#the amusement park is Castaway Cove

[echo-goes-mmm]

Anniversary Present (Oneshot)

My Writing Masterpost

Warnings: slight dubcon, manipulation, minor character death, blood, past stalking

“I’m hungry,” complained Victor. 

Henry glanced at the vampire, then into his side mirror. “I’m driving.”

“So pull over.”

“I can’t,” he protested. “There’s no place to park.” They had circled the lot once already, but there were no spots. If Victor hadn’t insisted on spending the weekend at the beach of all places, this wouldn’t have happened.

“It’s a Friday evening on a holiday,” he explained. “It’ll be a while.” Victor grumbled, but at least he seemed placated. 

It had been three years since Victor ‘claimed’ him like some sort of stalker, and Henry hadn’t been able to shake him. Now he was stuck with Victor, and sometimes he could fool himself into normalcy. Like some kind of fucked-up sitcom. See the vampire and his unwilling roommate, every evening at 7pm on FOX! Or something. Henry didn’t watch cable.

“Look,” said Victor, “there’s a spot.”

“Finally,” groaned Henry. Another car came down the aisle, and he put on the turn signal and waited for them to pass so he could pull in. But instead, the BMW swerved into the spot, nearly dinging him in the process. Asshole.

Victor hissed. 

“Don’t,” Henry said. “It’s literally okay.” 

Victor sighed. “Fine.” 

Eventually, they found a spot in another lot, but there was a fee. Henry grumbled as Victor drank an evening snack from him. What a jerk, and of course it was a BMW. Brand new, too. Henry thought of his 20 year old beater and tried not to be jealous.

Whatever.

Victor had made reservations to a nice restaurant on the boardwalk for the two of them, which was hilarious. Victor could eat human food, it just did nothing for him except taste good. He was always dragging Henry to fancy places.

The perks of having a rich vampire eat off him, he supposed.

Victor disappeared after paying for dinner, with a promise to meet him at the rental later. Typical. 

But Henry had a little cash to burn, and the boardwalk was fun. He ate frozen custard (peanut butter and chocolate) and looked at ridiculously priced swimsuits on sale. He watched people come in and out of novelty stores, and got himself a box of saltwater taffy. It was nice, he thought, as a charming family went into the amusement park.

Of course, the downside to this little vacation was Victor. He was going to do something this weekend, he could feel it. 

Henry was a snack, a little amusement that Victor liked to keep under his thumb.

Henry hated when Victor dragged home a meal.

He shuddered, the warm night air suddenly suffocating. He took another bite of his frozen custard and told himself not to think about it.

He got to the rental house hours later (after somehow mixing up where he’d parked) and Victor was there as promised. 

“So,” said Victor, “there’s this cute little diner in town. We should go there for breakfast.” 

“Yeah, sure.”

Victor frowned. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I guess. Just tired.” 

“Oh. Well, the bedroom on the right is yours. Goodnight.” Suspicious.

“‘Night.” The drive was pretty draining, so Henry fell asleep quickly.

___________________

Victor dragged him to the diner around nine. He looked a little funny dressed in pants and a hoodie in this weather, but it was sunny out and, well, vampire.

Henry woke up in a much better mood than yesterday. He ordered a short stack of blueberry pancakes with a side of sausage and it was divine.

Victor bid him a good day after breakfast and went to sleep. Henry took the opportunity to spend the rest of the day at the beach. It was a great weather out, and he swam in the ocean a couple times before making it back to the rental. He even splurged and got some barbeque from a place on the boardwalk for lunch.

But soon the sun would be down, and Victor would be hungry. He headed back to the rental house.

After the feeding, he was more worn out than usual. He hadn’t been on a vacation in a while, and he’d forgotten how tiring it was to relax. He went to sleep soon after.

___________________

“Henry. Hey, Henry!” Victor whispered. He groaned and sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. 

“What?” Victor’s red eyes glowed down at him. Victor flashed him a toothy grin. He glanced at the clock. Midnight. And why could he smell pizza?

“I got you a present.” 

“Huh?” 

“Just come see!” Henry stumbled into the living room and flipped the switch.

“Oh my god!”

A guy was tied up and gagged in the middle of the floor. Pizza boxes sat on the table, with a bunch of booze and soda. The man made a frantic sound from behind the gag.

“What the fuck?” he said. Victor flopped on the couch. He titled his head and grinned.

“It’s the man who cut you off earlier. And I also got dinner and that novelty soda you like. The one that tastes like sour candy.”

“Yeah, I can see that.”

Fuck. Again? Victor had never been caught before, but this was insane. 

Why was his life like this? Ugh. Whatever.

He crossed the room and took a slice of pizza. It was amazingly good, actually. It really was true that the best New York style pizza was in New Jersey. He ignored Mr. BMW struggling against the ropes.

He twisted off the cap to the soda and some vodka. He was gonna need it. Henry turned back to the scene to see Victor teasing Mr. BMW. Muffled shouts came from behind the gag.

Henry knew how scary it was, seeing a vampire for the first time. But he couldn’t bring himself to care anymore. It was normal, now.

“I think he wants to say something,” grinned Victor. He plucked the gag from Mr. BMW.

“I- I’m so sorry,” he said, looking back and forth between them. “Please don’t kill me!” he sniffed. Henry shifted, uncomfortable.

“You’re not sorry,” snarled Victor, “You’re just sorry you got caught. Nobody gets to be an asshole to my human. Nobody.”

“It’s just a parking spot, Victor. Not a big deal.” Victor turned to him. He shrank back. 

“You don’t get to decide that,” he said. 

“What-”

“I’m making your life better. Remember that boss you hated? I took care of it. And now you don’t hate your job. This is for you, Henry.” He yanked the man’s hair, baring his neck. 

He sank his teeth into the man, drinking long and deep. Henry’s mind whirled. Had Victor really been killing off everyone who was mean to him? 

Victor finished, the man’s head lolling. 

“Look at him,” purred Victor, voice husky. “He’s still alive. Think he’ll chalk it up to a dream, or pass on to the next life?”

He came close, blood smeared over his mouth. He stepped right up to Henry, taking his chin in hand.

Henry whimpered.

“Don’t be scared,” cooed Victor against his lips. Victor kissed him, copper on his tongue. 

What was happening?

Victor pulled away, pupils blown. His cool hand came to rest on his ass.

“Victor-” he started, but for some reason he couldn’t, didn’t, pull away.

“You’re so beautiful,” he said. A curl of heat smoldered in Henry’s gut. “Three years,” continued Victor, “and I never told you that. Isn’t that strange?”

“Ye- yeah.” Victor pressed a kiss to his throat, mouthing up to just under his jaw.

“Wait-” he said, regaining himself. Victor paused, pulling away. “All those restaurants, all those presents, were- were they-”

“Dates? Yeah,” admitted Victor. “You needed a stronger hint.”

Fuck. He’d seen the way Victor looked at him, the way he waited in the car under a blanket for hours just for Henry to get off work. He thought it was just hunger, and it was, but it was more than that. And Victor was attractive, and mostly kind-

The dying man behind them groaned.

And it was too much. “I don’t want this,” he whispered. Victor stepped away, turning from him.

“Please,” said Henry, “I’m sorry-”

“No, you’re not,” said Victor. His heart sank. Victor was finally going to kill him. 

But then Victor turned, and he didn’t look mad at all. 

“It’s okay,” he said, stepping close again. And his eyes, they were so pretty now. So big and deep, and what was he thinking about? “You just need a little nudge.”

Oh yeah. 

Victor was attractive, and mostly kind, and took him to places he never could have afforded and-

He snorted. His life was already so goddamn weird.

“Sure, why not? It’s not like you’re going anywhere,” said Henry. “Might as well make the most of it.”

“Exactly what I was thinking,” agreed Victor. 

Victor kissed him again, and they fumbled their way to the couch. He wanted Victor, and he wanted him now, witness be damned.

The man was dying anyway.

___________________

Henry woke up the next morning in a great mood. Last night was just… incredible. It was so obvious, he couldn’t believe he missed it.

He snuggled back into Victor’s cool arms. 

Sure, it was fucked up, but who cared? Victor was hot and financially stable (aka rich as hell) and took care of him.

It just made sense.

Maybe he could get a nice car if he asked Victor.

___________________

He was a genius. Just a little nudge. Wasn’t even cheating, really. Charming never worked for so long.

Henry still had his personality the whole night, so it didn’t even count as Charming him. Just a tiny, itty bitty nudge, and his precious little human had finally given in to his wooing. They had a wonderful night of pizza, drinking, and sex. 

