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Hurricane Escape Weekend, August 2011 : A quick trek to Idlewild (Ligonier, PA) and Kennywood Park (West Mifflin, PA) the weekend Irene decided to screw with the East Coast cities....

Hurricane Escape Weekend, August 2011

A quick trek to Idlewild (Ligonier, PA) and Kennywood Park (West Miffl ...

Updated: Sep 14, 2011 9:04am PST

A Day in Brooklyn : A day of walking, food, rides, and a movie premier to top it off!

A Day in Brooklyn

A day of walking, food, rides, and a movie premier to top it off!

Updated: Aug 20, 2010 8:15am PST

Pacific Northwest September, 2009 : A mid-September trip to Oregon and Washington featuring stops in Portland and Seattle, the Oregon coast, the Puyallup Fair, and an Enchanted Forest.

Pacific Northwest September, 2009

A mid-September trip to Oregon and Washington featuring stops in Portl ...

Updated: Sep 29, 2009 1:45pm PST

Wild West World Opening Day : An exclusive look into the midwest's answer to Six Gun City as we approach the two year anniversary of Wild West World's opening day.

Wild West World Opening Day

An exclusive look into the midwest's answer to Six Gun City as we appr ...

Updated: Apr 30, 2009 3:09pm PST

Busch Gardens Williamsburg and More : Spend an early April weekend in Williamsburg, VA including Busch Gardens, Williamsburg Pottery Factory, and Gus's Hot Dog King...

Busch Gardens Williamsburg and More

Spend an early April weekend in Williamsburg, VA including Busch Garde ...

Updated: Apr 07, 2009 8:35am PST

New SFNE Superman Trains :

New SFNE Superman Trains

Updated: Mar 27, 2009 4:52am PST

PPP 2005 : Rain, whispers, big toes, and phoenix bombs galore!

PPP 2005

Rain, whispers, big toes, and phoenix bombs galore!

Updated: Jan 08, 2009 7:30am PST

Oktoberfest 2008 :

Oktoberfest 2008

Updated: Oct 20, 2008 12:00pm PST

Europa Park : Few (if any) captions on specific photos, but here y'all go- Europa Park. Nestled in the small village of Rust, Germany, this amazing operation is one of the best theme parks on the planet. Originally founded in the mid 1970s as a platform to test and display rides from German ride manufacturer Mack, the park has since expanded to include nearly a dozen lands themed to various European countries, along with a stunning garden section. Amazing collection of attractions- many clearly knock-offs of Disney rides. Since I told many that the park is beyond words, I'll now let photos do the talking.....

Europa Park

Few (if any) captions on specific photos, but here y'all go- Europa Pa ...

Updated: Oct 10, 2008 11:28am PST

Things That Used to Be : With the rapid change that the amusement industry has gone through over just the past several years, lets take a quick look back at some of the attractions and other entities that have gone the way of of the Seattle Sonics...

Things That Used to Be

With the rapid change that the amusement industry has gone through ove ...

Updated: Aug 21, 2008 11:54am PST

Ginger's Graduation :

Ginger's Graduation

Updated: Jun 08, 2008 7:20pm PST

Columbus Zoo- Jungle Jack's Landing and Zoombezi Bay Preview :

Columbus Zoo- Jungle Jack's Landing and Zoombezi Bay Preview

Updated: May 23, 2008 7:06am PST

Busch Gardens Europe : You too can be a world traveler. No passport needed. Just travel east on I-64 and exit at the Euroburg. Tell the Hummel Boy that you've been good and you may even get a present!

Busch Gardens Europe

You too can be a world traveler. No passport needed. Just travel eas ...

Updated: May 19, 2008 7:56am PST

Pleasure Beach Blackpool : After years and years of wanting to visit Blackpool, a business trip finally brought me there in October of 2007. Despite having a limited 3 hour period to sample the park, it blew away my high expectations. Anyone remotely interested in amusement parks (and especially their history) owes it to themselves to visit Pleasure Beach Blackpool.

