Travel - Maryland - Bowie - Six Flags America

Nestled in the small town of Bowie, Maryland (population currently under 60k) is Six Flags America, a park with a fifty-one year history. My family was fortunate enough to be able to visit this park twice - one in 2021 after reopening due to Covid, and yesterday.

Opened July 15, 1974 as a drive-through animal safari called The Wildlife Preserve (funded by Texas tycoon Ross Perot), which shuttered for a few years in the late ninteen seventies. In 1980 it re-opened as Wild World with this drive-through safari as well as a few amusement rides plus some water slides and play areas. In 1983 it expanded to include additional amusement rides and a large wave pool (which saw a very sad tragedy that summer). Soon thereafter the safari portion was removed and the park focused mainly on water features.

In 1985 the owners added back amusement park rides to make the park profitable in cooler months. The opportunity arose to purchase Paragon Park's wooden rollercoaster, Giant Coaster, which had been operating since 1917 and renamed it "The Wild One" which is still functioning at Six Flags America (although I personally thought it looked its age).

In the early 1990's with maintenance costs becoming too high, the park was sold to Tierco Group Inc who renamed the park "Adventure World" in 1994. Many improvements were made to the park including adding new rides including Intamin's free-fall drop-tower ride now called Voodoo Drop. Tierco Group Inc (renamed Premier Parks) acquired the Six Flags amusement park chain in 1998 and renamed "Adventure World" to "Six Flags America" in 1999. They also added Looney Tunes and DC characters to assist with a push in marketing and theming. In 2000, Superman: Ride of Steel opened (and its the most popular ride in the park). In 2001, the water park area was renamed "Six Flags Hurricane Harbor" and renovated.

In 2014, the park re-themed an area with Mardi Gras in addition to a new coaster, Ragin' Cajun.

In 2016, a twenty-four story ride named Wonder Woman: Lasso of Truth was added and its the tallest ride in the park.

For the 2019 season, the previous Apocalypse ride was rebranded Firebird and converted into a floorless coaster.

Sadly, when Six Flags and Cedar Fair corporations merged just last year, everyone knew the new entity would probably start closing some of its forty-plus parks. Although Six Flags America had just invested a large amount into a new water coaster and re-theming an area into SteamTown (a fun steam punk theme), the corporation announced in May of this year, just before the start of summer season, that they would be closing Six Flags America. Hurricane Harbor (which is inside the park) closed September 6th while Six Flags America will close November 2nd.

Our visit coincided with kid-friendly albeit scaled-down Boo Fest which consisted of a trick-or-treat trail, some stage and street entertainment shows, a very short parade with costumed entertainers handing out beaded necklaces. They were not running Fright Fest and the park closed at 6pm. My youngest child thought the trick-or-treat trail inside the dark, black-lit repurposed haunted house was too scary. The halloween stage show had creepy-looking costumes and the pumpkin decorating cost $5.00. There were Boo Fest special food items for sale at the nearby counter services.

November 1st and 2nds are the last days the park will be open, 11am CST to 7:00pm CST on Saturday and until 6:00pm CST on Sunday. Pretty sure the last day will be the busiest. The stores are already clearancing out all their merchandise so there might not be anything left at that point.

For more information: sixflags.com/america

Book Review - Backyard Birds of Texas: How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds by Bill Fenimore

I installed a bird feeder in front of my home office window and have been watching the birds (and squirrels) which ignited my interest in having a checklist to track which birds have visited my home. So I got this book from the local library. What I like about it is that it's full-color and has maps of when the bird species will visit my area (like year-round or winter). The colorful photographs makes it so easy to identify the birds.

Then I took my interest in bird watching a step further and bought the book to take with me on my jaunts throughout Texas. Well, I actually just ripped out pages 92-95 to take with me. Many of the birds I can see in my hometown, but some I only found when I traveled further south (like San Antonio) or to an area with lake or river. I was able to cross almost all the birds off. And it was pretty fun.

I tried to find checklists online but many of them were not as colorful or easy to identify. This book was helpful in that manner.

Also, for my own viewing pleasure, this book also offers advice on how to attract birds to your window with the type of foods certain species enjoy and the types of homes they will utilize. On page 68 there is a handy pull-out chart which lists the bird species and the types of foods they will eat. I'm still working on that and hopefully will have pictures to share soon!

Title: Backyard Birds of Texas: How to Identify and Attract the Top 25 Birds
Author: Bill and Estrella Fenimore
ISBN: 9781423603511
Pages: 95

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Event - #Travel #Texas - #NewBraunfels - Santa's Ranch - November 1, 2025 - January 4, 2026

New Braunfels, Texas - Santa's Ranch
November 1, 2025 - January 4, 2025
Santa's Ranch
Families have been coming to Santa's Ranch to view the holiday light displays for over 20 years and I can't wait to return. There's just something magical about holiday light displays. It connects all types of people and cultures. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, the lights are wonderful.

