Stuck inside today? Me too, but I did get out recently to pay a visit to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, a seaside amusement park that combines modern thrills with retro charm.
I was there to check in on the boardwalk’s Looff Carousel, which is turning 100 years old this year _ a lot of painted ponies spinning. I’ve always loved carousels and this is more a work of art than a carnival attraction. Each horse is unique with flashing smiles, jeweled bridles, genuine horsehair tails and even a sheep tucked under one saddle. Feeling adventurous, I did ride the Giant Dipper roller coaster, which is 85 years old although so well-maintained you’d never know it. That was quite exciting. As we crested the first hill, I believe my comment was, “Oh dear, oh dear.” I categorically deny that I screamed like a little girl.
But I’ll be honest, the carousel is more my style, a soothing, swooping ride with a lovely view of the beachfront as the horses waltz in time to a Wurlitzer. Plus, the Santa Cruz ride is one of the few with a working brass (or rather, steel) ring machine. Riders on outside horses can grab for a ring from a mechanical arm and then toss it into the gaping mouth of a clown painted on the wall. A direct hit is marked by bells and flashing lights.
Every person but one in the Vinecdote family has hit the clown target. No need to ask who keeps missing _ whacking the clown in the eye, the nose, the ears, and, once, embarrassingly, another rider on the carousel.
Cheers.
VINECDOTE VITALS:
GO: The Boardwalk is located at 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz, CA. Parking $12, although lots can fill up early on holidays, warm days. Open daily. All-day ride passes $29.95, individual ride prices range from $3 to $5.
EAT: Every kind of fried food you can imagine, including deep-fried Twinkies and Oreos. For a change of pace, try the nearby Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf which has a selection of restaurants. We like the Dolphin takeaway window at the end of the wharf, where you can watch sea lions basking while you wait for your clam chowder in a bread bowl.
STAY: Lodging ranges from the kind of motels where you’re better off taking your own towels to charming B&Bs along West Cliff Drive to luxury hotels. If you’re feeling spendy, the Dream Inn has all the modern comforts, runs midweek specials and is located right on the beach.
