Walk into yesterday at Knoebel's...

There's no admission, the classic rides are top notch, and restored band organs fill the air with music all over the park. There are trees everywhere, and the picnic pavillions are filled with lunch baskets and coolers just waiting for their owners to return. Truly a place where you'll feel like you've come home again.

The Phoenix—Our All-Time Favorite

The Phoenix is the best roller coaster we've ever ridden. It was built in 1947 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company for a park in San Antonio. It was originally called the Rocket. When that park closed in 1980 it was silent. Knoebels bought the coaster, disassembled it piece by piece and brought it home to Pennsylvania—the first time a coaster was moved in modern times. Reborn as The Phoenix (get the name? how appropriate!), it has become our very favorite of the nearly 50 coasters we've ridden over the years.

What's so special about it? Maybe the ambience of the park itself, but this wooden coaster has the perfect combination of hills and drops, and the best bunny hills—pictured at right while actually riding the Phoenix! The air time (or negative G's for you science buffs) are top notch. There's nothing better than weightlessness on a summer afternoon.

Catch the Brass Ring on the Grand Carousel

It's hard to keep Daena off this one! You can still catch the Brass Ring for a free ride, which Dave managed to do last summer. You have to run for an outside horse, especially if you want your favorite. When the bell rings, the special arm slides out and it's time to reach for the rings! Daena's record is 11 rings, but it's risky—it's easy to rip your nails off in the attempt. OUCH! (been there, done that). The kids below are reaching out from the outside row. The lion at right is where you toss the rings you've caught at the end of the ride.

This beautiful carousel was built in 1912-1913 by Kramer Carousel Works of Brooklyn, NY. All the horses were hand-carved by George Carmel. A real band organ plays during the ride, not just a tape. There are classic band organs and calliopes, and quite often on sunny days they are sitting all over the park.