Kennywood Park- Adding New Restaurant

 Kennywood Park Adding New Restaurant in 2015

 Well some good news for Kennywood Park Fans, it seems that Parques Renuidos is finally putting some money into Kennywood. While we've all been hoping for improved in regards to maintenance and upkeep, this may be a good sign they are finally going to move in the right direction.

 According to Kennywood's Website, "Something NEW coming in 2014" is listed under "Family Style Dining".  It will be the first "sit down" style restaurant in the park for at least 30 years, Johnny Rockets will be coming to Kennywood.

 WTAE of Pittsburgh reports that the new Johnny Rockets will take over the "Carousel Food Court" the building will be renovated to accompany the new plans but the famous exterior will remain. While it's unlikely this amusement park location will offer a full menu, you can get a glimpse of what Johnny Rockets offers- Check out their Website Menu!

Park Review- Kennywood Park

Park Review- Kennywood Park

 

Day: Saturday

Date: August 17th, 2013

Weather: Warm

Overall Raiting: Okay

Coaster Rating: Excellent

Flat Ride Rating: Okay

Opinion: Visit if nearby

Staff: Carrie, Kitsune and Alex

 We arrived at Kennywood around 10am, surprised to see just how busy the park was already even before opening. The front gate area was swarming with groups, most of them appeared to be either bands or dance teams with some folks toting coolers as well. The park didn't open till 10:30am. Two quickly noticeable things is that Guest Services at Kennywood isn't open before the park opens, which I find a little bit odd. The second is the fact they don't want anyone near the turnstiles before the park opens, leading to rather rude "Kennywood Cops" yelling at several dozen guests. You'd think they could just hang ropes or something, rather then resorting to rude voiced yelling.

Roadside America- Knoebels Grove

Good Morning!
We're still working our way threw the fun little roadside parks of America, those that are off the beaten path. The fun places often overshadowed by the industry GIANTS.

Today we're taking a peak at one of my FAVORITE little hidden gems. Knoebels Park is tucked into the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania in a small town called Elysburg. Which is off Interstate 80, about 3 hours north of Philadelphia!

Knoebels began life in 1775 as "Peggy's Farm" and was offering things like "Tally-Ho" which is a destination Hayride happening on Sunday afternoons. They had a wonderful swimming hole and beautiful areas of picnics before the rides really moved in. Jumping to 1926 they put in a large swimming pool called "The Crystal Pool" which was really just a large area of the filtered stream water. They even offered up high dives for those daring enough. The same year the grand carousel moved in and since they've kept adding rides! You can read the full history on their website, which is far more in-depth then I can give!

Knoebels currently offers some amazing classic attractions including two world class wooden roller coasters: The Phoenix (Previously the Rocket from San Antonio Texas) and Twister (Based off the original Mr. Twister from Colorado). Knoebels is also the only park crazy enough to build a new "Flying Turns" coaster from scratch, the first built in 50 years! If that isn't enough to get you excited, well I can't help you!

They also have an orignal dark ride "The Haunted Mansion" which was relocated from another park and is recognized as the best traditional haunted house currently standing today!
The Grand Carousel still has the "Brass Ring" which you can take a grab at from their outside horses, to my knowledge this is the only carousel left in the country with this blast from the past our parents remember. I can't tell you how much silly fun it is, even as an adult, to try and catch that golden ring for a free ride!

In case you didn't notice, Knoebels loves to take the cast-offs from other parks and give them the beauty and life these attractions deserve. Not replace them with the newest thing. Their newest addition is "Black Diamond" which was relocated from Morey's Peirs in Wildwood, NJ.

If your ever near by, Knoebels is a classic park with attractions for all ages. They still run off a ticket system or you can purchase an unlimited ride band. So you can ride as much or as little as you really want! So make sure you swing by and enjoy this hidden gem!

 

Knoebels Grove  

Roadside America- Lakemont Park

Good Morning Folks!

Since Daily Distractions is currently focusing on "Roadside America" and all the fun little parks and places you find outside of the theme park giants, I've got a new title and banner for this series! Many thanks to my Photoshop Fox for making me these pretty things!

Today we're going to look at Lakemont Park!
It's a small, seasonal amusement park in Altoona, PA. While it may be small it's got some truly classic rides and has been operated by the same family since the 1940's. Like many parks in the NorthEast, it began life as a trolly park They are also in possession of the worlds OLDEST roller coaster, an original "Leap the Dips" side friction coaster! They also have a classic set of Antique Cars and a beautiful Carousel.

While Lakemont Park might not be the biggest nor most impression amusement park you've ever seen it's got beautiful scenery and a truly classic piece of ride history!

Lakemont Park