When the husband-and-wife team of Julien Patterson and Terri Wesselman “retired” to rural Virginia, they discovered that the Chesapeake Bay community could use some attractions. So they built a movie theater and family entertainment center complete…
Read MoreCategory: Other Parks
Wild rides and wild animals at Busch Gardens Tampa
The Florida theme park is heralded for both its world-class roller coasters and other rides as well as its animal exhibits. Among its pulse-pounding attractions are the dive coaster, SheiKra, the launched coaster, Cheetah Hunt,…
Read More
Amusement parks embody the American story
I love theme parks and amusement parks. If you are reading this, chances are that you do as well. But what is behind this love affair? And what impact have parks had on American culture–and…
Read More
Take a ride back in time on National Roller Coaster Day
This Roller Coaster Day, consider riding the rails of some of the oldest thrill machines still operating in the U.S. There are 14 vintage rides which date back to the 1920s or earlier. And lest…
Read More
Colorado park defies odds with mountaintop roller coaster
What a view! When they crest the vertical lift hill, passengers aboard Defiance, the new Gerstlauer coaster that’s coming to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 2022, will be treated to soaring vistas…
Read More
The women of Holiday World make a splash
It’s a family affair at Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in rural Indiana. A gem of a place, it is one of the few remaining major, independent parks in the U.S. Sisters Leah and Lauren…
Read More
How to hit the bricks at Legoland California
As with the other Legoland parks, the California location (which was the first in the U.S.) is geared to the under-12 set and is loaded with toned-down attractions, many of which include interactive elements. In…
Read More
Want to go for a ride in January? The coaster is clear at these parks
The season just got a whole lot longer at seasonal parks. Some regional parks, such as Six Flags Over Texas near Dallas and Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia are extending their operational calendars and are…
Read More
These are among the best theme parks in the world
There are many wonderful theme parks across the globe. How might one approach the daunting task of narrowing the list down to the ten best? One way would be to use the Liseberg Applause Award…
Read More
The 10 most iconic steel roller coasters
Once Disneyland opened Matterhorn Bobsleds, the world’s first tubular steel roller coaster, in 1959, steel coasters gained popularity and eventually overtook wooden coasters in sheer numbers. With more then 5,000 now dotting the planet, which…
Read More