Coney Island

*BACKDATED POST*

It was about a month ago when we decided to head out to Brooklyn to go to the NY Aquarium. The aquarium is actually on the southern part of the Coney Island boardwalk. We have heard so much about Coney Island, about the amusement parks, the famous Nathans hot dogs and all the summer memories people have talked about over the years. After the aquarium, we walked down the world famous boardwalk to see what all the hype is about.

First up is the much talked about Astroland Park, home to the famous wooden Cyclone roller coaster. It was built in the early 60s, with a 'space age' theme. After 45 years of providing countless children and adults fun filled summer days and nights, the Astroland finally closed it's doors to the last visitor on September 7, 2008. I'm a little bit bummed that we didn't get a chance to ride the Cyclone, but I'm sure Astroland will always live on in the childhood memories of many New Yorkers.

I don't know about you, but whenever we go to a carnival or somewhere with a carnival like atmosphere (like the boardwalks on AC and Jersey Shore), we MUST get some funnel cake and lemonade! I just love funnel cakes, it's so unhealthy yet so yummy :P

After the yummy funnel cake, we continued to walk down the boardwalk and here it is! Deno's Wonder Wheel Park! Back in the day, Coney Island was THE place to build the biggest and best of things. The Wonder Wheel is a 150ft tall ferris wheel, built in 1920. It soon became one of the icons of Coney Island. What's so special about this ferris wheel? Well, there are eight stationary cars on the outside of the wheel and sixteen cars that that swings and rolls back and forth on the inside. At such a height, it can be pretty scary. In 1989, the Wonder Wheel was officially declared as a NYC Landmark. So we headed down to ride the Wheel. It cost $6 per person for two rounds on the Wheel. Initially I wanted to try the swinging car but we ended up riding on the stationary car. Thank goodness we chose the stationary. I knew Kevin has a slight fear of heights but I didn't realized that it was so bad. His knuckles where practically turning white from holding on to the rails. So sweet of him though to not complain and rode the Wheel with me, even though it terrified him to death! We got a really great view of the Atlantic Ocean as well as the whole Coney Island Boardwalk. We could even see the Verrazano Suspension Bridge that links Brooklyn to Staten Island.

We saw the big Nathans signboard from the Wheel and took it as a sign that it's time for a late lunch! When you think of food in Coney Island, it has to be hotdogs! They claim that the hot dog was invented in Coney Island in 1870. Coney Island is also home to the world famous Nathans hot dog. It is also the site of the annual 4th of July Hotdog Eating Contest.

We bought two cheese dogs, some cheese fries and their original orangeade. Nothing beats biting into a hot juicy dog, with the salty breeze from the Atlantic Ocean blowing in your face.

We continued exploring the various games stalls and arcade places on the boardwalk. One of the funnier games we saw that day was Shoot the Freak. There was a guy running around, hiding behind various objects and you would try to shoot him with a paintball gun. Boy, I would hate to be that guy! Hahaha. We even saw a wedding down at the beach.

As the sun begins to set, it was time for us to head home. We had a whole lot of fun and seemed somewhat reluctant to leave. We were really glad we didn't let the season slip away and not visit this ever so famous summer destination. Until next year, goodbye Coney Island...see you next summer!