Yesterday was quite something. Twist and turns. But I lovely time. For those unfamiliar, I went to an amusement park yesterday called Knoebels, which is located in the mountain boondock's of Elysburg PA. I haven't been there since probably around 95, and it is exactly the same as I remembered. It's still an affordable, and nostalgic park, which there aren't many left. The park admission is still free, the parking is free, the rides are pay as you go, and the food is pretty good for concession style amusement park fare. It's like stepping back in time with the vintage stands, signs, and rides. Knoebels is still family owned and operated and started in 1913. It is now the largest free admission park of its kind in the US and now offers free shows, 60 rides, 5 coasters, two haunted house rides, a carousel dated back to 1910, a campground and summer cottages, not to mention the picturesque views from up high. I had mentioned to the Capital Street Duo, it might be fun to go, thinking they wouldn't go. The joke ended up on me. I hadn't been on rides for close to, well, 95 or 96. But it was a lovely day for their Halloween themed day and night, though some misting started in the mid evening. But I'm happy to report I did get on most rides, yes, even the coasters, and didn't soil myself, but I did scream like a girl and cuss more than Ouiser Boudreaux in Steel Magnolias while on most rides. Ahhhhh good times!
What IN HELL was I thinking?
Went to Hallo-Fun at Knoebels last year. Food was fantastic. Highly recommend the soups at Witches Brew at the Oasis! Yum! The food there is good but those coasters?!?!?! HELL NO! Better you then I. Besides, my fat ass wouldn't even fit in any of the seats.
ReplyDeleteWhen you're in a pinch and don't fit in the seat? Crisco. A door drives you nuts squeaking. Crisco. Dry elbows? Crisco. Frying the best fried chicken? Crisco.
Deleteoh hell no. bitch your crazy! those coasters look huge!
ReplyDeleteOh, what a fun day. I was never big on roller coasters. Ever. Although I did go on Space Mountain at Disneyland. And flume roads, always. If there was water, I loved it. But back to you and this park. I have never been to an amusement park that didn’t charge an entrance fee (except for Coney Island). Also, I had never heard of chicken and waffles until some time in Las Vegas before 2010. Nope. Couldn’t do it. You can have mine!
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe I got on those coaters yesterday!!!! It was some scary stuff in the dark...my heart was racing. There was a time there wasn't a ride I wouldn't get on.
DeleteThat looked like a lot of fun! But a wooden roller coaster?! Not even at gunpoint, my dear Maddie... and I loved the Tilt-A-Whirl, Zipper, Spider and 360 Roller Coaster when I was a young bunny!
ReplyDeleteWhat's with the not even at gun point on wooden roller coasters?
DeleteAnd when I say I was cussing and bitched the whole ride on them like Ouiser Boudreaux I mean it. Everyone was in stiches on the ride. I'm glad to know I was entertaining.
A roller coaster with wooden trestle supports and tracks (Pix 3, 4 &5) are notoriously unsafe to ride due to weathering, wood rot, etc, so I would never ride one. Or is "wooden roller coaster" a euphemism for Mr. Toad's Wild Ride?!
DeleteOh I'm so glad you told me this before I got on!
DeleteSome of these did cross my mind once I was already on it. But at the time I was more worried about taking the hard corners, and the whole cart flying off the edge! I did notice it looked like there was an awful lot of new wood in it.
Your dedication to Halloween fun and hijinks is inspiring. Crazy, but inspiring!
ReplyDeleteWhen it got dark, I loved the eerie feeling the park took on.
DeleteOMG...my heart is racing just looking at the height of that thing, and I know by some park standards that is probably child's play. I enjoyed the feeling and vibes of the picture though...took me right back to my youth in amusement parks. You don't want to know how many years it's been.....
ReplyDeleteAnd those mountain vistas!!!!
I love rides! I would love to check this park out sometime.
ReplyDelete"I might have had a few hooks up with one of the grandsons." Spill it! I love a good backstory!!!!
I wondered if he offered the sit and spin?
DeleteWow, that coaster looks super scary - like something from a horror film. I'm glad you enjoyed the ride - it'd be strange if you didn't!
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Knoebels looks Frickin Awesome! I would have gotten on everything! If I had been their Id persuaded you to get on all the rides I bet.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised you didn't have more pictures with corn dogs.
ReplyDeleteIm not a fan of corn dogs... shocking right....considering the phallic shape.
DeleteIt looks like a fun place and surprising that it's free entrance. I love a good rollercoaster but try to get on Carlos on one and it's an adventure.
ReplyDeleteThe whole process of you guys approaching the roller coaster getting on, during the ride , and then the aftermath, being filmed would be a very entertaining watch.😂😂😂
DeleteI went to Knoebel's once! Grew up in Pittsburgh, we had Kennywood Park (when someone would comment "I see Kennywood is open!", that meant check your fly). Was taken to Knoebel's back in the day by a relative who lived near there. It was nice! Quaint. I remember the coaster!
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that???? I would've been on ALL those rides in a NY minute!
ReplyDeleteUsed to go to Knoebel’s as a child.
ReplyDeleteFree admission and free parking is what sold my father on the place. :)
He would drive us from Philly to visit relatives in Harrisburg and then head up to Elysburg. On the way we would stop at a roadside diner with the best food.
Now we take the young ones in the family to Knoebel’s on occasion.
An old Philadelphian
Now you mention a roadside diner. I can't help buy wonder if it was the one where they bring to food right to your car? It's called Red Rabbit! If that's it...its still there!!! It was a blast going back to Knoebels. While there is some new rides....the place looks just as I remember. And still has free admission and parking? Now that is great especially for families.
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