So good.

Draining that pesky little boyfriend four years ago had finally paid off. 

He was an asshole anyway.

taglist: @paintedpigeon1

[vacationbyowners1]

Kissimmee Vacation Homes

Kissimmee is central Floridian region and  popular peaceful family vacation destination. Kissimmee’s nearness to Orland makes it excellent place for families to stay and explore Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, Castaway Cove Adventure Park, Gatorland, Fun Spot America, and numerous aquatic water parks. Kid’s friendly Kissimmee Vacation Homes are nestled close to amusement parks and Lake Toho. People want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando choose Kissimmee as their base camp to explore vacation amenities.\

[mavriksan]

Best  Motels in Sandusky Ohio You must Book

Covid 19 has changed the way we used to plan our vacation. Our bucket list is left in some corner and we don’t even bother to check it out. But the world will heal and everything will be fine at some point of time. All you have to do is keep making the plans as we all know life is once and we can’t live it twice. Planning a vacation with your loved ones is one of the best things you can do for yourself. This summer you should definitely plan to go to your favorite destination. Book the best motels in Sandusky, Ohio as this place is brimming with hidden treasures and waiting for you to explore.

 Here are the list of motels in Sandusky, Ohio that you must visit: 

1.     Cedar Cove: This place is located in Sandusky near Cedar point. This wonderful hotel is located within 4.5 km of Cedar Point and 9.7 km of Kalahari Waterpark.

The hotel  provides many luxury amenities with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and free private parking for guests who drive. The hotel is  almost  7-minutes away as you can walk or run  from Castaway Bay Waterpark.

Moreover, it is only 3.2 km from Merry Go Round Museum & 3.4 km from Sandusky State Theatre. The motel features family rooms.

●      Rooms are equipped with air conditioning.

●      A flat-screen TV with cable channels.

●      A coffee machine

●       A shower, a hairdryer and a desk.

●      Rooms are complete with a private bathroom equipped with a bath and free toiletries, while certain units at the motel also provide guests with a terrace.

2.     Mecca Motel Sandusky :

 The most popular and most visited Mecca Sandusky, Ohio motel is just 4.8 km from Cedar Point Amusement Park and features free Wi-Fi access. If you are running out of data packs and looking for some free wifi zone then this is the best place for you. The African Safari Wildlife Park is 24.1 km away. You will be super happy by knowing the facts that the Mecca Motel Sandusky include cable TV and a private bathroom. The interiors and the decor are simply beautifully styled with wooden furnishings & carpeted floors. You will also get the benefits of  free parking at the Sandusky Mecca Motel. Air conditioning is also provided. The Red Gable Mesquite Grill is just a 2-minute walk from the motel. Dianna's Deli & Restaurant is 1.6 km away. The Grand  Sandusky Mall Shopping Center is a 10-minute drive from the motel. The Merry-Go-Round Museum is 4.8 km away.

3.     Wolf Inn Hotel:

If you are completely blank and don’t know where to go, then come straight to Wolf Inn hotel. This place is near to every great excitement rich destination.  Cedar point amusement park, Sandusky mall, sandusky speedway are all located near to this place.

 Don’t wait for the perfect timing, just head out to your dream destination this vacation and spend some quality time with your loved ones. 

If you are wondering where to stay in Sandusky then you must visit: https://wolfinnhotel.com/gallery.html.

[passiongracelb]

Bucket Full of Memories, Theme Parks around the United States

I love going to theme parks so here is a list of all the theme parks from around the United States