Pleasure Beach Blackpool

After years and years of wanting to visit Blackpool, a business trip f ...

Updated: Feb 10, 2008 3:34pm PST

Disneyland Resort- Dec, 2007 : As the "splurge" portion of our December, 2007 Southern California trip, we opted to stay for four nights at Disney's Grand Californian Resort and Spa. This made for a more relaxed Disneyland Resort visit, as we had two "bookend" days that didn't involve visiting the parks themselves. As always, the Disneyland Resort did not fail to deliver.

Disneyland Resort- Dec, 2007

As the "splurge" portion of our December, 2007 Southern California tri ...

Updated: Feb 06, 2008 11:38am PST

Universal Studios Hollywood- Dec, 2007 : Our Southern California trip in December of 2007 kicked off with a visit to Universal City.

Universal Studios Hollywood- Dec, 2007

Our Southern California trip in December of 2007 kicked off with a vis ...

Updated: Feb 06, 2008 8:30am PST

Williams Grove Auction : September 18, 2007 marked the unofficial end to Williams Grove Amusement Park in Mechanicsburg, PA. Norton Auctioneers (www.nortonauctioneers.com) were on hand to sell the park's remaining rides and attractions to the highest bidders. Not included in the auction were the wood coaster, pretzel dark ride, or in house waterslides. Anyway, pictures will tell most of the story....

Williams Grove Auction

September 18, 2007 marked the unofficial end to Williams Grove Amuseme ...

Updated: Sep 18, 2007 5:37pm PST

Preservation Con Weekend 2007 : Join the east coast jacktards for some dog days of summer fun during Preservation Con weekend. We'll stop at Six Flags Great Adventure, Seaside Heights Boardwalk, and Coney Island for rides, food, and more furry ear helmets then you can shake a stick at. Photos are in chronological order and not categorical, soas to make it more like a travellogue of sorts...

Preservation Con Weekend 2007

Join the east coast jacktards for some dog days of summer fun during P ...

Updated: Aug 24, 2007 11:41am PST

Twin Grove Amusement Park and Campground : Twin Grove Amusement Park and Campground is a work in progress. Located in the hills of Pennsylvania just 30 minutes north of Hersheypark, the small amusement area features a few amazingly well kept relics- an Allan Herschell carousel, Mangels Roto Whip, and a Traver Circle Swing tower (ride still being refurbished) among several others. Stay tuned.

Twin Grove Amusement Park and Campground

Twin Grove Amusement Park and Campground is a work in progress. Locat ...

Updated: Oct 26, 2006 7:58am PST

Gardaland : Gardaland is Italy's answer to Disneyland. The beautiful facility features an amazing array of attractions aimed at every member of the family. While the coaster selection leaves a bit to be desired, the overall package offered by Gardaland makes it one of the most notable theme parks anywhere.

Gardaland

Gardaland is Italy's answer to Disneyland. The beautiful facility fea ...

Updated: Oct 26, 2006 7:46am PST

Mirabilandia : Mirabilandia is one of Italy's largest theme parks. Opening in 1992, the park features a nice mix of attractions for all ages and was stragetically located within reach of many beach resort towns on Italy's northern east coast.

Mirabilandia

Mirabilandia is one of Italy's largest theme parks. Opening in 1992, ...

Updated: Oct 25, 2006 1:37pm PST

Conneaut Lake Park : Conneaut Lake Park is a classic lakeside park dating from 1892. Come along for a ride on the Blue Streak, or a spin on any of the park's classic rides and attractions.

Conneaut Lake Park

Conneaut Lake Park is a classic lakeside park dating from 1892. Come ...

Updated: Jul 19, 2006 2:04pm PST

Kennywood : Kennywood is a true American classic. Since 1898, generations of Pittsburghers have spent countless hours at this amusement institution. The park features the best of old and new meshed together with beautiful landscaping, and magical atmosphere. Several theme parks try to feel like Kennywood. Kennywood just *is*.

Kennywood

Kennywood is a true American classic. Since 1898, generations of Pitt ...

