Back to Knott's, Pt. 2

This post focuses on the main (actually, probably the only) reason I visit Knott's Berry Farm: GHOST TOWN! I love the old west town that Walter Knott "collected" and assembled to form a cohesive village of yesteryear. The first shot is a panorama of the Wagon Camp. This shows my main beef with Knott's Berry Farm: the sightlines. You see the old AND the new together, and it really breaks the fantasy effect of feeling like you are back in the Old West.

Gold Trails Hotel:



Those familiar figures outside the hotel that have sat and posed with thousands of guests over the years.



I was SOOOOO disappointed to be told that the peek-ins no longer existed in the Park. Here's Hop Wing Lee's Laundry:



This figure that used to be visible through the window is no longer on display, and neither are the other ones that formerly entertained guests at Knott's. I was told they were damaged during Knott's Scary Farm by the guests.



Apparently this one was spared the chopping block:



A detailed view of the signage:



No peek-in here; it's a real-live horse!



The Blacksmith is real, too, and very friendly with guests:



This gal was making ornaments:



The Post Office is not in use, but it was fun to peek around:









A view of Goldie's:



The Jail is this way:



This was the first time I'd actually seen this guy in action, taking requests for Sad Eye Joe:



The School House was in session:



I could see myself wearing this at times.





I wonder if this ever gets played?



The Calico Saloon:







Boot Hill Cemetery is another example of bad sightlines:





I wonder how much this guy makes a year?



Still more to come! See more Knott's Berry Farm photos at my main website.

Back to Knott's, Pt. 1

Four years have passed by since my last visit to Knott's Berry Farm; I'd say I was overdue, wouldn't you? True to form, I arrived before opening. Nothing like having time to get my bearings and a few photos before the deluge of guests arrive. The Independence Hall replica is still there. One of these days I'll check out the inside!



Arriving on Grand Avenue, we decided to catch a little breakfast before visiting Ghost Town.



What?!? I didn't order biscuits and gravy! Guess I'll have to suffer through them. Boy were they good.



The waffle arrived, and I was quickly kicked into carb overload!



Afterwards we strolled through the gift shop. It was nice to see some of the vintage paintings on display.



The fountain outside of Virginia's is still in operation. Love that spitting frog!



California's State Flower, the Poppy, was in full bloom:



I was able to get a shot of the entrance ticket booths before the crowds lined up. I was surprised that even on a Monday, there was a long line. The fact that it was a holiday probably had some influence on that!





Finally reached my destination: GHOST TOWN!



Come back tomorrow for Part 2! I need to work off those breakfast carbs in the meantime!

See more photos at my main website.

Fantasyland Emotions

Two 1956/57 images of a family's day at Disneyland runs the gamut of emotions. The first shot shows center gal having a giggle over something while dad and the tot are less than amused. He should be counting his lucky stars about the ticket prices he is paying!



This last shot was either their attempt at looking like Pirates...



or an end of the day meltdown.



You be the judge.

See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland Fantasyland photos at my main website.

Storybook Land Cinderella Castle

Monday got here WAAAAAAAAY too fast; no time for an in-depth entry, so you'll have to "suffer" with this medley of yet-to-be-posted images of Cinderella Castle at the Disneyland Storybook Land attraction. The first one from 1958 is good enough that it yields two detailed views. Three shots in one - LOVE IT! Check out the vintage employee cars:



And the original buildings in the French Village where the Tremaines live:



An undated 1950s image:



It only yields one closeup. Boo!



October 1959 was a better time for detail!



Once again the Village:



...and the employee parking lot:



See more vintage and contemporary Disneyland Storybook Land photos at my main website..

Back to the Riviera

After an eight-year hiatus, I returned to the Riviera Resort and Spa in Palm Springs. I really liked the vibe of the hotel, but was not impressed by the service. Eight years later, they still have room for improvement. What a splashy entrance though!



The lobby that was once hot and kitschy:



...is now less cluttered and green:



I'm okay with that change; especially since green is more soothing and happens to be my favorite color. The pool table that was once presided over by Frank and Marilyn...



Is now surrounded by books and knick knacks:



It seems like they are trying to downplay the Vegas look. The room decor hasn't changed much; still clean, hip, and minimal.





How about that sunset view?



Of course every Palm Springs hotel has to have a pool; The Riviera has two. Here's the large one:



The Spa:



and Fitness Center:



The Mid-Century Modern Pool Bar/Snack Hut:



And I'll end the post with one of my standard hallway shots:



Would I go back? Probably not any time soon. The Colony Palms still ranks supreme with me. The Riviera is a huge property, and I would imagine much more difficult to run, especially considering the pool of seasonal help that must be picked over by all the competition. Regardless I had a wonderful weekend.

See more photos at my main website.