My Local Hidden Gem: Unpacking Fun Spot America Atlanta (Fayetteville)

 

Hey everyone!

So, I've always been a huge fan of amusement parks. There's just something about the thrill of the rides, the smell of cotton candy and the overall excitement that gets me every time. Growing up, my sister and I would eagerly anticipate our annual trip to the fair. We'd also catch glimpses of places like Miracle Strip Amusement Park on TV, and of course, the magic of Disney World. My parents even promised us a trip to Disney World when we moved to Florida, but alas, that was an empty promise that never happened. Funny enough, when I finally did go to Disney World a few years ago, it just wasn't really my scene. I'm more of a Six Flags or Universal kind of guy.

Living in the Atlanta area, Six Flags Over Georgia has always been my go-to for that adrenaline rush. I absolutely love Goliath and Twisted Cyclone, even if my body doesn't quite agree with the twists and turns like it used to! But, there's another park much closer to home – Fun Spot America Atlanta in Fayetteville. It used to be called Dixieland Fun Park and Fun Junction, a small spot with go-karts, mini-golf and some basic carnival rides.

Then, Fun Spot America took over and things started to change. They added a large gondola ferris wheel built by Technical Park and most recently, the incredible ArieForce One rollercoaster – an RMC coaster that's a real game-changer. They also have the older Hurricane Coaster, which is a decent little coaster built by Miler, but ArieForce One is the star of the show. Honestly, Fun Spot has always been a great place to spend an afternoon. It's not as big as Six Flags, but it's got its own charm.

Now, they did take out the mini-golf courses for ArieForce One, which was a bummer. Terry and I loved those courses, especially the one with the water feature. I understand needing space for a new coaster, but still...a bit sad to see them go. If you’ve been to Fun Spot's Florida parks, the Atlanta one is definitely different. It has so much potential, though. There’s even a small amphitheater that I think is a waste of space and could be replaced with another cool ride, maybe even the old Enterprise from Orlando which used to be the Wheelie at Six Flags Over Georgia. There’s also a lake on the property that could be used for something like paddle boats, which would be a nice addition.

One thing I really appreciate about Fun Spot Atlanta is the staff. Everyone is always super nice and helpful, which is a huge contrast to some experiences I’ve had at Six Flags. Customer service is a big plus at Fun Spot whereas Six Flags could benefit from training their employees to offer common courtesy.

Would I recommend Fun Spot Atlanta? It really depends on what you're looking for. If you want a few hours of fun and a great rollercoaster, absolutely. If you need the sheer number of attractions that Six Flags provides, then maybe not. If I were in charge, I'd add a swinging ship ride, like a Sea Dragon or Pirate by the lake, a Chance Yo-Yo or Wave Swinger, somewhere in the center of the park and maybe even a Skywheel now that it seems they have removed their ferris wheel. One of the Florida parks actually operated a Skywheel for a few years, though I don't believe it was actually owned by them. A skating rink could be cool also, especially since the local rink, Dazzles, closed years ago. A skating rink could be good for the park during the winter when outdoor attractions are closed. I would also love to see a new mini-golf course as an addition since it was actually one of the cool parts of the park prior to Aireforce coming in...as well as better pathways around the park because it's not exactly laid out very well.

Admission is free, but parking is $5, though they give you a $5 voucher to use inside. You can pay per ride or get a wristband, which is worth it if you plan on riding a lot.

So, what do you guys think? Have you been to Fun Spot Atlanta? What improvements would you make? I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below! Your insights really help keep this community going. If you’ve enjoyed reading my thoughts and if you are so inclined to help fuel future content, any small contribution to keep the blog going is incredibly appreciated.

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at the park!

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Strikes, Spares, and Butter Cookies: My Childhood Bowling Alley Adventure

 

When I was around 3 or 4 years old, my parents joined a bowling league in Mobile, Alabama. Every week, like clockwork, my sister and I would be taken along to the bustling bowling alley. I have no idea what it was called or where in Mobile it was located, this was over 45 years ago. It's just a fragmented part of my memory now, but I can vividly remember my mama, daddy, my sister Becki and the kind lady at the snack bar. The friends my parents played with on the league, however, are a blur. This was before I started kindergarten and I really feel it happened before we lived with my granny and definitely before we moved to the little yellow house at the end of Easter Lane.

My parents seemed to enjoy every moment, laughing and chatting with their teammates while rolling those heavy bowling balls down the polished lanes. I am not sure if they were any good, but their smiles and laughter tell me that they were having a blast.

I remember sitting with my sister as she played arcade games and wandered around the snack bar. The smell of bowling alley nachos and hot dogs filled the air, mixing with the occasional whiff of beer from the bar. The lady who worked the snack bar was always kind to me, sharing her stash of butter cookies with the hole in the center. I loved putting them on my fingers and eating them off one by one, savoring each sweet bite.

I often watched bowling on TV with my dad, expecting to see my mama and daddy competing with the professionals. In my young mind, they were just as skilled and deserving of the spotlight. The bright and colorful bowling balls for sale always caught my eye. I dreamed of owning a vibrant pink or neon green one someday, though that wish never quite came true.

Those nights at the bowling alley hold a special place in my heart, though it's not exactly a strong memory. The simple joy of being with my parents getting along for a night, the arcade games, and the sweet butter cookies made it all magical.

What about you? Do you have any favorite bowling memories or funny stories to share? Drop a comment below and let me know what you love about bowling! And if you enjoyed reading this story, a small token of appreciation would mean the world to me. 😊

A Secret Date at 13: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation at University Mall

One of my all-time favorite holiday movies is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Every holiday season, I make sure to watch this 1989 classic. It perfectly blends the chaos of the holidays with family fun, and it never fails to make me laugh.

I have a really special memory associated with this movie. It was one of the first movies I went to on an actual date. I was 13, and he was 12. The funny part is, it was a daytime date with the son of one of my mom's co-workers. Our moms had no idea it was a date—they just thought it was two kids going to see a movie. My mom drove us to University Mall in Pensacola, dropped us off, and went shopping.

We watched National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and I remember laughing so much at all the crazy things happening to the Griswold family. After the movie, his mom picked us up in her little Yugo. We were sitting in the back seat, still giggling about the movie. I often wonder if his mom saw us sneak a kiss back there. It's one of those sweet, innocent memories that makes me smile every time I think about it.

A blue Yugo just like the one his mom drove

Whenever I watch the movie now, it takes me back to that fun and innocent time. The movie itself is just as hilarious as ever. Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, trying to create the perfect Christmas, only to have everything go hilariously wrong—it's so relatable. We’ve all had those moments during the holidays when things don't go as planned, and that's what makes it so funny and endearing.

And while Christmas Vacation is my holiday go-to, I also love Vegas Vacation. It was filmed not long after I worked in Las Vegas, so it always reminds me of my time there and brings back great memories.

Thinking about all this just makes me appreciate the movie even more. It’s not just about the laughs, but the memories tied to it. So, if you haven’t seen it in a while, or if you’ve never seen it, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is definitely worth a watch. It’s sure to bring some holiday cheer and maybe even remind you of your own special memories.