We're Going to Six Flags!

Good morning!

I got a great surprise yesterday after Matthew got home from work-- after a month of planning, he revealed that we're going on a weekend trip to Georgia for our fifth anniversary this weekend! Technically, the anniversary is next weekend, but this one works better in the grand scheme of things, and I'm tickled to death he came up with a reason to get us the heck out of Dodge for more than a day. Now, usually people who have expressed an interest in visiting a major metropolitan area for a romantic getaway would schedule in fine dining, wining, dancing-- I don't know, things you would see on a Zale's commercial. My thoughtful little dude has centered the itinerary, in a grand prize showcase like dossier he presented me with last night, around a trip to Six Flags. SIX FLAAAAAGS! I haven't been since an 8th grade field trip in 1998! 

THIS IS GONNA BE SO AWESOME!

Vintage Six flags over Georgia Atlanta Serving Tray Platter Wall Plaque

Six Flags over Georgia is the second-oldest of the Six Flags brand theme parks, and the first expansion Six Flags park founder Angus Wynne (you can't make these names up, folks) created after his success in Six Flags over Texas. My dad actually visited SFoG during or slightly after the inaugural year, 1967. As a seven year old, he said the most memorable parts of the visit were a) the flags (good eye, Pappy) and their corresponding that-country-themed sections of the park and b) the predominance of the song "Windy" by the Association being piped over the sound-system in between every announcement, in its entirety. Maybe the Association's manager had some kind of "in" with the theme park? Maybe whatever Atlanta DJ at the station that was being broadcast was REALLY into them? At any rate, every time the song came on the radio when I was a kid, which was a lot on Nashville's Oldies 96.3, my dad would tell this story. And now, friends, I have passed it on to you. Maybe I could put it on a mix cd for the drive down there, and the Association would be inextricably associated with Six Flags in MY mind as well!

Ever since the closing down of our beloved Opryland, I have really MISSED having theme parks as a major part of my summer activities. When I was a child, we'd have season passes every year and just go in the late afternoon to ride all the rides without any kind of wait, as tuckered out Music City USA tourists had already retreated to their hotels for the night. I wonder if there are any similar tricks to this for SFoG that I need to know about...

1970s Vintage Brown Ceramic Glazed Souvenir Six Flags Over Georgia
 Beer Mugs Rope Handle 3D Log Ride Antique Car

I went to the park once, as I said before, on that field trip, and the key things I can remember are riding some kind of Screamin' Delta Demon style roller coaster with a Vietnamese classmate named Phuc Tri, who may or may not have had a crush on me; buying a hat shaped like a lobster for a nine year old Sus; and participating in a conspiracy to take a picture of our Algebra teacher asleep on the tour bus home. Also, there was a girl in our class who ordered the pre-paid hamburger dinner at McDonalds on the way home with bun and lettuce, but no patty. Remember being a picky eater in middle school? Or worse, an adolescent dieter? At any rate, there's a yawning blank there for the most part of what I did at a theme park almost fifteen years ago...I'm ready to fill in some spaces with memories of freakin'-my-kix on a roller coaster or six! :)

Vintage Six Flags Autograph Dog

Concerns I have coming out of the gate here-- what do you take with you on vacation to a theme park? While I would usually be wearing a beehive and a pretty sundress, I have a sneaking suspicion that I might be  just rockin' a ponytail, my swimsuit under a pair of cargo shorts, and Columbia waterproof walking sandals to the park itself. And maybe whatever the non-nineties' equivalent of a fanny pack is. I am getting the actual heebies typing out what I just typed out, but what do you wear to a theme park?! I have a complete terror of either one, not having what I need when I am far from home, or two, having what I need but being compelled to stow it in a storage locker, thus not having what I need even though I brought it when far from home. Additionally, if you see me walking around Six Flags this weekend, act like I won't act like I don't know you, as I sure wouldn't want you to know me! Haha. 

ATLANTA GA Six Flags Over Georgia Amusement Park Satellite Ride Vintage Postcard

Regardless of the fashion crimes I intend to commit while on park grounds, I know it will be a lot of fun. Matthew and I always have a freakin' ball on vacation. And look at all this! Rides! Cheesy souvenir photo taking opportunities! Thrills! Spills! I will marshal my sartorial misgivings before embarking tomorrow.

Atlanta Georgia 1973 Vintage Park Map Six Flags RARE

So! If you're an old hand at theme parks, what are your recommendations for what to wear/what to bring? Do you know of any super cool places to go to in Atlanta, GA? We've mapped out a couple of vegan restaurants to take out for a spin, but if you know of any must-see, rabbit-food-eater-friendly places to hit, let me know!

That's all for today, but I'll see you tomorrow for a lightening fast Photo Friday. Til then!