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ikitnrev
Posted
posted
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Mon, Jun 19, 2006 7:54 PM
Here is something I suggested on a whim, for a few members of the DC/VA tiki group. I thought I'd post it here, for those in the PA/NY/NJ/OH/Northeast area who might also be interested. I visited this place by myself two years ago, loved it, and thought it might be fun if a group of tiki-philes could gather there on the same day. Date: Saturday, July 15th Reason for this date: live stage appearances by 'Auntie Hula's Fabulous Royal Hawaiians' (this group is there for one week, I thought the first Saturday might work for us) I visited this park a couple of years ago, and absolutely loved it - it is a real gem, having officially opened 80 years ago - in 1926. Since that first visit, I have wanted to form a group trip ever since. Here are some of the reasons why I love this park, and why you will likely enjoy it too.
If you have ever been to Pittsburgh's Kennywood, Knoebl's kind of has that look and feel to it, but with much smaller crowds. There is an outdoor Hawaiian show on July 15th - I believe they put on a show twice a day. I cannot vouch for the quality of the production, but seeing a Hawaiian hula show in the middle of Pennsylvania coal country has to be worth something. Website for Knoebl's is here and here is another site with good reviews and lots of pictures One bad thing is that although Knoebl's offers plenty of picnic areas, there is no alcohol served or allowed in the park. Also, I called about adjacent campsites, and all weekend spots were filled through Labor Day (although one of the local DC/MD persons was able to get a spot) However, I myself have made hotel reservations for the Quality Inn and Suites in Shamokin Dam, PA (about 15 miles west of Knoebl's) and might be willing to gather with other tiki-philes there for mai-tais after park closing hours. I made my reservations through Orbitz, and got a rate of about $80 per night. Pennsylvania has many other cool attractions nearby, including Centralia - the city that has been on fire since 1961 (the coal underneath is burning) is only 15 miles away, and Roadside America, a GREAT place to pay a quick visit (near Strausstown, right off I-78), not to mention the many antiquing opportunities. Let me know if you are interested. Vern |
CS
chisel slinger
Posted
posted
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Tue, Jun 20, 2006 6:04 AM
cool looking place. I loved kennywood when I was a kid. is it still there? |
I
ikitnrev
Posted
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Tue, Jun 20, 2006 8:18 AM
Yes, Kennywood is still there (just south of Pittsburgh) My one visit there was nice, but came a year too late - after they had transformed the tunnel-of-love dark water ride into a 3-D glow-in-the-dark Garfield attraction. But I was impressed with some of their older coasters and their rocking Noah's Ark funhouse Pennsylvania has a couple of other nice smaller amusement parks, which feature pre-World War II coasters - Idlewild, near Ligonier on Route 30, and Lakemont Park, in Altoona, which features 'Leap the Dips,' the oldest operating coaster coaster (1902) in the U.S. Vern |
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ikitnrev
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posted
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Tue, Jul 4, 2006 5:38 PM
The July 4th edition of the Washington Post has an article about the Knoebl's Park, specifically about roller coaster designer John Fetterman and his quest to keep wooden coasters alive. It is a good article, and ties in some of the coaster history of both coney Island and Disneyland. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/03/AR2006070301084.html Vern |
JC
Jeff Central
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posted
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Wed, Jul 5, 2006 4:41 AM
Dang!! I have to work that weekend. I sure would like to go though Vern. It sounds like an awesome park. I am a member of the American Coaster Enthusiasts and everyone raves about that park. Oh, well, thanks for the heads up. Maybe we can plan a trip there for next year!! It is not very often you get to mix tikis and coasters!! Have Fun!!! |
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