You know that skit from Saturday Night Live, where SNL cast members Jason Sudekis, Bill Hader, and Taran Killam portray creepy animatronic barbershop quartet The Maryville Brothers?
Uncomfortably hilarious and entertaining at moments, right?
Well, I had some similar feelings wash over me during the guided tour of the Oldest Store Museum.
My friend and I were in town for Mumford's Gentlemen of the Road and decide to enjoy our final day in St. Augustine with a leisurely brunch and by playing tourists. We decided that a little tour of the Old Jail Museum (http://www.yelp.com/biz/old-jail-museum-st-augustine) sounded a tad interesting with just enough kitsch to make it lively. So, once we pulled into the parking lot, we were transformed to a small town-y tourist trap that both peaked our curiosity and senses of humor. A cluster of small attractions managed and produced by the company Old Trolley Tours are nestled here that also include paranormal and trolley tours along with a "General Store" inspired souvenir shop. We walked up to a small kiosk where all of the attractions were outlined and packaged together for promotional price deals. We had every intention to just check out the jail for $8, but the friendly older gent talked us into upgrading $4 to add on a tour of the Oldest Store Museum too. Ah, hell... why not?
Tours seemed to start every 20 minutes or so for each attraction and we were lucky enough to join the start of the Oldest Store Museum Tour that just began. And, away we go!
We were greeted by our "in character" tour guide (younger female who fumbled here and there with her lines and deadpan jokes) and led right inside to proprietor Mr. C.F. Hamblen's retail operation from the early 1900's. You literally step back in time while the live cast and animatronic counterparts play the role of a clerks, butcher, and shady salesman as they demonstrate some of the "cutting edge" inventions from turn-of-the-century living. It was interesting to see the technology that was available to our ancestors and the layout of the space was filled with curious artifacts that often deserved a second or third look. (check out my photo uploads) I happen to fancy the subject of history and found this aspect of the tour fascinating.
However, I would have preferred going through the space at my own pace so that I didn't feel rushed and could focus on my personal interests without being interrupted by a bad actor. Some of the information that they provided was interesting but I think that could be relayed with a pre-recorded audio-guided tour and some headphones. Our small group of 8 tourists didn't seem very engaged with the tour guides and I actually felt bad for them because it was just so cheesy. Although, I will say, if you have kiddos as part of your pack, they may enjoy the interaction and complimentary candy during the tour so this could be an affordable option to bond with your children who aren't jaded yet.
Was it worthy of the $4 upgrade? Sure. Would I happily pay the advertised "full-price" of $8-$10 knowing what I do now? Eh....
On the flip-side, I'm not just prejudiced towards actors who are part of attractions, our experience with the tour at The Old Jail was great. The tour guide got his point across with his solid acting role yet still didn't come across as cheesy.
I just find it amusing that in this situation, the animatronics weren't the creepy ones... read more