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Fun Rides, Fun Food, Great Beach - And That Rollercoaster!
With gas prices skyrocketing over four dollars a gallon, many of us are looking for shorter, closer, less costly getaways this summer. If you are in the New York area, get yourself a MetroCard, jump on the F, Q, or W train, and head out to Coney Island!
For almost a hundred years, Coney Island has been a world-famous amusement park, featured in many films and well-known photographs. Its former reputation as "Sodom by the Sea" is just legend now; today's Coney Island is known for the beach, the rides, and the carnival food. Plans are underway for a major redevelopment of the area -- come see the real Coney Island in all its tacky-but-fun glory, before it gets the Disney effect! Have a hot dog or two, with the works, at Nathan's Famous, before it turns into a portobello-and-goat cheese bistro!
The Astroland Cyclone, a landmarked wooden roller coaster, built in 1927, is still a thrill, with 60-degree, 85-foot drops, at 60 miles an hour (there's nothing like the clacking of that wood to get your heart going!), and the Water Flume is great in hot weather. The Wonder Wheel is a great ride at night, when you can get a wonderful view of Lower New York Bay. Some of the Mi Apogeo staff are still great fans of Coney Island's bumper cars, as a great way to relieve road rage!
You can play skeeball and pinball, or visit the Circus Sideshow (freaky!) for a retro moment. There are games of chance or skill, where winners get their choice of gaudy stuffed animals. There's fun food galore (nothing too healthy here), and souvenir stands with T-shirts and trinkets.
There are fireworks every Friday night, and frequent special events, such as the 25th Annual Mermaid Parade on June 21, the world famous International Hot Dog Eating Competition on July 4, and the annual Siren Festival, with lots of alternative bands, on July 19.
Sports fans can cross the street and go cheer for the Brooklyn Cyclones short-season baseball team, which boasts a notable roster of players who have gone on to the major leagues. Tickets range from $8 to $15; you can actually afford to treat a friend!
If all this doesn't grab you, there's always the New York Aquarium, and the Coney Island Museum, all within a short walk.
Some meter parking is available, but why stress yourself driving? Get that discounted MetroCard, and ride home in air conditioned comfort, courtesy of the MTA.
For more information:
www.coneyisland.com
www.coneyislandfunguide.com
www.brooklyncyclones.com
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