We missed the fireworks this Fourth of July, but caught an explosion of flavors at Coney Island instead.
Our only plan this weekend was to pick up a friend at JFK Airport. That’s all.
However, if you know anything at all about my family, you’ll know that we would never pass up an opportunity to turn a simple road trip into an adventure.
My daughter has been fascinated by corn dogs for at least a week, but she had never actually tasted one. Since we were going to be in NYC anyway, how could we pass up an opportunity to taste the quintessential corn dog - the Coney Island corn dog?
Of course, we had to sample corn dogs from a couple of vendors. Who had the best corn dogs? Fugetaboutit, it was no contest. Dave preferred Nathan’s corn dogs, but the rest thought that the no-name brand corn dogs at the corner stand were tastier.
And how do you follow the corn dogs? Italian ices in delicious flavors - almond, spumoni, cotton candy, and so many more - are the perfect accompaniment.
We loved the food, and the rides - an old-fashioned water flume and the historic Cyclone wooden roller-coaster - but it’s the incredible mix of people that make Coney Island a unique experience.
Where else would you get the chance to hear a young Puerto Rican carny hurl insults at a “shoot the freak” paint ball exhibit?
I found this a curious choice. Freaks, by definition, are persons who appear unusual.
That might include everyone at Coney Island. It is such a fascinating mix of people from every corner of the world, and from every possible socioeconomic background.
It would be such a waste to lose the authentic flavor of this New York Institution; and yet, there are already plans to tear down Coney Island to build yet another generic condo mall.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Starbucks. I just would hate to lose the unique flavor of Coney Island for another gentrified shopping zone. I can find that anywhere, but there is only one Coney Island.
If you want to learn more about Coney Island, and what you can do to save it, visit the following sites:
Coney Island History - The Coney Island History Project collects oral history interviews and preserves the legendary and colorful past of this vibrant neighborhood.
Save Coney Island - Grass roots campaign.
If you’re a NYC resident, contact your NYC government representative. If not, consider contacting the mayor by e-mail or send a postcard to Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, City Hall, New York, NY 10007.
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Adso of Melk 07.06.08 at 9:23 pm
It looks like you had a great time — and even I have heard of the magnificence of Nathan’s hot dogs. Hope they were great!