Coney Island: Opening Day 2014
A few Sundays ago Jim had a friend visiting the city from the UK. It was her first time in New York (and the US in general) and we were having drinks at an amazing rooftop bar when I casually mentioned that Coney Island's opening day was in two days. She said that she was interested in checking it out, and Jim and I never pass up an opportunity for an adventure, so on Sunday morning we met up for our first beach visit since last year. It was a little chilly near the water, but it was brilliantly sunny and actually felt as if the longest winter ever might finally be coming to an end.
The crowd was kind of sparse, which was equal parts great (no lines!) and kind of sad (support Coney Island, people!). Sometimes the best part of a visit to Coney Island is just imagining what it must have been like in its heyday. Once again I find myself wishing for the ability to step in and out of different time periods — to be a part of an opening day celebration when Coney Island was the place to be would be a total dream come true.
But, being there in 2014 was not without its perks — we were all ready to buy tickets to the Wonder Wheel when we were waved through the line for a completely free ride (and no waiting!). I had heard that they were letting the first 100 people ride the Cyclone for free, but I'm still not exactly sure how we were lucky enough to snag a spot on the Wonder Wheel. I have only ridden the Cyclone once — more akin to a car accident than normal roller coaster — but the Wonder Wheel is always fun.
There was a juggler on stilts and a DJ on the boardwalk, but that was about it for the "festivities." My favorite part of Coney Island is always just walking around and taking photos and this was the first time I'd been back since I got my new camera. There is always something new to discover or see, but I make sure to get my fortune from either Zoltar or Grandma before I leave.
Jim and I have already made plans to return for the Mermaid Parade in June, which has been on my to-do list for years. I'm also excited to go back when it's warm enough to actually lay on the beach, although it should surprise no one to say that I'm not exactly a beach person. I can't think of a better place, however, to try to bring back those old-timey wool bathing costumes — preferably something in a red-and-white stripe — than the weird and tacky, sometimes sad, but always fascinating Coney Island.