Roadside America- Weeki Wachee Returns Clam Shelll Roof

Image from Tampa Bay Times

Weeki Wachee Returns to 'Clam Sell' Roof.

 Time for some news of a classic nostalgia. The Mermaid Theater of Weeki Wachee Springs in Central Florida is undergoing a massive renovation this summer.

 While doing work for a new roof, they discovered the old 'Clam Shell' roof as still intact under the wooden shingles. The state parks division has decided to re-furbish the old roof, rather then just replace the singles, to give the theater it's original look- That of a giant white clam.  This not only is more fitting for the theater but brings back the classic nostalgia of the Florida Roadside Attraction.

 We're always glad to see Weeki Wachee getting publicity, more so when it's for the better of a classic attraction! You Go, Mermaids! We'll be down to check this out possibly later this fall!

Roadside America- Lake Compounce

Good Morning!
We hope everyone had a great and safe weekend, hopefully involving some amusement park fun! We're back to July's feature where we're touring threw America and the local amusement parks that people go outside of the Industry Giants.


Today's Feature is Lake Compounce in Bristol, CT.

Lake Compounce opened in 1846, which gives it the title of America's Oldest Amusement Park! Lake Compounce has a very odd and unique history, when the Norton Family hired a scientist to do some explosive work. Well while the experiment failed, they noticed how many folks showed up to watch the explosions and then the idea happened. A path was put up and public swimming was allowed, with that Lake Compounce was born.

In 1911 Lake Compounce got their first 'attraction' a custom built carousel, then the building really began. in 1914 the first coaster was built "Green Dragon" has a short life and was torn down in 1926. However it was quickly replaced with "Wildcat" which still operates to this day, a classic wooden coaster. After that the park continued to prosper even threw the hardships of the Great Depression, they kept building up and working into the picturesque park it is today.

Today Lake Compounce is owned by Parques Reunidos, which also owns Kennywood and other local amusement parks across the US.

Lake Compounce

Roadside America- Hershey Park

Today we're looking at Hershey Park, which I'm told is in fact a local park! I was surprised to hear this, being fairly sure most folks would have heard of the worlds sweetest amusement park!

Hershey Park is located in Hershey, PA. Which is about 15 miles from Harrisburg, PA and about 100 miles from Philadelphia, PA.

We've all heard of Hershey's Chocolate and if you haven't, you've got my pity! Needless to say the chocolate from the park is fresh and so very much more tasty!  Hershey Park was owned by Chocolate Mogul, Milton Hershey and began live in 1905 when it was purchased as a pleasure area for the Hershey factory employees. It also boasts several amazing, world class roller coasters. It all began in 1923 with the Wildcat, in the 1970's Hershey Park really got into the Amusement Park game by adding the very first looping roller coaster in the east coast!
Over the years, Hershey has upped it's game into what many consider to be a hidden world class amusement park. Plenty of classic wodden coasters mingle alongside of some of the newest coaster technology.

On a personal note: If you go to Hershey, down in the valley behind Sidewinder you've find some of the best Barbeque EVER in a theme park! Plus their prices are decent and you'll have enough fuel for hours of amusement park fun!

They also have Chocolate World, which is a huge retail outlet for all the products Hershey makes. It also boasts an adorable flat-ride that gives you a good idea of how chocolate is made and always comes with a sample of Hershey's newest treat! Chocolate World is completely free for anyone to visit and browse, which is a nice added bonus if your just passing threw!

Hershey Park

Roadside America- Conneaut Lake Park

Continuing our crazy trip across America to the smaller amusement parks often forgotten for the Industry giants. So forget let's forget about them, we're looking at all those little parks with all the forgotten gems of amusement history!

Today we're looking at Conneaut Lake Park located in Conneaut Lake, PA. Which is about 40 miles south of Erie, PA and 2 hours north of Pittsburgh, PA.

Conneaut Lake opened like many other parks, it was a pinic area for folks and had summer cottages located around the lake for those who could afford. It opened originally under the name of Exposition Park in 1892, it's first "ride" was a carousel added several  years later with other ride being added over the years. It wasn't until the 1920's the name "Conneaut Lake" came into use as the park tried to reflect it's new "amusement park" status.
The park boasts a famous "Woodie" (Wooden Roller Coaster) called 'Blue Streak' which was built in  1937 and holds the title of the 6th oldest wooden roller coaster in the US. 

Sadly, Conneaut Lake isn't doing very well. Due to the hard times during the 1990's the park fell onto hard times and closed for a year. It was later purchased then closed again when it's owner was sent to jail for tax evasion.  A giant mess ensued and the park has yet to fully recover from the chaos the former owner created for this tiny gem. It is currently in the hard of a trustee group who shows little interest in this historic park other then as a held property.  Right now the park only operates Thursday-Sunday, with a penchant for being randomly closed at odd times.

Hopefully this little jewel of a park won't fall completely, we've lot enough history parks as it is! So if your close by, call and stop by, the Blue Streak always deserves a ride!

Conneaut Lake Park

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- Morey's Piers

Good Morning!

Today' we're taking a look at one of my favorite places to visit anytime I'm in Southern New Jersey. Because if you've never spent the time on the Wildwood Boardwalk, your not only missing history your missing a fun time... just watch out for that damn tram car!