The lights are set up so that you stay in your car and drive slowly along to take pictures. In addition to the 3 million lights, they also have a concession stand (menu with prices are available at park entry). They have three sets of restrooms - at the beginning, at the concession stand, and at the end. Also, it's rain or shine.
Address: 9561 I-35 North, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: 6:00pm CST - 10:00pm CST (Sun-Thurs); 6:00pm CST - 11:00pm CST (Fri-Sat)
Fees: Single Pass – $37+tax per vehicle or Season Pass – $74+tax per vehicle
For more information - https://santasranch.com/

Travel - Oklahoma - Oklahoma City - Six Flags Frontier City - Fright Fest and Boo Fest

Since there were only a few days left for Fright Fest, our family decided to endure the loooong 3 hour drive from our home in Dallas to visit Frontier City just outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We drove up Interstate 35 which has a lot of construction going on - even through the night - so beware of closed lanes and slow trucks.

One note is that the park doesn't have clear signage on where guests should enter along the road. After you exit I-35 you will go along E Hefner Rd. Pass N. Coltrane Rd which is actually one of the the parking lot exits. the actual entrance is just past the park to an entry sign. Parking is either $30 for standard or $40 for premium, but the parking lot is really small so there is no need to upgrade to the higher priced parking unless you have the need.

During the day from 1pm to 4pm CST (but they closed up most activities before 3:30pm) children can participate in Boo Fest throughout the Happy Trails children's area. Start at the first stop on the left and ask for a treat bag. Then go stop-to-stop for fun Halloween-themed crafts, games or more candy. One note is none of the candy contains chocolate and many of the candies were really sticky (like airheads). I recommend bringing your own bag because the bags are not easy to carry and they are also too small to hold any of your crafts, OR, one of the craft stations has large white paper bags to decorate you can use (but they are hard to carry around too).

One craft station features pumpking decorating with paint markers. You grab a pumpking and head up the stairs (or walk a few feet over to the ramp up) to tables that have TONS of paint markers to use.

Throughout the area are decorated pumpkins that small kids can climb inside or face-cut-out photo props.

At the end of the Happy Trails area (right next to the restrooms) is a fun Little Monster Maze. Note, there are only 2 days left for Boo Fest - October 25th and 26th.

Fright Fest starts around 6:00pm CST and ends at 10:00pm CST Friday through Sunday. The last day for Fright Fest this year is November 1st. Fright Fest is included in the price of your entrance but the Haunted Attractions are not. You can buy a combo ticket (entry + Haunted Attractions) or an add-on Haunted Attractions pass online or at the gate. There are five haunted mazes, several scare zones and some Halloween-Themed shows. Like other parks, the scare zones are easy to find with the fog machines blowing out clouds of fog and black lighting.

One thing that was different at Frontier City's Fright Fest than other parks I've attended recently was the Fright Fest Parade (which isn't advertised online and I only found out when they started blocking the street). You will see several themed cars (like above) and most of the entertainers who are working the festival. Just a note, many of the entertainers target young kids and those who look scared. There are loud noises (chainsaws and metal scraping the cement) and some screaming. I'd keep younger kids away from the main street just in case.

Although there are not a lot of food options throughout the park (and note, Wild Bill's Chicken is currently closed) they did offer some Fright Fest specialty items for sale (or as part of your add-on Dining Pass).

The Pumpkin Patch snack was delicious (I mean, it's fried donut balls, of course it would be delicious). Bring patience as the food locations are understaffed. The Fort is the main dining hall with options plus drink refill area and a central restroom location. Avoid the back room with broken-down and non-working arcade machines.

The Fort also hosted a magic show (at 4pm CST and 5:30pm) and then freak shows afterwards. There are also some live entertainment shows across the way (near the spinning rides) but they are short so get there early to not miss the fun.

Overall, it was a good visit for a small park with enough to keep older and younger kids entertained and fed.

Address: 11501 N-I35 Service Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73131
For more info: https://www.sixflags.com/frontiercity

Book Review - Fodor's Travel Guide - Essential Costa Rica

Costa Rica has become a popular tourist destination and is definitely on my bucket list. A lot of airlines fly directly to the city of San Jose which is in the center of the country or Liberia which is in the northwest. Cruise lines are also making Costa Rica a stop on their itinerary. This guide is massive and very thorough with lots of colorful pictures and maps.

"Experience Costa Rica" is the first chapter and lists out most of the "must do" reasons to visit Costa Rica - Top 18 experiences, Best Beaches, Best Ecolodges, What to Eat and Drink, Eccotourism, Outdoor Adventures, Weddings or Honeymoons, The People, and Families. Followed by a "Travel Smart" section listing out how to get here and get around, the main language is Spanish and there's a handy guide of useful phrases, What to Pack (expect rainy weather), Tours and Calendars. The rest of the book is divided out into areas starting with San Jose, The Central Valley, Northern Lowlands, GuanaCaste, The Nicoya Peninsula, Central Pacific Coast, South Pacific, and The Caribbean Coast.

