Book Review - Action Park by Andy Mulvihill

As an amusement park buff, I completely flipped out when I found this book about the history of the infamous Action Park in Vernon, New Jersey, written by the park's former owner, Gene Mulvihill.

Action Park was not only the most innovative amusement parks and a lot of rides were ahead of their time (like a bungee jump) but due to lack of strict guidelines was considered one of the most dangerous. Despite years of injuries and drownings, it was a group of trespassers that caused the park's ultimate downfall with a lawsuit in the millions and lenders defaulting.

There were mentions of other amusement parks throughout including Disney and Six Flags which made for a good history of amusement parks in the United States.

Action Park, known as "Vernon Valley" then "Vernon Valley Summer Park" had a humble start as part of a ski hill in 1976. The first ride installed was an alpine slide build on the hill. A lot of the rides built were somehow directed off the hill. In 1978 they built a go-kart track with overpowered karts that encouraged destructive bumper-car type behavior. Offering alcohol in the park also led to a lot of craziness. Toward the end, Gene brought over a German beer maker and established a biergarten in addition to Oktoberfest (which was held a few days before Gene passed away in 2012).

Also two water slides were added in 1978 and in 1979 the park was officially named "Action Park". Eventually there were three main areas of the park - Waterworld, Motorworld and Alpine Center. Gene built some cabins but never installed proper sewage or water facilities.

Reading some of the stories around the Tidal Wave Pool which faced two deaths really made me wonder how more people didn't drown as the pool could hold almost a thousand people, was as deep as 15 feet, held cloudy almost no-visibility water, and random entry points. Luckily they hired really good lifeguards.

After Action Park filed bankruptcy and closed in 1997, it was purchased by Praedium Recovery Fund then sold the next year to Intrawest who renamed it "Mountain Creek Waterpark". All the previous rides were either removed or modified to be less risky. Unfortunately, mismanagement and decreasing attendance numbers forced the comapny to sell at a loss. In 2014, Gene Mulvihill and investor friends re-purchased the park. For a brief period they renamed it "Action Park" but given the reputation and the town's resentment toward it, they named it back to "Mountain Creek Waterpark".

It's really interesting to read Andy Mulvihill's experiences as he grew up (and his family) in the park and had first-hand accounts of its evolution. Definitely a must-read.

Important note - this book contains adult language and themes.

Title: Action Park: Fast Times, Wild Rides, and the Untold Story of America's Most Dangerous Amusement Park
Author: Andy Mulvihill
ISBN: 978-0525506294
Pages: 352

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Book Review - Fodor's Travel - Bucket List USA

This book of 800 pages is stuffed full of inspiration and useful information plus colorful photographs, pull-out maps (like an Amtrak train map) and tons of helpful tidbits.

The first chapter is titled "Experience Bucket List USA" and you can find quick reference sections on Iconic Landmarks (besides the obvious ones like Golden Gate Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, there's also the Love sculpture in Philadelphia and the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Montgomery), National Parks (a listing of the most popular and iconic parks like the Grand Canyon, Acadia, and Yellowstone), Adventures (not for the faint of heart like Mountain Biking in the Moab desert), Historic Sites (only a handful are listed but they are worthwhile stops like Ellis Island the Ebenezer Baptist Church), Natural Attractions (Redwood trees, Mammoth Cave, and a few more worth seeing), Museums (the top museums in the US focusing on culture and key points in our history), Festivals (well-known festivals like Comic-Con and Burning Man but even ones you might try for the first time like Telluride Bluegrass Festival or Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Seasonal Travel (leaf-peeping for sure), Family-Friendly Travel (my kids would argue against Colonial Williamsburg but luckily Busch Gardens is nearby), Roadside Attractions (you can't road trip through Texas without a stop at the iconic Cadillac Ranch), Spectator Sports (yes, these are iconic but definitely bucket list as in the tickets are super expensive or impossible to get), State Booze (Kentucky Bourbon and moonshine), Best Souvenirs, Best Places to Spot Wildlife, Top Music Experiences, What to Watch/Read/Listen To, and for a good laugh Wacky State Laws.

Next chapter "Great Itineraries" offers lots of road trip suggestions from six days to three weeks with day by day stops: Six Days in Badlands and Black Hills, One Week in Maui and the Road to Hana, One Week and the Underground Railroad, and more.

