless of your reason to visit The Groovy Zoo, the staff is committed to making your visit enjoyable.

Visit www.thegroovyzoo.com or call 706-374-3441 for more information. You can also check the zoo on Facebook at The Zoo Groovy Yard Art.