Alabama Alabama Splash Adventure, Bessemer Southern Adventures, Huntsville Spring Park, Tuscumbia Waterville USA, Gulf Shores Alaska Roadrunner Amusement Park, Anchorage ArizonaEdit Castles N' Coasters, Phoenix Enchanted Island, Phoenix Funtasticks Family Fun Park, Tucson Golf n' Stuff, Tucson Golfland Sunsplash, Mesa Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek Wildlife World, Litchfield Park Arkansas Fast Lane Entertainment, Lowell Funland Amusement Park, North Little Rock Magic Springs and Crystal Falls, Hot Springs California Northern California Blackbeard's Family Entertainment Center, Fresno Boomers, Fresno Funderland, Sacramento Fun Town at Micke Grove, Lodi Gilroy Gardens, Gilroy Golfland, Castro Valley, Milpitas, Roseville, San Jose, and Sunnyvale Kiwanis Kiddieland, Merced Roseville Golfland Sunsplash, Roseville Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz Scandia Amusements, Rohnert Park and Sacramento Sonoma TrainTown Railroad, Sonoma San Francisco California's Great America, Santa Clara Children's Fairyland, Oakland Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, San Jose Pixieland Amusement Park, Concord Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo Los Angeles Golf 'N' Stuff, Norwalk Mountasia Family Fun Center, Valencia Pacific Park, Santa Monica Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia SpeedZone Los Angeles Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City Orange County Adventure City, Anaheim Boomers, Fountain Valley Disneyland Resort Disney California Adventure, Anaheim Disneyland, Anaheim Golfland, Anaheim Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park Riverside County Castle Park, Riverside San Bernardino County Alpine Slide at Magic Mountain, Big Bear Lake Boomers, Upland Fiesta Village Family Fun Park, Colton Scandia Amusement Park, Ontario and Victorville San Diego Belmont Park, San Diego Boomers, El Cajon Frasier's Frontier, El Cajon Legoland California, Carlsbad SeaWorld San Diego ColoradoEdit Elitch Gardens, Denver Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs Heritage Square, Golden Lakeside Amusement Park, Lakeside Mile High Flea Market, Henderson City Park, Pueblo Santa's Workshop, Cascade ConnecticutEdit Lake Compounce, Bristol Quassy Amusement Park, Middlebury Delaware Funland, Rehoboth Beach Jungle Jim's Adventure World, Rehoboth Beach Florida North Florida Adventure Landing, Jacksonville Beach Big Kahuna's, Destin Cobra Adventure Park, Panama City Beach Fast Eddies Fun Center, Pensacola Race City PCB, Panama City Beach Sam's Fun City & Sam's Surf City, Pensacola Shipwreck Island, Panama City Beach Wild Willy's Adventure Zone, Fort Walton Beach Central Florida Andretti Thrill Park, Melbourne Boardwalk Amusements, Daytona Beach Busch Gardens Tampa, Tampa Celebration Station, Clearwater Daytona Lagoon, Daytona Beach Dinosaur World, Plant City Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island Legoland Florida, Winter Haven Weeki Wachee Springs, Weeki Wachee Greater Orlando Fun Spot America - Kissimmee, Kissimmee Fun Spot America - Orlando, Orlando Gatorland, Orlando Give Kids the World Village, Kissimmee Holy Land Experience, Orlando Magical Midway, Orlando Old Town, Kissimmee SeaWorld Orlando Discovery Cove, Orlando SeaWorld Orlando, Orlando Universal Orlando Universal Studios Florida, Orlando Universal's Islands of Adventure, Orlando Walt Disney World Disney's Animal Kingdom, Bay Lake Disney's Hollywood Studios, Bay Lake Epcot, Bay Lake Magic Kingdom, Bay Lake South Florida Kidstar Park, Port Charlotte Santa's Enchanted Forest, Miami Uncle Bernie's Amusement Park, Fort Lauderdale Zoomers Family Amusement Park, Fort Myers Beach Georgia Adventure Crossing, Augusta All American Fun Park, Albany Alpine Park, Helen Black Mountain Alpine Coaster, Helen Fun Spot Atlanta, Fayetteville Lake Winnepesaukah, Rossville Six Flags Over Georgia, Austell Wild Adventures, Valdosta Hawaii Maui Golf and Sports Park, Wailuku Sea Life Park Hawaii, Oahu IdahoEdit Silverwood Theme Park, Athol Wahooz Family Fun Zone, Meridian Yellowstone Bear World, Rexburg Illinois Donley's Wild West Town, Union Enchanted Castle, Lombard Go Bananas, Norridge Grady's Family Fun Park, Bloomington Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort, Utica Haunted Trails, Burbank and Joliet Knight's Action Park, Springfield Odyssey Fun World, Tinley Park Pirates Cove, Elk Grove Village Safari Land, Villa Park Santa's Village AZoosment Park, Dundee Six Flags Great America, Gurnee Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Gurnee Indiana Team Combat, Tactical Laser Tag for Adults, Teens & 8-12 Year Olds, Hobart Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, Santa Claus Indiana Beach, Monticello Iowa Adventureland, Altoona Arnolds Park, Arnolds Park Lost Island Amusement Park, Waterloo Kansas All Star Adventures, Wichita Kiddieland, Pittsburg Kentucky Beech Bend Park, Bowling Green Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville Malibu Jack’s Indoor Theme Park, Lexington Louisiana Blue Bayou and Dixie Landin', Baton Rouge Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, New Orleans Celebration Station, Baton Rouge Maine Funtown Splashtown USA, Saco Palace Playland, Old Orchard Beach York's Wild Kingdom, York Beach Maryland Adventure Park USA, New Market Baja Amusements, Ocean City Jolly Roger Amusement Park, Ocean City Jolly Roger at the Pier, Ocean City Laugh Out Loud Stations, Greenbelt Six Flags America, Upper Marlboro Trimper's Rides, Ocean City Wisp Resort, McHenry Massachusetts Edaville USA, Carver Salem Willows, Salem Six Flags New England, Agawam Michigan A-Maze-N Mirrors, Mackinaw City Adventure Island Family Fun Park, Cadillac Arzo Sports & Fun Park, Alpena Cedar Valley's Wild Frontier Fun Park, Comins CJ Barrymore's Family Entertainment Center, Clinton Township Deer Acres Storybook Amusement Park, Pinconning Full Blast, Battle Creek Funland Amusement Park, Houghton Lake Jeepers, Sterling Heights Kokomo's Family Fun Center, Saginaw Michigan's Adventure, Muskegon Nelis' Dutch Village, Holland Minnesota Como Town, St. Paul Nickelodeon Universe, Bloomington Paul Bunyan Land, Brainerd Spirit Mountain, Duluth Valleyfair, Shakopee Mississippi Brookhaven Exchange Club Park, Brookhaven Missouri Branson Coaster, Branson Branson Tracks, Branson Branson Mountain Adventure Park, Branson Hydro Adventures, Poplar Bluff Miner Mike's Adventure Town, Osage Beach Mountain Adventure Resort, Branson Silver Dollar City, Branson Six Flags St. Louis, Eureka Worlds of Fun, Kansas City MontanaEdit Amusement Park Drive In, Laurel Big Sky Water Park, Columbia Falls NebraskaEdit Fun-Plex, Omaha SkateDaze, Omaha Nevada Adventuredome, Las Vegas Akita Plaza, Las Vegas Buffalo Bill's, Primm Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix, Las Vegas Playland Park, Reno New York-New York Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Stratosphere Las Vegas, Las Vegas Wild Island, Sparks New Hampshire Attitash Mountain Resort, Bartlett Candia Springs Adventure Park, Candia Canobie Lake Park, Salem Cranmore Mountain Adventure Park, North Conway Clark's Trading Post, Lincoln Fort Jefferson Fun Park, Jefferson Fun-World, Nashua Santa's Village, Jefferson Story Land, Glen New Jersey Action Park, Vernon Blackbeard's Cave, Bayville Bowcraft Playland, Scotch Plains Casino Pier, Seaside Heights Central Pier Arcade & Speedway, Atlantic City Clementon Amusement Park, Clementon Fantasy Island, Beach Haven Funplex, Mount Laurel Gillian's Wonderland Pier, Ocean City iPlay America, Freehold Jenkinson's Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach Keansburg Amusement Park, Keansburg Land of Make Believe, Hope Morey's Piers, Wildwood Playland's Castaway Cove, Ocean City Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson Steel Pier, Atlantic City Wild West City [1], Byram Township, New Jersey Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Township New Mexico Cliff's Amusement Park, Albuquerque Western Playland, Sunland Park New York Downstate New York Adventureland, Farmingdale Adventurers Family Entertainment Center, Brooklyn Country Fair Entertainment Park, Medford Boomer's Family Fun Center, Medford Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, Brooklyn Fantasy Forest at the Flushing Meadows Carousel, Flushing Fantasy Shore Amusement Park, Staten Island Kids 'N Action, Brooklyn Luna Park, Coney Island, Brooklyn Playland, Rye Victorian Gardens, New York City Upstate New York Darien Lake, Darien Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Old Forge Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom, Lake George Greek Peak Mountain Resort, Cortland Hoffman's Playland, Latham Holiday Valley, Ellicottville Huck Finn's Playland, Albany Magic Forest Park, Lake George Fantasy Island, Grand Island Midway State Park, Maple Springs Legoland New York, Goshen (starting construction in 2017, planned to open in 2019)[1] Party Zone USA, Middletown Santa's Workshop, Wilmington Seabreeze Amusement Park, Rochester Sylvan Beach Amusement Park, Sylvan Beach North Carolina Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park, Carolina Beach Carowinds, Charlotte Deadwood, Williamston Ghost Town Village, Maggie Valley Great Wolf Lodge, Concord NASCAR Speedpark, Concord Santa's Land, Cherokee Tweetsie Railroad, Boone North Dakota Grand Forks Theme Park, Grand Forks[citation needed](Scheduled) Super Slide Amusement Park, Bismarck Ohio The Beach at Adventure Landing, Mason Cedar Point, Sandusky Cherry Valley Lodge, Newark Comfort Inn Splash Harbor, Bellville Coney Island, Cincinnati Coshocton Lake Park Recreational Complex, Coshocton Erieview Park, Geneva FunTimes Fun Park, Alliance Howard's Apples Farm Market, Bainbridge Jungle Jack's Landing, Powell Kings Island, Mason Lincoln Park Family Aquatic Center, Marion Long's Retreat Family Resort, Latham Memphis Kiddie Park, Brooklyn Pioneer Waterland & Dry Fun Park, Chardon Richland Carrosuel Park, Mansfield Sluggers & Putters, Canal Fulton Stricker's Grove, Ross Swings-N-Things Family Fun Park, Olmsted Township Tuscora Park, New Philadelphia Oklahoma Bell's Kiddieland, Tulsa Eagle Park, Cache Frontier City, Oklahoma City Kiddy Park, Bartlesville Oregon Enchanted Forest, Turner Oaks Amusement Park, Portland Pennsylvania Brandywine Picnic Park, West Chester Carousel Village at Indian Walk, Wrightstown Camelback Mountain Resort, Tannersville Conneaut Lake Park, Conneaut Lake DelGrosso's Amusement Park, Tipton Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown (Dorneyville) Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster Fun Fore All, Cranberry Township Hersheypark, Hershey Idlewild and Soak Zone, Ligonier Kennywood, West Mifflin Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg Lakemont Park, Altoona Pocono Play Park, East Stroudsburg Sesame Place, Langhorne Split Rock Resort, Lake Harmony Waldameer Park, Erie Rhode Island Adventureland, Narragansett Atlantic Beach Park, Westerly South Carolina Broadway Grand Prix, Myrtle Beach Carowinds, Fort Mill Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Myrtle Beach O.D. Pavilion Amusement Park, North Myrtle Beach Pavilion Park, Myrtle Beach Pedroland, Dillon South Dakota Evan's Plunge, Hot Springs Flags & Wheels Indoor Racing, Rapid City Rush Mountain Adventure Park, Keystone Storybook Island, Rapid City Thunder Road Family Fun Park, Aberdeen Tennessee Anakeesta Gatlinburg Goats on the Roof, Pigeon Forge Dollywood, Pigeon Forge Fun Stop, Pigeon Forge Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster, Gatlinburg Incredible Pizza Company, Cordova The Island in Pigeon Forge, Pigeon Forge NASCAR Speedpark, Sevierville Ober Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Rockin' Raceway, Pigeon Forge Rowdy Bear Mountain Gatlinburg Sir Goony's Fun Zone, Chattanooga Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, Pigeon Forge Wilderness at the Smokies, Sevierville Texas Adventure Kingdom, Lumberton Aquatica, San Antonio Austin's Park N Pizza, Pflugerville Downtown Aquarium, Houston Elise's Family Fun Center, Winnie Funtrackers, Corpus Christi Funplex, Houston Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, Galveston Grand Texas Theme Park, New Caney (planned, opening April 2020) Joyland Amusement Park, Lubbock Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah Kiddie Park Of San Antonio, San Antonio Morgan's Wonderland, San Antonio NRH2O, North Richland Hills Sandy Lake Amusement Park, Carrollton SeaWorld San Antonio, San Antonio Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San Antonio Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington Tilt Studio, Katy (inside Katy Mills) Wonderland Park, Amarillo YesterLand Farm, Canton ZDT's Amusement Park, Seguin Zuma Fun Center, Houston Utah Boondocks Fun Center, Kaysville-Draper Cherry Hill Resort, Kaysville Lagoon Amusement Park, Farmington Vermont Bromley, Vermont's Summer Adventure, Peru Killington Resort, Killington Virginia Atlantic Fun Park, Virginia Beach Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Williamsburg Central Park Fun-Land, Fredericksburg Go-Karts Plus, Williamsburg Kings Dominion, Doswell Motor World, Virginia Beach Washington Pier 57, Seattle Remlinger Farms, Carnation Riverfront Park, Spokane Washington State Fair, Puyallup Wild Waves Theme Park, Federal Way West VirginiaEdit Camden Park, Huntington Wisconsin Bay Beach Amusement Park, Green Bay Knucklehead's Bowling & Family Entertainment, Wisconsin Dells Little Amerricka, Marshall Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, Wisconsin Dells Paul Bunyan's Adventure Golf, Wisconsin Dells Riverside Amusement Park, La Crosse Riverview Park & Waterworld, Wisconsin Dells Timbavatvi Wildlife Park/Storybook Gardens, Wisconsin Dells Timber Falls Adventure Park, Wisconsin Dells Wyoming Cowboy Carousel Center, Buffalo Puerto Rico Cayo Lobos Marine Park, Cayo Lobos Children's Dream Park, Añasco Fun Valley Park, Arecibo Jungle Park PR, Bayamón Parque de las Ciencias, Bayamón Villa Campestre, Guaynabo