Chapter Three starts us out in "New England" with a nice map and regional highlights. My favorite sidebar in every chapter is the "What to Eat and Drink". Each chapter also has information such as know before you go, planning your time, big events, what to do, visitor information and contacts. Then the chapter gets further divided out by state in alphabetical order.

Chapter Four highlights "The Mid-Atlantic". Each chapter also has call out pages with vivid photographs for the must-see places of the region such as the Pocono Mountains.

Chapter Five gives us "The Southeast". You will also find a "Bucket List Picks" checklist for every state which makes for easy planning.

Chapter Six showcases "The Great Plains". For each state there is a listing of what to see or do and places to stay with address, contact and website information. See my comment down below about verifying the info before your journey.

Chapter Seven is "The West Coast and the Pacific". You can also find useful "when to go" information for the call out museums and parks so you can avoid either the most crowded times or the park closures. Again, double check hours and operating dates.

Chapter Eight offers "The Southwest".

Chapter Nine focuses on "The Rockies"

Chapter Ten highlights "The Great Lakes"

Since this book is so massive and heavy, I suggest tearing out the sections you need from your own copy rather than lugging the entire book with you. You could easily staple the pages together to make a mini book. That way you will have maps and important information with you when you lose cell coverage.

Definitely a keeper. You may be able to find used copies at local book stores or library sales.

Since this book was published in 2021, be sure to verify information like locations and hours before heading out as many businesses and processes changed after Covid.

Title: Fodor's Bucket List USA: From the Epic to the Eccentric, 500+ Ultimate Experiences
Author: Fodor Travel Guides
ISBN: 978-1640974562
Pages: 800

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Book Review - Official Guide to the Smithsonian

This is a nice quick-reference guide to the Smithsonian museums in Washington DC and two in New York City. Each museum is listed with a general description of what it holds, location, hours, the subway stations to utilize, the website, and a few photographs highlighting the exhibits on display.

The book starts with an introduction to the Smithsonian followed by information on visiting Washington DC including transportation tips and getting around.

The Museums on or near the National Mall: National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of the American Indian, Freer Gallery of Art, Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, National Museum of African Art, Arts and Industries Building, Hirshhorn Museum and Scultpture Garden, National Postal Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

The locations in the Washington DC metro area include the National Zoo, Anacostia Community Museum, and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

And the two locations in New York City include Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum and George Gustav Heye Center.

While looking through this book, keep in mind it was published in 2021 so a lot of the hours and whether you need to reserve a visit time or not should be checked via the websites ahead of time.

Interesting guide but try to find it at your local library.

Title: Official Guide to the Smithsonian
Author: Smithsonian Institute
ISBN: 978-1588346827
Pages: 240

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Book Review - The Swimming Holes of Texas by Julie Wernersbach and Carolyn Tracy

This is one of those kinds of books that you didn't know you needed until you find it. I think most Texans or visitors head to the well-known swimming spots like tubing the Brazos River or enjoying water toys on Lake Travis. But, this book offers some really good alternatives and the pictures are trip-inspiring. I really like the "Top Five Lists" pull-out guide at the very end - "Best Spots for Accessibility", "Top Five Free Spots", "Top Five Spots for Kids", "Tip Five Dog-Friendly Spots", "Top Five for Camping", "Top Five Worth the Drive", "Top Five Off the Beaten Path", and "Top Five Places We Must Protect".

This book is organized by general location - North, East, Central, Austin and the Surrounding Area, South, and West. Each section has a nice dark-mode map with places labeled. Each swimming hole listed includes full address and website, hours, fees, park rules, camping availability, a descriptive about section, swimming information, amenities (like restrooms), and pro tips.

This book is a definite keeper if you live or visit Texas often and need a place to cool off or even an idea for a day trip. The photographs will definitely inspire you to take an upcoming trip during the heat of summer or during Spring Break.

Title: The Swimming Holes of Texas
Author: Julie Wernersbach and Carolyn Tracy
ISBN: 978-1477321522
Pages: 256

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Book Review - Heart and Darkness: Scary Adventures and the Evolution of Disney’s Dark Rides by Shawn Patrick Farrell

I found this book by accident while searching for Disney-related guides. I didn't expect much looking at the cover but it turned out to be a real treasure. The author not only dives into the history of dark rides but also details almost every single dark ride that ever existed at all the Disney parks. And I really enjoyed learning how the Imagineers handled different situations and the "secrets" of how they made these rides so popular.

