Can't wait until Memorial Day to visit an amusement park? Well, have no fear: there are plenty of awesome parks open at this very moment!! You can, of course, read all about these particular parks in my book, "The Cotton Candy Road Trip"
https://www.createspace.com/3840248 , but here's a mini travelogue for a trio of great parks that are definitely worth a Spring Break journey!!:
Out in the great Northwest? Sidle on down to Enchanted Forest in Salem, Oregon:
http://enchantedforest.com/ . Built by one man and his family, this park is super for all ages and boasts some of the most brazen uses of creativity on a shoestring you'll ever see. Witness these photos and, remember: it was literally built by hand by one man and his family (with no prior art or Disney Imagineering experience):
|
| The Hansel and Gretel witch house, covered in evil yumminess.. |
|
| A psychedelic choo choo for the kiddies. |
|
My hubby, who apparently was the "crooked man" they were looking for.
|
Now, if you're out near St. Louis, point yourself toward Branson to enter the rootin' tootin' world of Silver Dollar City. A recipient of the Applause Award for "one of the world's best theme parks", Silver Dollar City is excited to announce a new coaster for this season, the daring wooden ride, Outlaw Run! It's not too often that a park opens a new
wooden coaster, so this is really a thrilling development. Plus, a wooden coaster fits in well with the rustic, Western vibe of the park:
http://www.silverdollarcity.com/theme-park.aspx
 |
| From the park's website: feast your eyes on the awesomeness!! |
 |
My hubby and a potato swirl on a stick! Silver Dollar City has inCREDible food!!
|
But maybe you're one of the lucky ones, out in Florida, or vacationing there and, by golly, you're interested in a little of vintage "Old Florida"? Look no further than the
Other Silver Park I highlighted in my book, Silver Springs in Ocala. Part amusement park, part zoo, Silver Springs is famous for its crystal clear springs and glass-bottom boat rides. Plus, various television shows and movies were filmed there, including the old Johnny Weismuller "Tarzan" flicks:
http://www.silversprings.com/
 |
| One of the park's friendly inhabitants. |
 |
| The scenic view from the tippy top of the Lighthouse ride. |
If you ever have any questions about a road trip, how to fashion one of your own, please feel free to contact me anytime. I love answering queries about how to design a trip you and your family will cherish forever.