[safety-locksmith]

The 8 Most Exciting Amusement Parks In Las Vegas!

Las Vegas, Nevada is one of the most exciting cities in the world for travelers of all types. Of course, it has its famous casinos and nightclubs that attract millions of visitors per year. However, the city also promises to be a treat for children and families as well, with Disneyland-style entertainment options throughout town. Let's take a look at some of these top-rated amusement parks in Las Vegas, Nevada!

The Adventuredome at Circus Circus

The Adventuredome at Circus Circus is the largest indoor theme park in the world. It's about an hour north of The Strip, but it's worth the trip for thrill seekers looking for heart-pounding rides and attractions. There are more than 30 rides, including roller coasters, water slides, and arcade games.

The park is open from early April through late October. Hours vary by day, but it's open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Admission is $25 per person on weekdays and $27 on weekends. Children must be at least 6 years old to ride the rides.

Wet'n Wild Water Park

One of the largest water parks in Nevada, Wet'n Wild Water Park features more than 35 rides, slides, and exhibits spread across more than 100 acres. There are several different themed areas in the park including Castaway Cove and Tiki Beach. Castaway Cove offers guests a tropical getaway complete with cabanas, palm trees, and lounge chairs overlooking the pool area below. Tiki Beach has a South Pacific theme with tiki huts serving as changing rooms for guests who want to take advantage of this area's many waterslides.

MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park

MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park is the only amusement park in Las Vegas. It is located inside the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. The park has all the rides you would expect to find at an amusement park, including roller coasters, water slides, bumper cars, go-karts, and more.

The park also has several entertainment venues including a mini-golf course, batting cages, and a miniature-golf course. There are also live shows at the park featuring your favorite characters from cartoons and movies like SpongeBob Squarepants, Scooby Doo, and Shrek.

Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix

The Las Vegas Mini Gran Prix is a go-kart racing park located in the heart of Las Vegas. It’s an indoor and outdoor facility, so it can be enjoyed year-round. The track features three separate tracks for different skill levels, including an indoor circuit that has a miniature replica of the Las Vegas Strip. There are also several games for kids and adults alike to play while they wait for their turn at the wheel.

The park offers regular races, as well as special events like Halloween parties, Christmas parties, and more! You can also rent out the entire facility for your own private event or birthday party.

Nellis Dunes Recreation Area

A 15-minute drive from the Las Vegas Strip is the Nellis Dunes Recreation Area. It's a great place to explore on your own or with your family. The dunes are open year-round, but they're most popular during the spring and fall.

The dunes are a popular spot for off-roaders and there are several trails that run through the area. You can also rent ATVs and other vehicles in the recreation area. If you want some privacy, you'll want to book one of the campsites here as well.

The Roller Coaster at New York-New York Hotel & Casino

If you love roller coasters and you love New York, then this is the ride for you. It's a perfect combination of both worlds, as it's a high-speed roller coaster with a loop-de-loop that takes you through Manhattan and into the streets of New York. It's an exciting ride for kids and adults alike!

The rides at the Adventuredome are some of the most popular in Las Vegas. They include many different types of rides, such as bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, a tilt-a-whirl, and more! There is also an arcade area where kids can play games while they wait for their turn on one of the rides.

This amusement park features 10 different rides, including two roller coasters and one water ride. The two roller coasters are called Tatsu (which stands for "dragon" in Japanese), and it will take you on a wild ride at speeds up to 45 mph through loops, corkscrews, and drops! If you're looking for something more relaxing than that, then check out Vortex which is another roller coaster but with smaller drops and sharper turns than Tatsu. For those who prefer

The Stratosphere Tower Thrill Rides

The Stratosphere Tower Thrill Rides is one of the best things to do in Vegas. They have 4 thrill rides, including Insanity and X-Scream, where you can get a bird’s eye view of the city as you plummet in free fall at speeds of up to 40 mph! If you are brave enough, try the Big Shot ride, where you will be shot 350 feet into the air at 45 mph. The Insanity Ride is a giant swing that swings riders back and forth while they look at the Las Vegas Strip. X Scream is an extreme drop tower where riders experience gravity like never before by going from 0-60 mph in less than 2 seconds! You can also take a ride on SkyJump which lets you jump over 800 feet off The Stratosphere Tower! This is one of the most exciting things to do in Las Vegas!

High Roller at the LINQ Promenade

The LINQ Promenade is one of the most popular entertainment districts in Las Vegas.

The High Roller at the LINQ Promenade is the world's tallest observation wheel and a must-visit attraction for anyone looking for a unique experience. The ride features 28 glass-enclosed cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer impressive views of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding areas.

The High Roller takes 30 minutes to complete one revolution and makes a full revolution every 60 seconds. It's located on the rooftop of The LINQ Hotel & Casino, which was named after its location on the "LINQ" pedestrian promenade between Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard.

Takeaway: Whether this list helped you make plans for your next trip to Las Vegas or you already know every attraction in Las Vegas, we hope that you've enjoyed our list. Do you have any favorite amusement parks in Las Vegas that we neglected to include on this list? Make sure to let us know in the comments section below this blog and we will add it to our list of things to see in Las Vegas. Until then, happy sightseeing and enjoy yourself at one of these amazing landmarks!

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Romantic Things To Do In LOs Angeles

One of the reasons that Los Angeles is such a popular tourist attraction is that it evokes a romantic ideal of Hollywood history, all whilst boasting highly instagrammable beaches and atmospheric nature reserves. The city of Los Angeles - or the city of dreams as it is sometimes nicknamed - is certainly a great place to stay on a couples retreat. There are plenty of Los Angeles romantic hotels to choose from as well as some of the best beaches, tours and historic sites as well.

One particular area of Los Angeles that is often overlooked but perfect for couples visiting is the quieter South Bay neighborhoods. Including the likes of Redondo, Manhattan, Hermosa and Torrance Beach, the area sits between Santa Monica and San Pedro Bays and has a lot more low key attractions to visit than might seem on the surface. With Miyako Hybrid Hotel weddings, beautiful coastlines and bike trails, this blog will outline some of the romantic days out in this overlooked area of Los Angeles.

Manhattan Beach Pier

Manhattan Beach Pier is located in the historic district of the same name and attracts surfers, fishing enthusiasts and much more. With plenty of spots for a great date, Manhattan Beach Pier and its surrounding bars, cafes and amusements are perfect for a couples beachside wander. Make sure not to miss the historic and free to visit aquarium at the end of the 928 foot pier where you can learn about the marine life of the surrounding Pacific. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset before you return to your hotel in Torrance California.

Korean Bell Of Friendship

As long as your other half doesn’t take it as a sign of “friend zoning”, this lovely bronze bell in San Pedro’s Angel’s Gate Park is a great place to stop for a romantic picnic. Modeled on the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok the Great of Stilla, the Korean Bell of Friendship has unity at its very core, having been erected to symbolize the friendship between the USA and South Korea.

Santa Catalina Island

Though not technically located on the South Bay, Santa Catalina Island is a quick ferry from Torrance and offers a beautiful getaway for couples from the city’s hustle and bustle. With a history as a Hollywood celebrity hangout, Santa Catalina Island offers everything from Whale watching tours to cliff diving, promising more adventurous couples heart pumping excursions as well as more relaxing spa days and restaurants.

