Christmas in August!

Up for Christmas anytime of the year? We're just back from Santa's Land, a "fun park" theme park in Cherokee, NC. It has a 40+-year history and is a wonderful, welcoming place to spend a few hours with young children. The park features lots of "photo spots," a small zoo with touch-able animals, a few refurbished department store displays, simple rides, and a friendly Santa. The famous Rudicoaster is a quick ride for most any age--a small roller coaster with the kind of jerks that make you smile and slide, not the kind that result in a headache. Elijah was able to ride (and enjoy!) a helicopter and car ride, as well as the family train,and Kim was very happy to hit a sale of older Santa's Land souvenirs. If you go, bear in mind that there is no park reentry privilege and that credit cards are not accepted beyond the main gate. Kids 1-8 would probably have the most fun here, and plan in accordance with the operating hours (closing at 6 most open days; seasonal operation April-fall).

If you are doing Christmas in this region, also go to the Incredible Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, TN. The ornament selection is broad and features quality items and major brands like Radko and Dept. 56. The villages available are well-displayed, and there is a robust selection of Fontanini including an institutional set valued at $25K (go home with the postcard of this one). The Christmas Place enterprise has expanded to a nearby hotel and a restaurant, but the restaurant is open only for dinner at present. We ate at the Mellow Mushroom across the street instead and enjoyed a wholesome, fresh pizza in a "hippie" atmosphere.

Just like there's always room for one more ornament on the tree, it's always a good time for Christmas!

Related Links:
Santa's Land, Cherokee, NC
The Christmas Place
Mellow Mushroom Pigeon Forge