What a wonderful vacation. I unplugged and was in a subdued, fresh-air haze all week.
The Wisconsin Dells is a fabulous place to soak in -- a melting pot of vacation town icons from several generations. There is the original Wisconsin Duck Boats from the 50s/60s, which are old army land/water vehicles that take small groups on 30 minute tours of Wisconsin River Rock formations (all 3 of them). That attraction matches all the drive up motels with little fenced-in pools in the front lot and metal swing sets dangerously close to the 4-lane main drag. The downtown shops clearly had their heyday during this time, but are adapting as old souvenir shops become laser tag places.
Then there are the next eras' mini golf and Go Kart outdoor complexes with ice cream stands and Fake steam boat or other kinds of cute buildings where you buy your tickets and hot dogs. Those match up well with the local pizza buffets and pancake houses. Finally, enter the 90s and behold the 5 or more indoor waterparks, indoor and outdoor theme parks with roller coasters, Starbucks, Houlihans, and our Hilton Garden Inn.
Now imagine it all smashed together in a two mile stretch of road shaped like an "L," throw in a Recession, put yourself there 2 month's before the season starts, and know that beautiful nature is a 10 minute drive away. That was my vacation. Sightly Haunted, but otherwise Charming, Fascinating, Joyful and Refreshing.
The Wisconsin Dells is a fabulous place to soak in -- a melting pot of vacation town icons from several generations. There is the original Wisconsin Duck Boats from the 50s/60s, which are old army land/water vehicles that take small groups on 30 minute tours of Wisconsin River Rock formations (all 3 of them). That attraction matches all the drive up motels with little fenced-in pools in the front lot and metal swing sets dangerously close to the 4-lane main drag. The downtown shops clearly had their heyday during this time, but are adapting as old souvenir shops become laser tag places.
Then there are the next eras' mini golf and Go Kart outdoor complexes with ice cream stands and Fake steam boat or other kinds of cute buildings where you buy your tickets and hot dogs. Those match up well with the local pizza buffets and pancake houses. Finally, enter the 90s and behold the 5 or more indoor waterparks, indoor and outdoor theme parks with roller coasters, Starbucks, Houlihans, and our Hilton Garden Inn.
Now imagine it all smashed together in a two mile stretch of road shaped like an "L," throw in a Recession, put yourself there 2 month's before the season starts, and know that beautiful nature is a 10 minute drive away. That was my vacation. Sightly Haunted, but otherwise Charming, Fascinating, Joyful and Refreshing.
1 Comments:
Gorgeous story!
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