Bluff Cove

Located in Palos Verdes, Bluff Cove is not only great for surfing but its tide pools, dramatic rock faces and shipwreck trails make for a truly romantic day out for couples. Enact your wildest Castaway dreams in this series of steep trails and quiet beach.

Ise-Shima Restaurant

Alongside its romantic hotel packages, the Miyako Hybrid Hotel is also home to one of the best Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles. From sushi to open grills, this tantalizing restaurant promises plenty of variety including miyako, Omakase and plenty more, all prepared in front of you.

Hermosa Beach Pier

With a history dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, Hermosa Beach Pier is set on the coast of this South Bay neighborhood and promises lovely walks and scenic views. Sunsets here are also spectacular.

[travelsecret]

Top 5 Affordable Hotels Near Disneyland

There’s nothing quite a sort of a family vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth. Crazy rides, nice shows and a hearty dose of fun create pleasure ground a region of virtually each family’s bucket list.

But once you begin adding up the value tag of that wizard vacation, between fare or driving expenses, food, and drink, park passes in more than $100 per person, and after all the edifice, it will create everyone’s billfold a bit less happy.

While several folks may wish to provide their youngsters the “full experience” of staying within the park at one among Disney’s signature hotels, there are quite a few nice hotels simply outside the gates that square measure rather cheaper.

They offer several similar amenities because the park hotels however while not the high tag, still as perks like free breakfasts, swimming pools, and ample parking. Most square measure but a 15-minute walk to the park, and a few even have free shuttles to and from the most entrance.

Here square measures the highest 5 cheap hotels close to the funfair to assist you to propose the family vacation of your dreams.

Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playland

It’s no surprise that this Howard Johnson is taken into account a prime family building. With lots of amenities and a pirate-themed water park space, it’s virtual as fun because of the parks themselves! youngsters can love Castaway Cove, with its vast pirate, water slides and pool.

Parents can love the free Wi-Fi, free parking and also straightforward walkability to Disneyland and California's journey. Rooms are spacious and embody normal and premium sizes, furthermore as youngsters suites with bunk beds. Most of the rooms embody balconies, wherever you’ll have nice views of the parks and might catch the evening fireworks shows.

Anaheim Majestic Garden Hotel

Sitting on thirteen acres of manicured grounds that embody a koi pool, out of doors pool and Jacuzzi, the metropolisMajestic isn't solely good for families, it’s a calming oasis for anyone staying close to the park.

There is a bar and eating place onsite, furthermore as a lot of casual store service for fast snacks. The building is a certified Disney trafficker, therefore you'll purchase your tickets there before heading out. They conjointly supply a free shuttle, that runs to and from the park each half-hour. 

Anaheim Camelot Inn and Suites

The capital Inn’s charming interior decoration and classic European design most likely come concerning as shut as you'll be able to get to stay in Sleeping Beauty’s castle itself on a budget. one among Disneyland’s selected “Good Neighbor” hotels, the workers here goes out of their thanks to confirming every guest includes unforgettable expertise.

Amenities embody free Wi-Fi, a pool and deck with bathtub, laundry facilities and a present search. Park tickets will be purchased onsite, and it’s simply a fast walk across the road to the park itself. 

Hilton Anaheim

An old favorite of Disneyland fans, the Hilton city is found one mile from the park and boasts an outsized pool with a children’s play space and water slide, 2 Jacuzzis, onsite parking, a present search, and a rental table.

The kids can get pleasure from the filmmaker ornament around the property, and there are multiple restaurants onsite additionally as  many alternative eating choices within the neighborhood. The building employees may organize shuttle service to and from the parks.

Kings Inn Anaheim

Located simply 2 blocks from the amusement park, the Kings hostelry offers family-friendly expertise inside walking distance to the parks. With free parking, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast and a decent-sized pool and Jacuzzi, this edifice has the amenities you would like added to its affordable rates. It even features a guest laundry area, that is important for any traveling family.

King's hostelry has many area varieties to settle on from, and every one comes with air-conditioning, coffeemakers, and flat-screen televisions. It’s shut enough to require a noontide break from the parks and rest at the edifice before returning for the evening shows. 

[forktruck65-blog]

Visiting the Jersey Shore? Here’s what you should do

White-sand beaches and glittering bays are what draw people to the Jersey Shore, but there’s so much else on offer along this 127-mile stretch of scenic coastline. Each shore city has its own unique vibe, and the sites called out below tend to exemplify the towns themselves, from the pop-culture heritage of Asbury Park to the preservation-forward Cape May.

It’s easy to fall into a routine once you’re set on a shore town, so let this guide be a roadmap for exploring an unfamiliar locale for a day or two.

Sandy Hook

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook

The northernmost point of the Jersey Shore is also a federally protected wildlife area, where birding, boating, and beaching are at their finest. The Gateway National Recreation Area’s Sandy Hook division is a 45-minute ferry ride from midtown Manhattan, but feels like it’s an eternity away with its seven miles of paths for biking, running, and walking, plus its stretches of white sand and surf. Gateway is also a prime place to pitch a tent—on the approved campground, of course—for a night under the stars.

Asbury Park

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The Stone Pony

Called the “beating heart of Asbury Park” by the New York Times, the Stone Pony has been a pilgrimage site at the Jersey Shore for music lovers since the mid-1970s. It wasn’t uncommon to see a young Bruce Springsteen play alongside the small venue’s booked acts; in fact, the Boss is still known to make a casual appearance on stage or in the crowd. The venue, like Asbury Park itself, weathered a downturn in the last few decades, but is back with a vengeance, touting a killer summer line-up both inside the venue and on its outdoor summer stage.

Silverball Museum

Shade seekers on the Asbury Park Boardwalk will find a unique pitstop in the Silverball Museum, the museum-arcade-bar hybrid that pays homage to pinball machines from the 1960s to the present. The nostalgia-heavy destination is a walk through pop-culture history, and features a rotating collection of 600-plus machines including the 1967 Beat Time—from the height of Beatlemania—an original 1972 Atari Pong game, and the 1993 Twilight Zone game. Retro lovers, rejoice.

Ocean Grove

The Great Auditorium

The Great Auditorium, which dates to 1894, remains the cultural center of Ocean Grove, the shore town established as a spiritual getaway in the mid-1800s. Its acoustics have been compared to those of New York’s Carnegie Hall, and the auditorium has hosted memorable musicians like John Philip Sousa and preachers like Billy Sunday. The auditorium still hosts Sunday services and the spare musical act, but is worth checking out for its architecture alone. The building, a hybrid of Stick and Queen Anne styles, was constructed in just 92 working days with a stone foundation, iron bridge trusses, and a wood frame.

Ocean Township

Kane Brewing Company

A short drive inland from the beach at Allenhurst, Kane Brewing Company is an ideal place to find cover on a rainy weekend. The eight-year-old brewery has amassed a die-hard following, meaning its tasting room is lively in any weather. Brews here often take a nautical name, like Head High—the company’s signature IPA—Party Wave, or Outer Reef, but there’s nothing salty about them. Beware the brewery on release days, when lines are known to wrap around the building.

Point Pleasant

Castaway Cove Adventure Golf

Like beaches themselves, mini golf is ubiquitous at the Jersey Shore. Let Castaway Cove Adventure Golf on Point Pleasant’s Jenkinson’s Boardwalk be a jumping-off point for exploring the shore’s culture of weird and wacky putt-putt establishments.

Ocean County

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Island Beach State Park

The protected seaside of Island Beach State Park offers a genuine chance to get away from it all. Absent here are the raucous crowds of neighboring Seaside Heights—yes, the town from Jersey Shore—and the commercialism that comes with a boardwalk lining a beach. This habitat protects 10 miles of shoreline where unspoiled sand dunes, tidal marshes, and maritime forests exist in their full splendor.

Barnegat Light

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Barnegat Lighthouse State Park

This 32-acre state park is ripe for exploring, but don’t miss its namesake lighthouse. (It’s such a big deal to the area that the town renamed itself Barnegat Light in 1948.) The tower was commissioned in 1859, but deactivated as a Coast Guard lookout in 1944. It’s the second-tallest lighthouse in the country at 172 feet, and with that stature comes open views of Long Beach Island, the Atlantic Ocean, and Barnegat Bay. But be warned: Reaching the top of the lighthouse’s 217 winding stairs requires a bit of endurance.

Ship Bottom

Ron Jon Surf Shop

This surf-shop brand with a cult following started out as a meager shack at the beach in 1959. Those original oceanside digs have been upgraded to an 8,000-square-foot shrine to all things surf and sun. Don’t forget to grab a bumper sticker with the brand’s logo on it—you’ll be in good company on the Garden State Parkway.