Morey's Piers is today's offering for Roadside America.
Why New Jersey?
Yeah, it's not my favorite state either but if you know anything about amusement park history or even history in general Boardwalks where the popular past-time of most Americans in the past. The beach and the amusements which sprung up around them are a huge piece of Americana and worth a side trip to enjoy! Besides Morey's Wildwood is the Birthplace of Doo-Wop and still keeps it's history alive with lot's of classic 50's styling! It's history runs so far into music it's even got it's own song, Bobby Rydell's "Wildwood Days" and as soon as you hear it you know summer is here!

Morey's Piers, collectively came into existence in 1969 and is currently second generation owned by the Morey Brothers. Finding a lot of detailed history is difficult since "Morey's Piers" include three different piers jutting out into the beach. The oldest pier is Surfside Pier, located on 25th Avenue and was the firs to be purchased by the Morey Brothers. Mariners Landing (Marine Pier) is on Schellenger Avenue and Adventure Pier (Convention Hall Pier) on Spencer Avenue where added later.
Currently Morey's has an offering of 6 roller coasters, including 'The Great Nor'Easter', 'Sea Serpent' and 'Great White'  being the big boys on the beach. Each is more thrilling then the last with my personal favorite being 'Great White' because I LOVE wooden coasters! However Morey's offers much more then just coasters, they have an array of flat rides for the whole family. If rides aren't exactly your style, Never Fear! Morey's even has a complete water park off Mariners Landing called "Raging Waters' to cool off from that hot summer sun!

So if you find yourself in Southern New Jersey and itching for some history... head to the boardwalk!

Morey's Piers

Roadside America- Holiday World

Good Morning Folks!
I hope your enjoying my crazy tour off the beaten path, because I always find it fun to explore new places and parks. Outside of the giant parks we've all heard of because these things do exist!

Keeping on with our crazy tour, today's offering I'm told isn't considering an a giant. It's often forgotten and overlooked by folks outside of the "know" on theme parks and amusement parks. To say this shocked me is a bit of an understatement, so I simply had to bring it to light here.

Holiday World is located in Santa Clause, Indiana.
It's been in the same family for three generations, each one adding their own special mark to the park. It began life in 1946 as "Santa Clause Land" which had toy shops and displays, children's rides and naturally.. Santa! Over the years the Koch family expanded the park to include other favorite holidays like "July 4th" and "Halloween". The most recent addition happened in 2006 to add in "Thanksgiving" as it's own land! Please follow the link for more on the parks history, they have a far better story then I do!
Holiday World has won many coveted "Golden Ticket" awards as well as being rated "Americas Top Value Park" thanks to their family owned and operated practices.  Holiday World holds some of the highest standards in the Theme Park industry and it shows in their ratings!  I'm sure you've heard rumors of that theme park that offers completely FREE Soft Drinks? Yes, This is Holiday World! They also have Free Sunscreen, Free Wi-fi and most amazingly FREE PARKING!

So if your looking for someplace to go that's off the normal pathway, please consider Holiday World. You'll never be disappointed in your service or your trip!

Holiday World

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

Daily Distractions- 6/5

Daily Distraction July 5th.

Good Morning Folks!
I hope your Holiday was lovely and you don't have too much of a celebration hangover!
Now without further babbling, lets get down to today's Daily Distraction. Keeping with the theme of Roadside America, we're looking at those small places sometimes off the beaten path. The one's that get missed in lieu of the big theme parks!

Well, While I've never been to today's Distraction it came to my attention by way of a good friend of mine. Everyone say "Thank You, Leo".







Jiminy Peak Mountain Adventure Park  appears to be a large outdoors adventure park! They have multiple Ziplines and climbing courses like rope courses. Another part has a Mountain Coaster, An Alpine Slide and even one of those skydriving attractions! Plus goodies like Segway Tours, Rock Climbing, Euro-Bungy Trampolines and Hiking!


If I ever manage to get myself up into the New England area, I've got to check this place out! 

Jiminy Peak Mountain Adventure

Daily Distractions- Mermaids in the State Park

 

Daily Distraction 7/3


Good Morning Folks!
Welcome back to Daily Distractions, sorry we where on a bit of a slow spell there for a while! I was getting myself back into the grove of working normally after surgery and it was a bit harder then I expected. Never fear, things are going well and things will be getting back on track! So for a new month, I've been picking my own brain lately trying to think of what to look at this month. Well I think I landed on something everyone may well enjoy!
In July, Daily Distractions will be looking at the smaller places. The roadside attractions that are still open but are often overlooked for the bigger theme parks. So with that I hope you enjoy the ride!


Today's Distraction is an old local favorite of mine!

Most of you have probably never heard of Weeki Wachee State Park, located in Spring Hill Florida or the hidden jewels that swim just below the surface of it's clear, cold waters.

MERMAIDS

Yup. I said MERMAIDS.
No, I haven't lost my mind. At least not completely!

For the last 40+ years Weeki Wachee Springs has had real, live mermaids swimming threw the springs several times daily for your amazement and entertainment. In an underwater theater you get far more then you expect, not only the natural beauty of the springs themselves but their residents are something to behold!

Don't believe me? Take a look! 

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Spring Hill on Dwellable