Other recommended amusement parks...

If you’re going on a long road trip this summer and run across one of these parks, it’s definitely worth stopping...

SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND
Location: Agawam, MA
Distance: 6 hours
Opening date: Now open
New for 2007: Thomas The Tank Engine themed area for kids coming in June
Similar to: Darien Lake. While I love Darien Lake’s Ride Of Steel, this park’s version is different and is considered one of the best steel roller coasters in the country (and I agree). They also have an incredible selection of spin rides including Nightwing, similar to Darien Lake’s Enterprise / Silver Bullet except you ride it on your stomach! Another fun ride is the Catapult, pictured.


LAKE COMPOUNCE
Location: Bristol, CT
Distance: 6.5 hours
Opening date: May 12th
New for 2007: Zoomers Gas ’n Go Antique Car ride. Also, Rainbow Riders Balloon Ride for little ones.
Similar to: Darien Lake.


CANOBIE LAKE
Location: Salem, NH
Distance: 7.5 hours
Opening date: Now open
New for 2007: Xtreme Frisbee - one of the greatest spin rides ever!
Similar to: Fantasy Island


MOREY’S PIERS
Location: Wildwood, NJ
Distance: 8 hours
Opening date: Now open
New for 2007: Sunny’s Lookout Lighthouse for kids (on Mariner’s Landing Pier)
Similar to: The park itself reminds me of a gigantic Crystal Beach, except it’s all on three large piers overlooking the ocean. The boardwalk is super long and has all sorts of crazy shops. If it’s too long, take the tram. Trust me on this - after visiting, you won’t be able to get “watch the tram car, please” out of your head.


KING’S DOMINION
Location: Doswell, VA
Distance: 9 hours
Opening Date: Now open
New for 2007: Three new water attractions - Tidal Wave Bay, Tornado, & Zoom Flume
Similar to: Canada’s Wonderland


BUSCH GARDENS: EUROPE
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Distance: 10 hours
Opening date: Now open
New for 2007: Griffon, the world's tallest floorless dive coaster with a 90-degree drop, opens May 25th
Similar to: Imagine Canada’s Wonderland w/ more extreme roller coasters, fewer rides, and a lot more shops & restaurants.


BEECH BEND
Location: Bowling Green, KY
Distance: 10.5 hours
Opening date: Now open
Similar to: Fantasy Island. Their rare Scat 2 ride (pictured) is one of the most intense spin rides when run at full speed.


HOLIDAY WORLD
Location: Santa Claus, IN
Distance: 10 hours
Opening date: Now open
New for 2007: Bakuli, a 7-story waterslide through a dark, steep tunnel. Also Turkey Whirl, a turkey-themed Tilt-A-Whirl.
Similar to: Darien Lake, but geared more to young kids.


DOLLYWOOD
Location: Pigeon Forge, TN
Distance: 11 hours
Opening date: Now open
New for 2007: Mystery Mine, a heavily themed steel coaster that plunges into darkness.
Similar to: Unique. Stores and restaurants outnumber rides here, but the rides are all good.


INDIANA BEACH
Location: Monticello, IN
Distance: 8.5 hours
Opening date: Now open
Similar to: What Crystal Beach used to be.


MOUNT OLYMPUS
Location: Wisconsin Dells, WI
Distance: 12 hours
Opening date: Indoor park open now, outdoor park opens May 26th
Similar to: Unique. It’s an amusement park made up of nine long wooden go-cart tracks (the Trojan Horse and Medusa's Drop tracks are pictured), seven roller coasters, and a gigantic indoor and outdoor waterpark. The entire town of Wisconsin Dells is a giant version of Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls. Nearby, the Timber Falls Adventure Park has an amazing wooden roller coaster called Avalanche. There’s also a puzzle-like adventure down the road called Wizard’s Quest which is definitely worth checking out.