Galloway

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Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge encompasses 47,000 acres of protected coastal habitat, and it’s a prime spot to see fish and other wildlife year-round. In the winter, bald eagles and black ducks roam the area; summer welcomes turtles and great blue herons. Birders, take note: The habitat is located under one of the Atlantic Flyway’s most active migration paths, so bring your binoculars.

Atlantic City

Steel Pier at Atlantic City.

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Steel Pier

Jutting 1,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, this 1898-built entertainment pier was home to the first Miss America pageants, and once hosted big-name acts like Frank Sinatra and the Rolling Stones. Today, its main attraction is a new 227-foot Ferris wheel, a symbol along the country’s oldest boardwalk that this seaside city of vice will always strive to reinvent itself to stay afloat.

James Candy Co.

When the James Candy Co. opened on the Atlantic City boardwalk some 140 years ago, a ride on the span’s newly introduced rolling chairs was all the rage. Now it’s easy to stroll past this attraction, which is sandwiched between a storefront for a psychic and tacky pseudo-museum Ripley’s Believe It or Not.

But stepping over its threshold will illuminate a world of nostalgia for what Atlantic City has, by and large, left behind. Here, at the longest continually operating business in the city, find classic sweets like saltwater taffy and creamy mint sticks packaged in throwback boxes. Though times have changed, their tastes remain the same.

The Quarter

Atlantic City’s reputation as bachelor and bachelorette party hotspot is earned at the Quarter, the Tropicana Hotel & Casino’s Old Havana-themed wing, which opened in 2004. Frozen drink emporium Wet Willie’s and nightclub Anthem are at the center of the action, while Planet Rose Karaoke Bar and ’70s-themed dance club Boogie Nights serve up some good old-fashioned entertainment.

Margate City

Lucy the Elephant, in Margate City, New Jersey.

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Lucy the Elephant

“No legend of the colorful Southern Jersey seashore history matches the sight of a 65-foot-high wooden Elephant astride the beach looking out into the mists of the sea, a spectacle that, according to historians, made many coastwise seamen of the tramp ships from the West Indies swear off their rum rations for days,” begins Lucy the Elephant’s fantastical official history.

And what a history it’s been: This 138-year-old feat of zoomorphic architecture has served as a tavern and as a residence to a British doctor and his family. Somewhere in the mix, it was also used as a lighthouse that signaled to rum runners during Prohibition if it was safe to come into town. Today, Lucy houses a museum dedicated to her history. Don’t miss the guided tour—the only way into the belly of the beast—that starts with a spiral staircase nested in one of her hind legs and culminates with the glorious ocean view from her crowning howdah.

Ocean City

The boardwalk at Ocean City, New Jersey.

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Ocean City Boardwalk

Ocean City’s beloved 2.5-mile boardwalk is lined with novelty food joints, campy mini-golf courses with themes like Medieval Fantasy and Pirate Island, and two amusement parks—Gillian’s Wonderland Pier and Playland’s Castaway Cove—that light up the sky with flashing colored bulbs on sticky summer nights. Don’t miss a stop at Johnson’s Popcorn, a boardwalk staple since 1940 that serves up hand-tossed kettle corn coated in a thin, crispy layer of caramel.

Wildwood

The Doo Wop Preservation League Museum

The Wildwoods’ whimsical trove of Doo Wop architecture (also called Googie or populuxe in other corners of the country) gets a worthy preface at this small museum, where classic neon signs and period furniture are on display. But nowhere is the memorable 1950s style better experienced than on the street, where it’s easy to take a self-guided tour past motels with names like the Aztec, Lollipop, and American Safari. Doo Wop is wonderful, it’s weird, and it’s under threat, so don’t delay.

Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum

This little-known museum puts World War II-era aircrafts and engines within reach in a restored historic hangar at the shore. The hangar was used as an active dive-bomber squadron training facility during World War II and today is on the National Register of Historic Places for its role during the conflict. Parents and history buffs, take note: This is a prime rainy-day activity.

Middle Township

Cape May County Park & Zoo

The Victorian-era homes, antique stores, and golf courses that pad Route 9 in Cape May County hide one of the area’s most unique attractions. The Cape May Zoo is home to lions, bison, giraffes, zebras, foxes, snakes, and more, living in special habitats spread across 85 acres. The zoo is one of the finest in the world, at least according to TripAdvisor: It ranked as the 13th best-reviewed zoo in the world in 2015, falling behind much better-known destinations like those in San Diego and Beijing.

And the zoo isn’t just for kids. The grounds also feature a zipline and an aerial adventure area that helps raise money for zoo maintenance. Admission to the zoo is free, but donations are accepted (and encouraged.)

Cape May

Shutterstock

Historic Cold Spring Village

Sitting on 22 wooded acres, Cold Spring Village bills itself as an “open air living history museum that invites all visitors to find meaning, pleasure, relevance, and inspiration in the exploration of southern New Jersey’s past.” A late-1800s octagonal building on site houses historic miniatures, the Village Bakery sells period confectionaries, and hand-crafted artisan wares are sold out of a building that’s older than the United States.

While the 18th and 19th centuries appear alive and well within the town’s confines, it’s worth noting that Cold Spring Village isn’t actually a historic town but one reconstructed of period buildings from the area. But don’t let that deter you; this fascinating site is worth a visit.

Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center

One of the first eco-tourism outfits in South Jersey invites visitors to set sail onto the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay in search of whales, dolphins, and marine birds. Bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and humpback whales are all known to appear in the waters around the state’s southernmost point. The tours focus not only on sight-seeing, but also on conservation and cataloguing of marine life migration patterns. The company can’t guarantee a marine mammal sighting, but does offer another trip to participants in that case.

Beach Plum Farm

The 62-acre Beach Plum Farm welcomes daytime visitors to walk its grounds and grab a bite at its farm-to-table stand. The farm is home to ethically raised chickens and Berkshire hogs, and turns out flowers and vegetables throughout the season, a bounty that can be picked up at the stand on site. (The small farm has been known to churn out over 1,000 watermelons in a season.) Don’t miss one of Beach Plum’s BYOB, family-style dinners, which rival some of the best restaurants in Cape May.

Source: https://philly.curbed.com/2019/6/13/18647598/jersey-shore-things-to-do

[toldnews-blog]

New Post has been published on https://toldnews.com/world/united-states-of-america/test-dummies-fall-off-nj-roller-coaster-crash-into-hotel/

Test Dummies Fall Off NJ Roller Coaster, Crash Into Hotel

The vice president of a Jersey Shore amusement park insists that a roller coaster is safe more than a week after two test dummies fell out of it and crashed into the roof of a nearby hotel.

The incident occurred back on April 20 at Playland’s Castaway Cove in Ocean City, New Jersey. The GaleForce roller coaster was undergoing a routine safety check when two water-filled dummies fell off the ride and plummeted into the Ebb Tide Suites next door, damaging shingles and plywood.

No one was hurt during the incident. A roofer responded to the scene within an hour to make repairs and the test dummies were trashed, according to Brian Hartley, the Vice President of the theme park.

“It’s an unfortunate situation,” Hartley told NBC10.

Saviano Abreu/United Nation OCHA via AP

Hartley said the dummies had leaks that went undetected and they lost their mass and shape, causing them to fall.

“Obviously it’s not something that would ever happen with a person in it,” Hartley said. “You know you don’t lose rigidity in a person. The lap bar comes down. You’re secured in there.”

Hartley told NBC10 the ride is one hundred percent safe, despite the mishap.

“The lap bar did not fail,” he said. “Nothing failed on the ride at all.”

The GaleForce undergoes about two hours of testing every day that it’s in operation and has been open since the incident, according to Hartley.

“Safety is our top priority,” he said. “It’s something we do every single day. We’re checking the rides in and out. We’re going to have to do a better job at checking those tubes and making sure there’s no leaks obviously, before we send them out.”

Poway Rabbi Describes the Moments During Synagogue Shooting

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[trekadvisers]

Splash Down at Top Waterparks Across the Midwest

Courtesy of The Points Guy by Kristine Hansen

Orlando is far from the only place to find cool waterparks, and warm weather isn’t required for a good splash in the water. Across the Midwest, there are cozy hotels with indoor waterparks that are perfect for when the weather isn’t quite warm enough to swim outside, and there are also outdoor waterslides and wave pools for summer.

Check out these waterparks in the Heartland, from the country’s oldest in the waterpark capital of America to one inside the Mall of America in the Twin Cities to a tiki-inspired park in Rapid City, South Dakota. Some  of these waterparks have on-site hotels, but, if not, we have points hotels to recommend nearby as well.

