Phoenix, United States

Atlas ObscuraJun 15

The Wooden Way: A Cross-Pennsylvania Pilgrimage to the Golden Age of Thrills

Long before massive steel coasters launched riders into physics-defying drops and corkscrews, Pennsylvania helped define the art of the wooden roller coaster. When they debuted in the early 20th century, many of the state’s classic amusement parks drew city dwellers to lakesides, river valleys, and wooded hillsides for fresh air and excitement. By the 1920s, innovative coaster engineers at loca…

Record holder for #1 wooden roller coaster award

19 things in this story

Philadelphia Toboggan CompanyAttractionA fun and awesome experience for all ages.
KennywoodTheme parkAmusement park with three 1920s-era coasters
Jack RabbitSightOldest operating roller coaster, debuted in 1920
ThunderboltSightSteep plunge and lateral G-forces since 1924
RacerSightMobius loop coaster designed in 1927
ThunderhawkSightLast surviving work of Herbert Paul Schmeck
Rollo CoasterSightFamily-friendly coaster built into a wooded hillside
PhoenixSightRecord holder for #1 wooden roller coaster award
KnoebelsTheme parkOpened in 1926, it is the United States' largest free-admission park.
TwisterAttractionCoaster with curves, double-helix, and dark tunnel
Dorney Park & Wildwater KingdomTheme parkOwned and operated by Six Flags, the park features 64 rides, including eight roller coasters, several thrill rides and…
Idlewild & SoakZoneSightAmusement park with the Rollo Coaster
Knoebels Amusement ParkSightOffers free admission and the Phoenix coaster
CometSightRecognized as a Landmark by American Coaster Enthusiasts
HersheyparkTheme parkPark with the Comet and Lightning Racer coasters
Ravine Flyer IISightTallest and fastest wooden coaster in the state
Waldameer ParkTheme parkFeaturing over 100 rides, slides, and water attractions, Waldameer & Water World offers excitement for the entire…
Lightning RacerAttractionTwo wooden coasters that race each other
IdlewildNeighborhood

Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

OutsideApr 28

The Best National Park Escapes Hiding Just Outside America’s Biggest Cities

Gas prices are insane, and air travel is chaotic and expensive right now. This is a problem, because you still love to travel. Summer is rapidly approaching and you need a break, but you don’t want to sacrifice your savings for a far-flung trip. Don’t worry; I have you covered. Our country’s largest metropolitan areas … Continued

30 things in this story

Fire IslandSightNational Seashore with wild beaches and historic buildings
Otis Pike High Dunes WildernessSightFederally designated wilderness area with maritime forest
Appalachian TrailTrailThe Appalachian Trail, also called the A.T., is a hiking trail in the Eastern United States, extending almost 2,200…
PhoenixSightRequest services and report issues using myPHX311.
Santa Cruz IslandSightIt is the largest island in California and largest of the eight islands in the Channel Islands archipelago and Channel…
Channel Islands National ParkNature reserveFive islands with remote beaches and steep cliffs
Burma TrailTrailSandy path through dunes, offers beach access
Watch Hill CampgroundPlaceOffers tent and safari-style tents near beach
Middle Delaware RiverParkNational recreation area with 40 miles of free-flowing river
Edge of the Woods OutfittersPlaceOffers kayak and tube rentals and shuttles
Worthington State ForestPlaceHas campsites near water with trail access
Long IslandNeighborhoodIt constitutes a significant share of the New York metropolitan area in both population and land area.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation AreaNature reserveLargest urban park with over 500 miles of trails
Point Mugu State ParkNature reservePark with two campgrounds, Sycamore Canyon best
Backbone TrailTrail67-mile trail through mountains with 12 trailheads
Mishe Mokwa TrailTrailPart of a scenic loop to Sandstone Peak
Sandstone PeakViewpointHighest point in Santa Monica Mountains
Santa RosaSightScenic island with Torrey pine forest and meadows
Island PackersFerry terminalOffers ferry service to the islands
Skunk PointSightWhere sand dunes and cliffs meet the Pacific
Water CanyonHotel15-site campground on Santa Rosa island
Indiana Dunes National ParkNature reserveProtects coastal wilderness on Lake Michigan
Cowles Bog TrailTrail4.7-mile loop through park ecosystems to beach
Dunewood CampgroundHotel66 sites located a mile south of the lake
Big Thicket National PreserveNature reserve97,000-acre preserve with nine ecosystems
Cooks Lake to Scatterman Paddling TrailTrail4.8-mile loop through rivers, swamps, and lakes
Village Creek State ParkParkAdjacent park with campsites near a free-flowing river
Tonto National MonumentNature reserveProtects Sonoran desert and two ancient cliff dwellings
Smithfield BeachSight
Kittatinny PointSight

Read the full piece at Outside →

Phoenix

In the coverage2 stories

The Wooden Way: A Cross-Pennsylvania Pilgrimage to the Golden Age of Thrills

The Best National Park Escapes Hiding Just Outside America’s Biggest Cities