Updated: Jul 19, 2006 12:37pm PST

Idlewild Park : Idlewild Park and Soak Zone is a one-of-a-kind park complex nestled in a densely wooded valley just outside the small town of Ligonier, PA. The unique collection of themed areas, attractions for all ages, and laid back atmosphere all combine to create an incredible park experience.

Idlewild Park

Idlewild Park and Soak Zone is a one-of-a-kind park complex nestled in ...

Updated: Jul 19, 2006 10:51am PST

Adventureland Park : Adventureland Park is located in Altoona, Iowa- a small eastern suburb of Des Moines. The park opened in 1973 and is one of the largest and nicest family owned and operated amusement parks left in America. From classic wood coasters to flat rides to homegrown charm, the park is a must visit for any amusement park fan. These photos were taken in July of 2006.

Adventureland Park

Adventureland Park is located in Altoona, Iowa- a small eastern suburb ...

Updated: Jul 13, 2006 3:44pm PST

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk : One of the greatest amusement park experiences in the U.S. is in Santa Cruz, CA. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has been an entertainment mecca for generations of Northern Californians for around a century. The combination of the amazing Monterey Bay coastline and mountains with the sights and sounds of a classic seaside amusement park simply can't be beat. For my money, the Boardwalk is among the top ten parks in the country.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

One of the greatest amusement park experiences in the U.S. is in Santa ...

Updated: May 05, 2006 2:14pm PST

Morey's Piers and the Wildwood, NJ Boardwalk : Come on "down the shore" to experience America's answer to Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. Morey's Piers operates 3 ride parks and 2 waterparks on 3 piers built out over the expansive 1/4 mile wide Wildwood Beach. This is amusement chaos at its best. It's easy to theme a section around a boardwalk. It's another thing to actually be on a boardwalk with all of the sights, sounds, and scents overwhelming the senses.

Morey's Piers and the Wildwood, NJ Boardwalk

Come on "down the shore" to experience America's answer to Pleasure Be ...

Updated: May 05, 2006 11:52am PST

The Myrtle Beach Pavilion Farewell Season : 2006 sadly marks the final year for the Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park. An icon in Myrtle Beach for over four decades, the Pavilion is slated to be bulldozed in favor of further gentrifying the Grand Strand. The City of Cranes continues to erect condo tower after condo tower leaving little to none of the original "charm" from the resort's past. These photos taken over Easter weekend, 2006 show the pristine seaside park in its prime just months before closing forever.

The Myrtle Beach Pavilion Farewell Season

2006 sadly marks the final year for the Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusemen ...

Updated: Apr 17, 2006 11:38am PST

The Signs of Indiana Beach : One of the greatest amusement parks anywhere, Indiana Beach is located in Monticello, IN. This classic lakeside park features the best of a traditional park and a seaside amusement pier. One of my favorite features of the park is its collection of quirky signage. This gallery highlights this unique attribute of the park.

The Signs of Indiana Beach

One of the greatest amusement parks anywhere, Indiana Beach is located ...

Updated: Mar 27, 2006 4:01pm PST

Six Flags Astroworld- a Final Farewell : 2005 marks the last season for Six Flags Astroworld in Houston, TX. This historical park originally opened in 1968 as part of the Astrodome Complex. In 1975, it was purchased by Six Flags and has since been a landmark on the south 610 Loop. On September 12, Six Flags Inc. announced that they planned to close the park as of October 30 and sell the 109 acre site for development. These photos were taken mere weeks before the park closes forever.

Six Flags Astroworld- a Final Farewell

2005 marks the last season for Six Flags Astroworld in Houston, TX. T ...

Updated: Mar 19, 2006 3:45pm PST

Winter Coaster Solace Weekend 2006 : Winter Coaster Solace Weekend- full of Disneyland Resort, Knott's Berry Farm, Jacktards, HBK, Cold Chicken, Warm Beer, and Hailstorms. Not sold yet? Check out the pics.