Noah’s Ark Water Park (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin)

The Wisconsin Dells, the “waterpark capital of America,” sits 45 minutes north of Madison, Wisconsin, and, as you might expect, offers many places to have fun getting wet. Like, Noah’s Ark Waterpark, a true original open since 1979. It’s America’s largest waterpark, featuring 51 slides, including Raja, which opened last year and is the world’s largest King Cobra dual slide. There are also two wave pools and two lazy rivers. (Regular tickets are $39, $29 for those under 48 inches and over 55 years old. Save $5 with online booking. Admission is free for those under 36 inches.)

Related: The Best Credit Cards for Entertainment Spending

(Photo courtesy of Noah’s Ark Waterpark)

Since there’s no on-park hotel, use your Hilton points to stay nearby at Hilton Garden Inn Wisconsin Dells or the brand-new Hampton Inn & Suites at Wisconsin Dells Lake Delton (reward stays at each range from 23,000 points to 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night).

Kalahari (Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin)

Rocking a African-wild-animals theme, Kalahari (a hotel with its own indoor-outdoor waterpark) features surfing on the FlowRider ($30 per person for 60 minutes for two to 10 people; private rentals start at $250 for 60 minutes). Also popular are the lessons in becoming a mermaid and how to fight off a (fake) shark attack ($35 for one to two people for 30 minutes, $30 each for three to five people for 60 minutes), as well as thrill-seeker rides like the Swahili Swirl and a virtual-reality experience. Build in adult R&R at Spa Kalahari, too, or amp up your stay by booking a private outdoor bungalow.

Kalahari resorts are also in Sandusky, Ohio; Round Rock, Texas; and the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Rates start at $269 for a double room for a date in June 2019 with access to waterpark included. If you prefer to purchase a day pass to the waterpark, those start at about $45 per day.

(Photo courtesy of Kalahari Resorts)

Consider: Holiday Inn Express Wisconsin Dells (from 35,000 IHG Rewards Club points) Hampton Inn & Suites at Wisconsin Dells, Lake Delton (23,000 to 50,000 Hilton Honors points), Hilton Garden Inn Wisconsin Dells (from 23,000 to0 50,000 Hilton Honors points), Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wisconsin Dells (from 17,500 Marriott points) and SpringHill Suites by Marriott Wisconsin Dells (from 25,000 Marriott points).

Great Wolf Lodge (Gurnee, Illinois)

This chain of hotel waterparks has a location in Gurnee, a northern suburb of Chicago, near Six Flags Great America (which also has an waterpark). A whopping 10 (yes, 10!) dining and snack venues inside the lodge means your family — even the pickiest eaters — will never go hungry. Great Wolf has 113 slippery attractions, including Coyote Canyon (a four-story slide) and an activity pool called Chinook Cove. We found rates starting at $349 for a double room for a date in June 2019, though off-season dates can be much less expensive (plus resort fee).

(Photo courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge)

To access this waterpark, you need to be a guest of the hotel, though a limited number of additional wristbands may be purchased from the hotel if you have visitors, at $50 each. To ramp up your earnings, you can book using your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to earn 10 miles per dollar when booking at Hotels.com/Venture. (Here’s a peek at the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City.)

Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, Illinois)

Not all Six Flags parks have a waterpark, but this one in Gurnee does. Seventeen attractions that get you wet are a nice compliment to the amusement park’s nostalgic rides like Logger’s Run. Your kid can hang 10 with Surf Rider or scream with delight down the Dive Bomber’s five-story freefall, and the whole family can hang out in the Monsoon Lagoon. (Gate prices start at $77 or $57 for those under 48 inches; children 2 and under are free. Save $25 when booking online at least one day before your trip.)

(Photo courtesy of Six Flags Great America)

Since there’s no hotel on property, stay nearby at Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee or SpringHill Suites Chicago Waukegan/Gurnee (both are Category 3 hotels within three miles of Six Flags Great America and start at 17,500 points per night).

Venetian Waterpark (Maple Grove, Minnesota)

Flaunting its Venetian theme right down to the streetlamps and building facades, this 25,000-square-foot indoor waterpark (with two waterslides, a toddler area, basketball hoops and floating obstacle course), helps you cash in on IHG Rewards Club points — and you never have to leave the property, since it’s also home to the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Maple Grove/Arbor Lakes (from 35,000 IHG points per night, fourth award night free if you have the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card). Your hotel stay includes admission to the waterpark.

In addition to the waterpark’s concession stand, there is a casual restaurant in the hotel serving a breakfast buffet and family-friendly options like pizza for dinner. Dave & Buster’s is within walking distance. Maple Grove is 18 miles from downtown Minneapolis. Note that the waterpark is open Friday to Sunday most weeks, with additional days available during select weeks.

(Photo courtesy of Venetian Waterpark)

Surfari Joe’s (Watervliet, Michigan)

Imagine 18,000 square feet of waterpark fun — enough to keep you busy all weekend. On an upper deck above two slides, the Zambezi River Run and Lino’s Lagoon activity pool, the Water Hole Grill & Bar serves up kid-friendly foods and glasses of wine from local vineyards for the adults. Because the connecting hotel, which opened in 2018, is a Fairfield Inn & Suites, you can also redeem Marriott points for your stay. A room with two queen beds starts at 17,500 Marriott points per night, which is a great deal compared to the paid rates than can go north of $200 per night. (Here’s how to earn 100,000 bonus Marriott points until April 24.)

Castaway Bay at Cedar Point (Sandusky, Ohio)

Most people know Sandusky for its outdoor theme park, Cedar Point, but there is also a 38,000-square-foot indoor waterpark with a tropical theme at Castaway Bay. White Adirondack chairs are lined up at the shoreline (lapped by waves!) and provide a comfy spot to keep an eye on the kids as they zip down a tube slide or splash in the pool. A Quaker Steak & Lube on site, a breakfast buffet and a deli, make meal time easy.

Castaway Bay has 237 rooms and family suites. Rates were $259 for a double room for a date in June 2019, with an easy-pay option of $43.17 for six payments if you wanted to spread out the cost of the stay.

(Photo courtesy of Castaway Bay)

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sandusky, where a room with two beds starts at 40,000 IHG Rewards Club points, is just across the bay. This means you could use an annual 40,000 award night available from the IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card.

Big Splash Adventure (French Lick, Indiana)

Overnight accommodations at Big Splash Adventure make a visit to this 40,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor waterpark a breeze. If it does get warm out, the retractable roof pops open. Of the 10 attractions, one is adults-only (Palm Cove, a hot tub) and the others are family-friendly. These attractions range from Pirate’s Plunder (a body slide) to Buccaneer Bay, a three-story structure housing 10 platforms and 50 interactive play features. Rates were $199 for a double room with two-day waterpark passes included for a date in June 2019. (Waterpark day passes are available for $24 for those 46 inches and above, $19 for those below 46 inches and seniors 60 years old and over. Children 2 and under are free.)

(Photo courtesy of Big Splash Adventure)

Nearby points hotels include: Best Western Plus French Lick (from 24,000 points), Days Inn by Wyndham Jasper (15,000 points) and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jasper (from 15,000 IHG points).

Great Wolf Lodge (Bloomington, Minnesota)

In 2017, the waterpark inside the Mall of America transitioned from its previous ownership (Water Park of America) into the Great Wolf Lodge brand — with a new look after a $30 million renovation. Entirely indoors, there are 11 water activities for all ages, from the zero-depth Cub Paw Pool to the four-story Wolf Rider Wipeout. Eight restaurants on site take care of the hungry. There is a climbing wall and ropes course (in Great Wolf Adventure Park) for older kids, and a bowling alley. Rates were $249 for a double room for a test date in June 2019.

Just like at the Great Wolf Lodge in Illinois, you can book your stay via Hotels.com to earn rewards, but you generally must stay at the Great Wolf Lodge in order to play in the waterpark.

Raging Rivers Waterpark (Mandan, North Dakota)

Spanning four acres, Raging Rivers Waterpark is entirely outdoors, with new attractions added on a regular basis. Four years ago, the Aqua Play area debuted, with about 60 interactive games and toys in the water, such as water canyons and pull ropes. Two tube slides and two speed slides are joined by an 800-foot-long lazy river. Concessions are on site. (Day passes are $15, $12 for kids under 48 inches and seniors 62 and over, and $8 for spectators and nonswimmers. There’s also a special $10 twilight rate from 4pm to 8pm every day. Children 3 years and under are free.)

