Dun nun, dun nun, dun nun dun nun dun nun dun nun duhnuuuuuunnnnnnn nun.
Maybe this is a dumb question, but do you remember the Pink Panther? Maybe you remember the cartoon, or the song, or had Pink Panther toys or a metal lunchbox, or maybe you were like me and had a hot pink, off the shoulder top with the Pink Panther emblazzoned on the top right front, and the brightly colored cool cat was just innocent enough your parents let you wear it to school in the eighth grade.
Oh, just me, eh?
Kidding aside, everyone recognize that sleek pink pistol of smarts that is the Pink Panther. And, travelers on GA 400 towards Dawsonville may have even seen him on a romantic picnic with his lady friend.
The Pink Panthers at Flack's Flooring are hard to miss. Mr. Panther is exactly as you'd expect, while Ms. Panther wears a not as itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny but still yellow polka dot bikini.
According to Roadside America, the panthers are listed as lounging in front of an arcade game warehouse and sales center. Meanwhile, Roadside Architecture showed the statues as previously advertising
Hmmm.
So I did a little more digging and checked the all fabulous photo records from the Google Maps car, which showed a whole family of panthers, as well as Inspector Clusseau and tons of other cool statues - a gorilla, Santa Claus, a rooster, the Easter Bunny and others. Check out the links for some older photos of all the statues.
So where did these dudes go?
Cherokee Music and Arcade opened in 1928 and was occupying the space where the Pink Panther couple still resides. The center sold jukeboxes, arcade games and also was an active arcade and party center. It reportedly moved or closed, or eventually both, in 2011 and the fiberglass statues are believed to have been sold off to different places, inlcuding the three baby panthers. Mr. and Ms. are the only ones who remain.
The Forsyth County-based Flacks Flooring moved in in 2012. Flack's has been in the area selling flooring since 1993 and originally made a home in he old Matt Schoolhouse before moving to their new location. I wasn't able to connect with Flack's when I reached out by email.
If it's the Panthers you seek, head up 400 towards the Dawsonville outlets. You really can't miss them. From what I understand, photographs with the panthers are allowed however climbing and horseplay are not. There is a small sign on site to remind you.
I just love it when business centers have a little extra flair and I also love it when new businesses carry on old traditions. That's I'm the crazy lady who waves at fiberglass panthers from her station wagon on 400.
Untill next time,
Stay curious.
