Retro Fun and Recreation
Step back in time to a world before AI and smartphones, where summertime was a blast filled with amusement parks, arcades, and other cool stuff. Join Cody Rockwell and his companions on a nostalgic journey through the golden era of fun and recreation.
**Opryland USA (1975): A Review from a Groovy Dude**
Man, Opryland! What a trip! This place is like, the Disneyland of country music, only with more gingham and less Mickey Mouse (which is a bummer, because I dig those big ears).
**The Good:**
* **Them rides, man!** The Timber Topper is a real scream, even if my hair did get a little messed up. And that Rock n' Roller Coaster? Far out! It's like, totally psychedelic, with all those twists and turns. I almost lost my lunch, but in a good way, you know?
* **The shows are a gas!** Seeing all those country stars up close and personal is a real treat. I even got Minnie Pearl's autograph! (She told me to "howdy" to my mother, which was a little weird since she was right there with me, but hey, Minnie Pearl's a legend, so I'll roll with it).
* **The food is pretty darn good.** I mean, it's no disco fries, but those barbecue ribs were finger-lickin' good. And the sweet tea? Man, that stuff could fuel a rocket to the moon!
**The "Interesting":**
* **The fashion, man.** So much plaid and denim! It's like everyone here raided their grandparents' closets. And those hats! Some of them are bigger than my apartment! But hey, whatever floats your boat, right?
* **The crowds.** This place is packed! It's like the whole world decided to come to Nashville today. I guess country music is pretty popular, huh? (Who knew?)
* **The price.** This ain't no cheap date, man. All those rides and shows and food add up fast. I may have to sell my lava lamp to pay for this trip.
**Overall:**
Opryland is a real hoot! If you're into country music and good ol' fashioned fun, this is the place to be. Just be prepared for some serious crowds, some questionable fashion choices, and a slightly lighter wallet.
**Rating: 4 out of 5 rhinestone-studded cowboy boots.**
**P.S.** If you see a dude with a killer mustache and bell bottoms wandering around looking lost, that's probably me. Point me in the direction of the nearest show, and maybe buy me a corn dog? Peace ou
t!
Review for Holiday World submitted by a traveler from 1989
Holiday World: A Family Adventure in Santa Claus, Indiana (August 1989)
Well, I'll be hornswoggled! Just got back from a trip to Holiday World with the family, and let me tell you, it was a hoot and a half. Nestled in the quaint town of Santa Claus, Indiana (yes, you read that right!), this park is like stepping into a Christmas card... in the middle of summer.
First off, the free soda. Can I get an amen? In this economy?! Forget your fancy Coca-Cola, they got that Santa Claus-brand soda pop and it's darn tootin' good. Keeps the kiddos hydrated and sugar-ed up for a full day of fun.
Now, the rides. They got this doozy called "The Raven" that's a wooden roller coaster. Hold on to your hats, folks, 'cause this thing rattles and shakes like a washing machine on the fritz. My dentures almost flew out! But hey, that's half the fun, right? Gives you a good scare and a story to tell the neighbors.
For the little tykes, they got a whole section called "HoliLand." Plenty of kiddie rides to keep 'em occupied while you sneak off for a moment of peace with a frosty Santa Claus-brand soda. They even got a "Gobbler Getaway" dark ride that's a real knee-slapper. Imagine turkeys ridin' scooters! Hilarious!
And don't even get me started on the water park. "Splashin' Safari" they call it. Wave pool, water slides, the whole shebang. Just be prepared to wrestle your way through a sea of screaming kids to get to a lounge chair. Pro tip: bring your own inflatable raft. Those things are like gold dust in there.
Overall, Holiday World is a good ol' fashioned family fun zone. Clean, friendly, and a whole lot of bang for your buck (especially with that free soda!). Just be sure to pack your patience and your sense of humor. You're gonna need it when you're dodging rogue water balloons and trying to find a parking spot the size of a postage stamp.
4 out of 5 stars (Would have been 5 stars, but they were clean outta those Santa Claus-brand cherry sodas by the time we got to the last food stand. Tragedy!)