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What's summer without a road trip to an amusement park? Some of the most popular and historic theme parks in North America are located in the Northeast. A three-day road trip from southern New England to central Pennsylvania will allow you to experience everything from some of the world's oldest rides to modern adventures with all the twists and turns your body can handle.
Day One: Lake Compounce Amusement Park (Bristol, Conn)
Bristol is not only home to the ESPN Television Network, but also to the oldest theme park in America - and the fifth oldest in the world. Lake Compounce Amusement Park first opened to the public in 1846, a full century before Best Western became synonymous with summer road travel. This New England treasure, most famous for providing guests complimentary soda, is home to the only roller coaster built into the side of a mountain. Its newest thrill, "Thunder N' Lightning," consists of a screaming swing with two giant arms that catapult its 32 passengers to heights of 100 feet at 60 miles per hour. To learn more,visit www.lakecompounce.com
Where to Stay :
- 2253 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin, Conn.
- This hotel's indoor swimming pool offers families a chance to relax after a fun day at the park. All rooms are equipped with high speed Internet access and more than 70 channels of cable television. The Best Western New England Inn & Suites also features an expanded fitness center along with a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast each morning. In addition, the 53-room property is located within two miles of go-cart racing and miniature golf, as well as hiking/walking trails.
Day Two: Astroland, Coney Island (Brooklyn, NY)
Just a two-and-a-half hour drive south of Bristol is historic Astroland on Coney Island, home to The Cyclone - one of the world's oldest wooden coasters still in existence. The Cyclone at Astroland first welcomed riders on June 26, 1927, and remains the park's most popular attraction 79 years later. The park is open daily throughout the summer, closing on Labor Day. To learn more about New York City's largest amusement park, visit www.astroland.com.
Where to Stay :
- 8315 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, New York
- The Best Western Gregory Hotel, located one mile from the Verrazano Bridge, offers 70 rooms - including nine suites - high-speed Internet access and a complimentary continental breakfast every morning. The hotel is also situated just five miles from the Brooklyn Children's Museum and the Prospect Park Zoo.
Day Three: HersheyPark (Hershey, Penn)
HersheyPark, which opened in 1907, is as famous for its history and rides as it is for the chocolate samples found next door. Deemed the "cleanest and greenest theme park in America," HersheyPark features such roller coasters as the ever-popular Comet, which opened in 1946 - the same year Best Western got its start. Be sure to also stop by Hershey Chocolate World, the official visitors' center, which is open for tours and oodles of chocolate tastings. Admission is free. To learn more about this sweet theme park, visit www.hersheypark.com.
Where to Stay :
- Route 422 and Sipe Ave., Hershey, Penn.
- The Best Western Inn-Hershey features a 24-hour video game room along with a variety of children's activities. The hotel's two-roomed suites are perfect for families or other large groups. The property also offers the largest heated outdoor pool in Hershey. Homemade Belgian waffles are part of its deluxe complimentary breakfast buffet.
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