Photo by Felix Adamo
Knott’s Berry Farm Knott’s Berry Farm Home to the popular boysenberry jams and fried chicken dinners that founders Walter and Cordelia Knott started serving in the 1930s, Knott’s Berry Farm is also well known because it was one of America’s first theme parks. This 160-acre amusement park offers fun for everyone. There are several exhilarating roller coasters for thrill-seekers, and plenty of Wild West adventures in Ghost Town, such as a journey aboard the Calico Steam Train. A more laid-back section of the park is the Boardwalk area, filled with carnival games, bumper cars and water rides. For the youngsters, Camp Snoopy is a six-acre amusement “land” designed specifically for kids that has shows, kiddy rides and photo opportunities with the Peanuts characters. And in December, Knott’s is transformed into a Christmas winter wonderland with lots of holiday cheer. The park is decorated with wreaths, strands of garland and twinkling lights, giving it that cozy, old-fashioned Christmas feel. Carolers dressed in authentic 1800s costumes, stroll through the park singing classic a cappella holiday songs. Small children enjoy visiting Santa’s Headquarters in Ghost Town. Here, you’ll also find personalized gifts, ornaments and decorations for your home. Medieval Times If you’re planning to go to Knott’s Berry Farm, make sure to put this on your itinerary since it’s just down the street. Prepare to be taken on an epic adventure as you are transported back in time to 11th century Spain on your visit to the Medieval Times castle. This family-friendly dinner and tournament attraction combines a banquet-style fare fit for royalty with an exciting competition between knights. The four-course feast consists of garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, oven-roasted chicken, a spare rib, herb-basted potatoes and a pastry that all must be eaten without utensils. So dig in and don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty. Cheer on one of six knights as you witness the up-close jousting matches and swordsmanship in your ringside seats. With the costumes, weapons and talented horse performers, this captivating
The Block at Orange
two-hour dinner show will have your imagination till the very end. Because seating is limited, reservations are highly recommended. The Block at Orange Nestled near the Los Angeles Angels stadium and around the corner from the Crystal Cathedral, a fun outlet shopping mall awaits you. The Block at Orange has a long directory of retailers. With more than 80 stores, this outdoor plaza has something for the entire family. Besides great clothing stores like Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Nike Factory Store, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, H&M and the new DKNY Company Store, there are also cool attractions. The Vans Skate Park has 6,000 square feet of space to watch skateboarders grind on rails, drop into concrete bowls and land tricks after launching off ramps. Dave & Buster’s, Lucky Strike Bowling and AMC Theatres (that shows 30 movies) and Burke Williams Day Spa are all good places to end your day after a shopping Continued on page 102 www.BakersfieldLife.com
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