Winter Coaster Solace Weekend 2006

Winter Coaster Solace Weekend- full of Disneyland Resort, Knott's Berr ...

Updated: Mar 19, 2006 2:00pm PST

30th Birthday : So, when is one officially "old"? Some say when you turn 30. So, what better way to turn old than with lots of ice cream, BBQ and beer? Itken's Ice Cream Parlor in Valley Stream, Virgil's BBQ in Times Square and The Heartland Brewary did the job just fine.

30th Birthday

So, when is one officially "old"? Some say when you turn 30. So, wha ...

Updated: Mar 19, 2006 9:11am PST

Seaside Heights In the Snow : With the late February chill in the air, I thought these photos were fitting. In February of 2005, Amanda and I took advantage of a mild 50 degree day to walk the boards and photograph the snow covered beach of Seaside Heights, NJ, in the midst of its winter-long hibernation.

Seaside Heights In the Snow

With the late February chill in the air, I thought these photos were f ...

Updated: Feb 27, 2006 3:34pm PST

Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort- December, 2005 : Come celebrate the holidays with Amanda and me as we visit all six U.S. Disney Parks within a 10 day period!

Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort- December, 2005

Come celebrate the holidays with Amanda and me as we visit all six U.S ...

Updated: Dec 30, 2005 12:51pm PST

LaRonde and Great Escape Oct 1/2, 2005 : Come along for an early Fall visit to two of the lesser spoken of Six Flags properties- LaRonde in Montreal, Quebec; and Great Escape near Lake George, NY.

LaRonde and Great Escape Oct 1/2, 2005

Come along for an early Fall visit to two of the lesser spoken of Six ...

Updated: Oct 02, 2005 8:20pm PST

Six Flags and Paramount- A Great America Comparison : This past summer, by chance I visited both Paramount's Great America (Santa Clara, CA) and Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, IL) within two weeks of one another. This gallery features several comparison (and some contrast) shots taken from similar angles in both parks. Other photos compare similar attractions at each park. Both of these theme parks opened as near twins in 1976 as Marriot's Great America. Over the years, both parks have gone their separate ways, but several attributes of each facility remain similar.

Six Flags and Paramount- A Great America Comparison

This past summer, by chance I visited both Paramount's Great America ( ...

Updated: Sep 10, 2005 9:19pm PST

A Quick Visit to Williams Grove : In an era of cookie cutter mega theme parks, a visit to a "place" like Williams Grove is most certainly refreshing. Mickey Hughes has owned and operated this "place" since 1972. Mickey was a famed ride importer- responsible for much of the ride sales of large European rides from the 1940s through the 1960s. After Palisades Park closed, he packed it in and settled down on the ranch in Mechanicsburg, PA- a southwestern suburb of Harrisburg. Words really can't fully describe the Williams Grove experience, so I hope these photos help.

A Quick Visit to Williams Grove

In an era of cookie cutter mega theme parks, a visit to a "place" like ...

Updated: Sep 10, 2005 7:13am PST

Oktoberfest 2003 Munchen : It's that time of year again- Oktoberfest! Digging through my old files, I found these photos taken at Oktoberfest 2003. Words can not describe what a busy Saturday night on the big midway in Munchen is like. Up to 1,000,000 people per DAY visit this fair to drink, ride, drink, and drink. Sorry for the somewhat poor quality of the photos- 2.3 megapixels doesn't really work at night, but it's all I had at the time.

Oktoberfest 2003 Munchen

It's that time of year again- Oktoberfest! Digging through my old fil ...

Updated: Sep 08, 2005 8:02am PST

MFI, SFDL, Seabreeze, Sylvan Lake Labor Day Weekend 2005 : Over Labor Day Weekend, 2005, Amanda and I visited several great parks in Western New York. Come along for the ride!

MFI, SFDL, Seabreeze, Sylvan Lake Labor Day Weekend 2005

Over Labor Day Weekend, 2005, Amanda and I visited several great parks ...

Updated: Sep 06, 2005 6:23pm PST