Thursday, May 23, 2013

Carousels Bring Out the Child in Us


Carousels bring out the child in most of us.

The following ride would be good for anyone too "chicken" to ride a pony!



They are an enchanting way to spend some memory-making time on a lovely afternoon.



 While visiting the Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y.,  our first stop was at the Empire State Carousel.





 When  my sibs and I were kids, our parents used to take us to ride a carousel that overlooked a gorgeous lake. 

 It was always thrilling. 

My heart used to beat fast in anticipation of going and even faster when the ride began.


In Cooperstown, riding the carousel, all these decades later, was just as thrilling.

The wind whipped through my hair, the music filled the air and I felt like a little kid again.

I think carousels, or merry-go-rounds as they are often called, need to be housed in their own buildings.

If situated in a park or history museum, like the one in Cooperstown, it's a perfect fit.


The gift shop on the grounds had a book detailing the history of the Empire State Carousel. 


I would have loved to buy it but at $29, it was way too expensive for my budget.

 Looked good, though.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL MEMORIES OF RIDING A CAROUSEL?

16 comments:

Bookie said...

Imagine what a thrill a ride was before theme parks and game boys and all such....

Glenda said...

I was always afraid of the rides that went high in the air, so the merry-go-round at our local park was just my speed. I loved the way the horses went up and down, and the music always made me feel happy. Alas...I'm much too large for those precious animals now, and I think the rides are only open during the annual fair. Anyway, that was always my very favorite ride! I finally got up the nerve to ride the Tilt-A-Whirl, but only rode it a few times. These days, it seems that the rides have to be much more thrilling, and amusement parks are much more expensive. Oh, well...I still have my memories! :-)

Unknown said...

Hello from Spain: when I was a child I liked to go in carousel. The music and attractions are always fun. Today I take my daughters to enjoy the carousel. Keep in touch

Chatty Crone said...

You are right Susan - everyone I think loves a carousel - I love to ride them. And this was a particularly beautiful one!
sandie

Nellie said...

Oh, yes! The Carousel was the ride of choice when I was younger. Just as my sister who commented earlier, I never wished to take those high in the air rides!

The one you feature is a really pretty one!

Susan said...

My granddaughter LOVES carousels and seems to have a radar where they are located. I don't remember too many carousels growing up, but I sure loved riding the roller coaster when I was old enough; California Scream at DisneyLand is the best!! XOXO

diane.stetson said...

There are several malls which have merry go rounds in them. I just took my grandsons on one this past weekend. Even the baby who is just turning one next week rode on a pony and smiled the whole time. I love them. Whenever I go to an amusement park I love to go on myself.

marianne said...

Carousels are definitely a reminder of long ago childhood days. I too remember riding the lakeside carousel you spoke of. The cool wind felt so wonderful in the hot summer evening. The lake view was fantastic. Even as a child I remember thinking how beautiful it was and how great it was to live in such a pretty place. Thanks for bringing back such pleasant memories.



La Tea Dah said...

I don't think I have ever ridden on one --- but --- our city is raising money to "house" the antique horses from one that they've inherited. So, there is hope. :D

Dee said...

I have ridden the carnival one's...nothing as glamorous as the one you are showing. Fun...and romantic if with a date.

Kit said...

I love carousels! In fact in our town we have a lovely carousel that was hand carved by community members. And I am proud to say my husband carved 4 of them. Every town should have one. Kit

Annesphamily said...

Hi Susan! This was so fun and brings back a lot of great memories. The city park in my hometown of Pueblo, CO. had the most beautiful carousel and I remember waiting anxiously, praying I would get the horse that I wanted to ride! Elitch' Six Flags in Denver, where I now live, has an amazing one too! I am thinking of writing my post tonight about carousels. You have inspired me. Maybe you will stop by later and check it out! Hugs Anne

The Old Parsonage said...

Love that chicken! I don't have memories for me, but our boys always rode the carousel when they went to Santa:) Love those memories!

Have a great weekend!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I have always loved to ride carousels! In fact there is one a couple hours away in Chattanooga that I adore! Thanks for sharing this one with us!

Linda

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Hubby and I were at one of the malls here last weekend and I noticed they had put a carousel right in the middle of the first floor by the stairwell. It's a big open area and of course there were lots of little kiddos waiting their turn. :) Best wishes, Tammy

Gina @ VictorianWannaBe said...

Oh, I love carousels! They are always so detailed and gorgeous! I did a post on them also. :)

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