The chapters are broken out in logical order starting with the history and making of dark rides in the first few chapters. Chapter 4 describes the World's Fair where Disney showcased Carousel of Progress (and an early version of People Mover) as well as Pirates and Haunted Mansion. Chapter five, humorously titled "Go East, Old Man", is an exploration of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Chapter six delves into Disneyland Tokyo and Disney Sea. Chapter seven visits Disneyland Paris. Chapter eight goes to Hong Kong Disneyland and chapter nine goes to Shanghai Disneyland. Chapter ten visits other amusement parks like Universal Studios and Knott's Berry Farm and their stand out dark rides. Chapter eleven discusses some abandoned dark ride ideas or concepts and the end of the chapter talks about the future of dark rides and some upcoming rides.

Keep in mind this book was published in 2017 which means a few of the rides are now retired and some of the rides listed in the future section are up and running today.

I like that each chapter that lists rides puts them in ascending order by date so we can see the evolution. A lot of the early rides are still operating.

This is a great book for not only Disney lovers but Amusement Park enthusiasts as well.

Title: Heart and Darkness: Scary Adventures and the Evolution of Disney’s Dark Rides
Author: Shawn Patrick Farrell
ISBN: 978-1683900962
Pages: 237

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Book Review - The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places in the USA

I am always seeking suggestions for my next or future trips and while I was wandering the bookstore, I came upon this book full of amazing photographs of locations around the US. The book is broken out into major geographical areas - the Northeast, the Great Lakes, the Plains, the Southeast, the Southwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Pacific Coast.

Although there are metropolitan cities showcased in here, such as Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, Austin, the pictures and text highlight little lesser-known places or must-see suggestions to check out while you are in town. Many of the places in this book are well-known tourist stops, I found many interesting places to visit as well.

My friends call this a great coffee table book. I think it's a great inspirational guide.

Title: The Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places in the USA
Author: Rough Guides
ISBN: 978-1789196917
Pages: 232

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Book Review - Fodor's InFocus - Turks and Caicos Islands

I've started to plan to take a cruise next winter so I picked up a couple of books from the library and this little guide caught my attention. Turks and Caicos Islands are absolutely gorgeous and a few cruises make stops there.

Turks and Caicos are actually a series of islands. From the left, there is the West Caicos, Providenciales (the main tourist hub, also called Provo), North Caicos, Middle Caicos, East Caicos, and South Caicos. Followed by Grand Turk Island. Then there are the smaller islands like Salt Cay which are challenging to get to but very beautiful.

The main airport is Providenciales International Airport (PLS) in Provo. From Provo, you can utilize InterCaribbean or Caicos Express Airways island-hop flights to visit the other islands, utilize the local ferries such as Caribbean Cruisin (but the schedules may not be regular or may depend on the weather), or (at a much higher cost) hire a tour company to transport you. The authors repeatedly say the adventure is worth it because the sandy beaches on these smaller islands are amazing.

The first chapter of this book has many highlights - "17 Ultimate Experiences", "Best Beaches", "Best Outdoor Activities", "Top Hotels for Families" and more.

The next chapter, "Travel Smart" offers tips on getting to the islands and then getting around; using money (US Dollars) and credit cards; Events throughout the year; suggested itineraries.

The next four chapters break down the islands themselves including detailed city maps and points of interest. Hotels and restaurants are listed and reviewed for each island as well as activities ranging from diving and snorkeling to paddleboarding or kayaking and more.

Grand Turk is where the cruise ship terminal is stationed and the book offers things to do nearby and excursions you could sign up for.

So, even though this book is about half an inch thick, it is packed full of useful information if you are planning an upcoming trip.

Title: Fodor's InFocus Turks and Caicos Islands
Author: Fodor Travel Guides
ISBN: 978-1640975606
Pages: 208

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Book Review - DK Eyewitness - Nashville Like a Local

I enjoy getting tips from locals on where to go, what to eat, and what to avoid. This book provides that but, let's be honest, I could have gotten the same information from a quick search on the internet. What makes this book valuable are the wonderfully illustrated maps. Of course, if you're handy with Google Maps you could easily drop pins on places you want to try. If you like paper maps, you could easily print Google Map views off with a little bit of work. Otherwise, I enjoyed the authors' sense of humor throughout and learning about some new spots to try.

The book is divided into the following chapters - Eat, Drink, Shop, Arts and Culture, Nightlife, and Outdoors. There is a handy directory at the end.

