[*Anya*]

Originally Posted by gotoseagrl

I had to make a post on Knott's Berry Farm. I've been a few times this month, and hadn't been since I was a small child. As an adult, I've been able to fully appreciate what a unique gem of a place it is for lovers of rustic, vintage and old-fashioned. I was in heaven there.

The other day, when I was there with my brother, we were reading a plaque about Knott's claiming to be the first theme park in America, which I never knew. I'm not pleased with all the big modern crazy roller coasters they are cluttering the park with, but I am so in love with all the adorable quaint shops and historical exhibits, and the Native & western theme, that they have preserved since the 40s I guess.

My favorite things are the Victorian signage everywhere, the beautifully crafted items sold by local vendors, the authentic collections of antique items on display, the 1950s & earlier toys in the shops and the ghost town theme that I will miss with the removal of Frontier Land at Disneyland. To me, this is how they stand apart from Disney, which is practically down the street from Knott's. Oh and I love Boysenberry too, especially on Funnel Cake!

I used to love Knotts. When I first moved to California in 1972, they had no fence around it and I don't think an admission fee because I used to go with my 2 girls in strollers, mom and grandmother all of the time. We would just go for a few hours to walk around and maybe lunch in the chicken dinner restaurant.

Then, they built a big fence around it, charged for admission (though still much cheaper than D-land).

I remember when Disneyland was inexpensive enough for all of us to go for the day, too, a couple of times a year and we would buy a book of tickets for rides. (E-ticket anyone?).

*Sigh*