Each section lists contains a map, detailed information on the national park within it, food and accomodation suggestions, "planning your time" info, nightlife and shopping. I really appreciate the safety callouts for some of the more adventurous activities (like ziplines). The table of contents lists out all the maps with page numbers if you want to pull those out to pack in your luggage (like I do since I don't trust Wifi internationally). Excellent guide published in 2025.

Title: Fodor's Travel Guide - Essential Costa Rica
Author: Fodor's Travel Guide
ISBN: 9781640976924
Pages: 528

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Book Review - Moon Guide - Idaho by James Patrick Kelly

The first section of this book, "Discover Idaho" is full color and shows highlights as well as info on planning your trip, Idaho's Best Road Trips, Wine Country Weekend, Rest and Relaxation, High-Country Adventures, and the Quest for the Perfect Powder. The middle chunk of the book is divided into areas starting with Boise, Southwest Idaho (Owyhee Mountains and Canyonlands), Magic Valley (Twin Falls, North and South Snake River), Southeast Idaho (American Falls, Teton Basin), Sun Valley and the Sawtooths, North-Central Idaho, The Panhandle (The Silvery Valley, Priest Lake). Then the back of the book has useful Essentials (Travel tips, transportation and getting around, Health and Safety) and resources.

This book was published in early 2016 so double-check all your plans before you head out as times, prices and operations might have changed.

Title: Moon Guide - Idaho
Author: James Patrick Kelly
ISBN: 9781631210150
Pages: 449

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Travel - Texas - Arlington - Six Flags Over Texas - Fright Fest, Oktoberfest and Tricks and Treats

My family attended Six Flags Over Texas Tricks and Treats/Oktoberfest/ Fright Fest this past weekend after missing it for a few years. I think the kids' activities during the day were much better than they have been in the past and I'll get into those in a minute. The nighttime "scares" were much calmer, more organized, and (in my opinion) less scary - it seemed to us that teenage girls were the most scared by the costumed performers. Lots of screams there. We did not go inside the haunted houses as that requires purchasing a separate ticket ($30).

The park wasn't too crowded during the day. Most of the Fright Fest revelers seemed to trickle in later in the afternoon. Although the lines were shorter, a lot of rides kept breaking down especially popular rides like Batman, Titan, and the Texas Giant. The line for the new Aquaman was quite short - keep in mind the front row gets SOAKED.

Tricks and Treats
For kids, there is a fun little Trick-er-Treat area in the French area where the Fort stands. Kids and adults can get a free bag and go door-to-door ringing the doorbells for treats. In previous years, costumed characters handed out candy in the Bugs Bunny Boomtown area. There are characters to see but on a different street further away from the Bugs Bunny Boomtown area. It's not exactly a trail like advertised, more like just a bunch of small houses in a circle. And, for convienence, the restroom is next door.

Right outside the Trick-er-Treat area, between the Icey shack and the restaurant are tables set up for pumpking decorating and/or mask making - both are free.

At the entrance of the Looney Toon area, is a haybale maze with costumed mice to visit. Fun for very young kids. The maze closes much earlier than the rest of the area. During Fright Fest, the Bugs Bunny Boomtown rides stay open later than normal which is great.

Oktoberfest:
This event is in the small Biergarten just past the games area. They had german-style treats (like brats and pretzels) and adult drinks for sale. Games such as bags (bean bag toss) and jenga for anyone to play. There was a fun band playing songs (Oompah Delics). The workers were dressed in German-style outfits and did go around checking on customers. A good place to relax while you're at the park but not a destination in itself.

Fright Fest:
The actual event starts after 5pm CST when the sun starts going down. Although it's open to anyone, I don't recommend young kids to participate as it can be scary especially the loud chainsaw noises. If you stay really late, guests can become rowdy and throw a lot of f-bombs. They were selling a special glowing necklace which was supposed to limit the scares but it does say it's not guaranteed. Personally, I didn't think the "frights" were scary but it was loud and smoky.

There are 6 haunted houses (a special ticket to enter is required and can be purchased at booths nearby, at the park entrance gate, or online).

There are 5 scare zones each with a different theme. You can easily spot them as they will be running smoke machines. This is where you will find lots of spooky props and costumed performers will interact with guests.

There are also several Halloween-Themed shows which start earlier than Fright Fest itself. We watched a Ghouling Pianos singing show which you can hear from the street. Other shows include Toxicity, Raging Inferno (heavy metal show), Curse of the Undead (gunfighter show), and Dia de Los Muertos (Mexican dancing show).

Just a sampling of some of the interesting foods and alcoholic beverages that were being sold.

Fright Fest Map: https://static.sixflags.com/website/files/sfot_ff-guide.pdf

For more information, check out: https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas