Old-fashioned theme parks recall simpler times
For the AJC
More travel stories
Experience something new this year by seeking out something old.
Take a ride through the Wild West on a real steam engine, view the sea from the top of a wooden coaster, explore the workings of a coal mine, or meet a fairytale mermaid. For a real blast from the past, journey to a forgotten land where dinosaurs still rule the landscape.
The biggest attraction, however, might be the prices, which are just as old-timey as these beloved theme parks.
Tweetsie Railroad
The Wild West lives on in the Blue Ridge Mountains at this 200-acre attraction. At the heart of the 53-year-old park is its defining attraction: an 82.5-ton steam locomotive built in 1917. Ride the rails, get dizzy on the Tilt-a-Whirl, pan for gold or test your shootin' skills in the arcade. Special events for 2010 include a Day Out with Thomas the Train, June 4-13; Dora the Explorer and Diego, July 16-18; and Tweetsie's popular seasonal finale, the Ghost Train Halloween Festival, Oct. 1-30.
Tweetsie Railroad. Open daily through Aug. 22. Weekend schedule (Fridays-Sundays) returns Aug. 27-Oct. 31. Adults $32; children ages 3-12 $22; free for ages 2 and younger. 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock, N.C. 828-264-9061, www.tweetsie.com
Family Kingdom
The nostalgia of seaside amusement parks is yours to experience in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Stroll through the 13-acre Family Kingdom with a candy apple or funnel cake, then buckle up for some old-fashioned thrills on one of the park's 33 rides. Not to be missed are the circa 1923 classic carousel, the panoramic ocean views from the state's largest Ferris wheel and Family Kingdom's historic Swamp Fox wooden coaster, which has been in operation since the park opened in 1966. Cool off at the Family Kingdom Water Park just across the street.
Family Kingdom. Through Sept. 25. Free admission. Unlimited ride wristbands are $23.50 for all ages or buy tickets for rides at $1.05 each (most require multiple tickets). Amusement park and water park combo: $33. 300 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach. 843-626-3447, www.familykingdomfun.com
Loretta Lynn Ranch
You don't have to be a hard-core Loretta Lynn fan to enjoy a day or two at her Tennessee ranch. Come see how things were done in Butcher Holler back when the Queen of Country was just a coal miner's daughter. The simplicity of that time is preserved and reflected in the attractions here: a simulated coal mine, Lynn's plantation home, a frontier homestead and more. Don't miss the 18,000-square-foot Coal Miner's Daughter Museum filled with memorabilia from Lynn's career. Adjoining RV park offers overnighters a swimming pool, playgrounds, fishing, horseshoe pits, tubing and canoeing. Lynn performs several times each season at the ranch. Call for dates and times.
Loretta Lynn's Ranch. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through November. Limited attractions open December-March. Free admission to ranch. Tours: adults $10; children 6-12 years $5. 44 Hurricane Mills Road, Hurricane Mills, Tenn. 931-296-7700, www.lorettalynn.com
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Fantasy springs to life at this aquatic Florida park that has been charming visitors for 63 years. The world-acclaimed Weeki Wachee Mermaids perform from the magical depths of the property's famed springs. See turtles, manatees, otters and even the occasional alligator. Grab your swimsuits and take a dip in Buccaneer Bay, then settle back on the sandy beach. Take a relaxing trip back in time on a riverboat ride into Old Florida.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Open daily. Admission to Weeki Wachee Park: adults $13; children 6-12 $5; children 5 and younger, free. Admission to Buccaneer Bay (open weekends only until June): adults $26; children 6-12 $12; children 5 and younger, free. 6131 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, Fla. 352-592-5656, www.weekiwachee.com
Dinosaur World
At Dinosaur World in Plant City, Fla., you won't be eaten alive, but you will have fun and learn a little something, too. More than 150 life-size dino replicas stand sentinel on the grounds of this park, where the prehistoric setting makes for memorable modern-day family history. Search for authentic fossils, see everything from dinosaur eggs to raptors in the Dinosaur Museum, and picnic in a "cave."
Dinosaur World. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; closes at 5 p.m. November through January. Adults $12.75; children 3-12 $9.75; seniors $10.75; children 2 and younger, free. Friendly pets on leashes welcome. 5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, Fla. 813-717-9865, www.dinoworld.net
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