(Photo courtesy of Raging Rivers Waterpark )

Points stays nearby include: Radisson Hotel Bismarck (from 38,000 points), Country Inn & Suites by Radisson (from 38,000 Radisson points), Holiday Inn Bismarck (from 20,000 IHG points), Hampton Inn & Suites Bismarck Northwest (24,000 to 40,000 Hilton points) and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Bismarck South (from 7,500 points)

Splasher’s of the South Seas (Grand Forks, North Dakota)

Connected to Canad Inns, hotel guests receive a reduced price to enter Splasher’s of the South Seas ($9 instead of $23 per person). Within this 40,000-square-foot waterpark, there’s plenty to keep kids of all ages happy, from the East Australian Current (basically a lazy river) to a Kids Play Area in the water to the Rarotonga “cannonbowl” slide for kids with an adrenaline streak. Garbonzo’s is the resident pizza joint, within a family entertainment center with arcade games. Rates were $169 for a double room for a date in June 2019.

For a points stay nearby, consider: Hilton Garden Inn Grand Forks-UND (20,000 to 30,000 points); Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Forks (22,000 to 30,000 points); Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott East Grand Forks (from 12,500 points); Springfield Suites by Marriott Grand Forks (from 12,500 points); Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Grand Forks, ND (from 38,000 points); Staybridge Suites Grand Forks (from 25,000 IHG points); and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Grand Forks (from 30,000 IHG points)

WaTiki Indoor Waterpark & Resort (Rapid City, South Dakota)

This 30,000-square-foot waterpark is connected to hotels including the Fairfield Inn and Suites and the Residence Inn by Marriott Rapid City, which is a Marriott Category 5 property (requiring 35,000 points per night). Rates include free hot breakfast, and there’s a full kitchen in the room to whip up snacks and light meals. At the waterpark is a Starbucks café, a pizza restaurant and Sliders Bar & Grill, alongside water-soaked attractions like Sink Hole, Maui’s Body Slide and a lazy river.

(Photo courtesy of WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort)

Instead of spending 35,000 Marriott points per night, you could also use a Category 1-5 certificate available each year from cards such as the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card or Marriott Bonvoy Business

American Express® Card.

Castle Rock Resort & Waterpark (Branson, Missouri)

Branson, one of the Midwest’s most popular destinations for family entertainment, is home to this waterpark, which is both indoors (including lap pool and a couple of three-story slides, one of which is a closed tube) and outdoors (open seasonally with a 500-gallon tipping bucket, waterfalls and kiddie pools with rain showers). A 600-foot-long lazy river indoors is an ideal spot to chill on a winter day. Outdoors, you will find a multilevel sundeck filled with places to relax and rest. Rates were $139 for a double room for a date in June 2019.

(Photo courtesy of Castle Rock Resort & Waterpark)

Grand Harbor Resort & Waterpark (Dubuque, Iowa)

This whimsical indoor waterpark features a lazy river, two giant whirlpools, rope ladders for kids to climb on and, of course, waterslides. A Tony Roma’s Restaurant and Lounge in the resort might satisfy your food needs, but if not, there are plenty of fast-casual options within the East Dubuque region, including Jimmy John’s and an A&W. Rates were $179 for a double room for a date in June 2019. If you just need a ticket to the waterpark, the rate varies by day, but starts at around $8 to $12 per person.

Nearby points hotels include: Hilton Garden Inn Dubuque Downtown (27,000 to 30,000 points), Hampton Inn Dubuque (22,000 to 30,000 Hilton points), TownePlace Suites by Marriott Dubuque Downtown (from 17,500 points), Holiday Inn Dubuque/Galena (from 25,000 IHG points) and Best Western Plus Dubuque Hotel & Conference Center (from 20,000 points).

Bottom Line

If your family is looking for a waterpark in the Midwest, this list should more than get you started in the right direction, even if you are hoping to travel using your points.

Get some more trip-planning information here:

The Best Hotel Chains for Families

The Best Hotel Credit Cards for Families

Orlando’s Best Hotel Waterparks

6 Tips for Surviving a Road Trip With a Large Family

Tips for Staying Safe at a Theme Park

Featured photo by kali9/Getty Images

Original Article: https://thepointsguy.com/guide/best-waterparks-in-midwest/

Check out the original post here: http://www.jamcosolutionsllc.com/splash-down-at-top-waterparks-across-the-midwest/

[biondocreative]

If you have been to Ocean City, NJ, you know there are two amusement parks on the boardwalk: Playland’s Castaway Cove and Gillian’s Wonderland Pier. Both are a good time, but which one do more people prefer?

Playland’s Castaway Cove has been around since 1959 and is celebrating 60 years at the Ocean City boardwalk. They have an arcade and over 30 exciting rides for people of all ages. The Castaway Cove has gotten some great reviews on Trip Advisor, some include: “My daughter just loves this place, and the mega pack of tickets works out to be a pretty good deal. The new Gale Force coaster is insanely wild and fun. And all you can ride for $15 on Wednesday was the perfect activity for 6 kids in need of an adrenaline rush,” said Scott D from Walnut Creek, California. “Definitely the better boardwalk park. Playland continues to improve itself. Rides are long – you get your money’s worth – and the tickets required for rides are reasonable. The exception to that is for Gale Force; 14 tickets is steep, and I thought they’d drop a bit by now. The staff are friendly and there’s something for everyone here,” said a person with the username 6MA6.

Gillian’s Wonderland Pier was founded in 1929 by David Gillian. The ferris wheel and the merry-go-round were the main attractions, now they have about 30 fun rides. There aren’t such great reviews on Yelp for Wonderland. A lot of people mentioned that the prices were a little high: “Wonderland Pier is pretty pricey for the old rides that they have… I rode most of them when I was a little kid, and they weren’t new then!  I like the retro feel, though.  There usually aren’t long waits for the rides. The people who work there are nice in a nonchalant kind of way. What could objectively be described as an overpriced collection of old rides comes together to be a better summer experience with kids than a lot of fancier places,” said Mike M. from Blue Bell, PA. Some reviews were more positive, like Jesse K.’s from Abington, PA: “Gillian’s is a classic style boardwalk amusement ride centre. Some of the kiddie rides are really old, but they’re cool. There are a few rides for the older, more adventurous types too. I was pleased with the customer service I received  from the ride attendants, trying to help one of my frightened kids. That is what won my vote for the experience tonight.”

Castaway Cove seems to have more positive reviews than Wonderland, they are both fun places though. You’ll have to give them both a chance to see which one you like better.

[kansascityhappenings]

N.J. shore amusement park says roller coaster is safe despite test dummies falling, crashing into nearby hotel

https://embed-prod.vemba.io/vemba-embed.js

OCEAN CITY, N.J.  — The operators of a New Jersey shore amusement park say a roller coaster there is safe after a pair of water-filled test dummies fell off during a recent test ride.

The GaleForce coaster at Playland’s Castaway Cove in Ocean City was undergoing a routine safety check April 20 when the dummies plummeted into a hotel next door, damaging the building’s shingles and plywood.

Park officials say the dummies had undetected leaks that made them lose their mass and shape, causing them to fall. They say that wouldn’t happen to humans and that nothing on the ride failed during the test, including the lap bar that secures riders.

Officials say the coaster has run problem-free since the mishap and is tested daily for about two hours.

from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/2019/05/02/n-j-shore-amusement-park-says-roller-coaster-is-safe-despite-test-dummies-falling-crashing-into-nearby-hotel/

from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2019/05/02/n-j-shore-amusement-park-says-roller-coaster-is-safe-despite-test-dummies-falling-crashing-into-nearby-hotel/

[hihariga1978]

Power outage strands riders at Jersey Shore boardwalk amusement park

The outage struck Playland's Castaway Cove in Ocean City and people were helped from the stuck rides http://dlvr.it/QZK5D5

[215today]

Police: Teens Caught On Camera Vandalizing Ocean City Amusement Park 

http://bit.ly/2rH17aH

OCEAN CITY, N.J. (CBS) — Police in Ocean City, New Jersey are asking for the public’s help in identifying a group of juveniles caught on camera vandalizing a local amusement park.

It happened on June 26 and June 29 at Playland’s Castaway Cove on the boardwalk.

Christie Signs Fireworks Bill In Time For Fourth of July 

Police say the teens trespassed and damaged private…

[brandedcities]

Playland's Castaway Cove, Morey's Piers ready for visitors with safety as top priority

Amusement parks in South Jersey say they are ready for visitors ahead of a much-anticipated reopening on July 4th weekend.