I can't tell you about the first time I went to Silver Dollar City. I can tell you that I knew that amusement park as well as my hometown. You want to go to the candy store? I'll give you directions. Did you want to ride one of the roller coasters? I'll show you where it is.
For many years, my family had seasons passes each year and visited the park several times during the season, always making sure to visit during the Christmas season.
I loved the rides, the music, and the shops. I loved the scenery. The Ozarks is such a beautiful area, with green hills and tall trees.
In college, I only went a few times, since I had less free time. Since I have graduated and married, I've only been once. But my subconscious has made up for the lack in strange ways. At least once every few months, I dream about Silver Dollar City.
Sometimes I dream about traveling to Silver Dollar City. Sometimes I dream about being there. The park is usually not the same in my dreams as in reality, but I always know that is where I am. I've been in the ticket line. I've been riding the rides. I've been walking through the shops.
Each time I wake from one of these dreams, I laugh about how "not Silver Dollar City" the dream was, but while I'm dreaming, it doesn't really matter.
What places did your family go on vacation when you were growing up?