Try to find this book in your local library and make a list of places you want to try to visit in Nashville.

Title: Nashville Like a Local (Local Travel Guide)
Author: DK Eyewitness authors including locals Bailey Freeman and Kristen Shoates
ISBN: 978-0241686829
Pages: 192

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Book Review - Moon - Dominican Republic by Lebawit Lily Girma

The Dominican Republic is on my travel bucket list for (hopefully) next year so I ordered this book to start planning. What I love most about this book is how authentic the author's experiences come through for each of the areas she has visited. We can get a good understanding of the foods, hotels, travels and experiences for each place. Lots of first-hand advice and descriptions. Also, advice for women travelling alone.

The book is divided out by areas starting with the capital: Santa Domingo, Punta Cana and the Southeast Coast, The Samana Peninsula, Puerto Plata and the North Coast, Santiago and the Cibao Valley, and Barahona and the Southwest. Each of those region chapters is further broken down by city and then sights, foods, accommodations, transportations, and more. Then there's a chapter dedicated to the country's tumultous but fascinating background. A chapter for Travel Essentials (Transportation, Money, Tips, Food, Hotels, Health and Safety, Services, etc). Then a nice Spanish phrasebook that you can rip out and take with you.

Top 10 Experiences introduction is followed by a useful "Planning Your Trip" section with information on passports, transportation, etc. Followed by suggested itineraries in "The Best of the Dominican Republic". Most of us are looking for the "Best Beaches" page listed by area. "Romancing the DR" will interest couples or honeymooners. There's a page listing out top Diving and Snorkeling spots. The culture in Dominican Republic places a lot of emphasis on music and you'll find a call-out section dedicated to enjoying that as well as sprinkled throughout the book. For those so inclined, there's a page about Social Impact Tourism.

Lots of good info and full-color maps. Definitely a keeper guide to add to the collection.

Title: Moon Dominican Republic (Travel Guide)
Author: Lebawit Lily Girma
ISBN: 978-1640490468
Pages: 400

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Book Review - Moon Guide to Victoria and Vancouver Island

I've been considering taking an Alaska cruise and several operators have several points in Canada in their itineraries. So my interest was piqued when I found this book on Victoria and Vancouver Island. Moon Guides are always very useful and I like how this one breaks Vancouver Island into 3 sections - South, Central and North - to make it easier to focus on visiting one area rather than spending a lot of time back and forth. The island is quite big and there are many islands off the coast to visit via ferry. It is best to focus on one area due to the time it will take to arrive at your destination. Be sure to check the ferry schedules ahead of time to be sure you will arrive at your desired time and be able to depart (unless you are staying in a hotel) on time as well. Lots of good maps.

The Essentials section in the back of the book provides useful information on visiting Canada and the British Columbia area in general including airports, buses, rental cars (the insurance information was something new I learned), exchange rates (always check ahead of your visit to be sure you have the actual rate as it fluctuates), and more.

I do wish there were websites or facebook listings for each "big" location as I always like to verify hours of operation and costs ahead of time without having to google each stop. Obviously, some smaller businesses or mom-and-pop shops usually may not have websites. Overall, a pretty handy guide to take along on your trip whether you are cruising, driving or flying to this beautiful area.

Title: Moon Victoria and Vancouver Island: Coastal Recreation, Museums and Gardens, Whale-Watching (Travel Guide)
Author: Andrew Hempstead
ISBN: 978-1640496743
Pages: 248

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Book Review - DK Eyewitness Travel - Family Guide Paris

I'm hoping to be able to take my family to Disneyland Paris at some point especially after the updates they made to the park, so I grabbed this Paris guide to see what other fun activities we could do and foods to try. DK Eyewitness Travel books are so colorful, and I love the detailed maps and floorplans. The "Lowdowns" sections are really helpful and give you the websites you can access for further research.

Keep in mind that this book was published in 2018 so always be sure to verify information like operating hours and costs ahead of time since Covid negatively impacted many businesses.

There's a great section on Disneyland with lots of information.

This book is broken out by areas which makes it easy to focus your day in a location. Lots of suggestions on dining, etiquette (especially helpful to know when dining in a restaurant as opposed to a cafe), shopping, and ways to entertain your children.

Title: DK Eyewitness Family Guide Paris (Travel Guide)
Author: DK Eyewitness
ISBN: 978-1465468185
Pages: 288

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