Valentine on Ice

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

A favorite installation I always enjoy visiting is one that Rebel Yell Concerts builds either at Christmas or the one at Valentine day. This long time tribute band has great events going on all year long also.

This is a wonderful place to visit with your honey or family. Lots of interactive winter fun are available to visitors all over the region to enjoy. There are Valentine cabins to rent if you want to make it a holiday. At the entrance you are in a sweet little town .Across the way is a cute carousel to start your fun.

Next to the carousel grab some hot roasted chestnuts take along on your adventure. A quarter moon that holds two for a romantic ride is ready. The moon ride travels along the cobblestone roads so you get a look at the little town and into the woods beyond all around the huge lake. Then it takes off into the sky above the lake and the view is beautiful. The shared lighting is delightful. When you arrive back in town there are some cute little shops to visit and some eating spots too.

Ride the swan on the lake that is not quite frozen. Several horse rezzers give you the opportunity to take a ride through the town and woods. Many little places to relax and take photos are scattered everywhere along the way. On the other side of the lake there is a lovely dining room all set with hearts and flowers for that romantic dinner.

For those who like skiing take the sky rail to the top of the hill and choose your way to go down. If not into skiing try the sled ride. Snowboarding is available too. There is a tour that will take you safely down on your skis if you want to use that. A warming hut is on the top with a crackling fire if more than one ski ride is not enough. This is a marvelous site to enjoy during the month of February.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/REBEL%20YELL%20CONCERTS/37/56/27


Gemma Cleanslate
 

Brian's Christmas Amusement Park

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

 For some days, I'd been hearing about a new attraction in the sims where the Newser office makes it's home: the Sunweaver community. Finally while on Cynthia Farshore's Santa sleigh ride, I saw it. It was a Christmas-themed amusement park taking up most of the north edge of the Sunweaver Bay sim.

It had a mixture of attractions, both rides and picturesque displays.

From across the water in the Sunny Beach sim, it was somewhat hidden with just the Christmas trees on the edge clearly visible.

I soon decided to see the place for myself. The edge had a helicopter pad, and a small train stop for it's own smaller rail track that went around the place, with a switch track circle nearby.

I soon saw I was not alone. Brian, the park owner, was checking the track and locomotive.

I asked about what inspired him to make the park. Brian told me, "I have over 85000 items in my invetory so I might as well get some use out of them. ... I tried to keep to rides that could pass as xmas themed."

 

 

I asked him which of the attractions were his favorites. He responded, "That's a hard one, the MadPea items run the best but the Culprit made items have the best sense of humor." So I asked which of the latter. He pointed to a UFO/plane ride, "Try this one."

It turned out one's seating position had some options, one one the saucer making you look like you were barely hanging on.

One of the larger attractions was the bumper cars.

"The bumper cars should be fun," Brian told me, adding that they were know and he hadn't tried them out against anyone else. So we both gave it a shot. They were slightly hard to steer, but still entertaining. 

Not far away was a ferris wheel.

Further down were a couple minor attractions.

Then a reindeer barn and gingerbread cookie place, the latter which had the most elves.

 

Those lazy things they're all down at the sweet shops."

There was another plane ride with some funny poses. 

The west end of the park had a few more rides.

I gave the "spinner" a try and it swung me all around. In real life, that thing better be bolted on tight.

There were a few snowmen on display.

Looks like Frosty got himself in trouble.

In the back was a party area, "The Xmas band and dance floor, if someone gets in the mood." Brian would say after Christmas, the band would take on more of a New Year's Eve look.

Finally there was Brian's own house. Not an attraction, but a private place for him to relax.

 

 Brian is already thinking of what to do next, "I'm Already thinking about what I can Do for Valentines Day. .... Nothing solid yet, thinking maybe a fairy forest kind of thing and maybe a ride or two if I have anything that fits the theme. Plus I need to get back to work on my space station." So when would that be ready? "I have the docking area in. It can be seen just above and behind Cutlass."

 

Brian would say the amusement park will be up, "As long as Cynthia has her Santa sleigh tour running. ... Anyone and everyone is welcome to use this place. And if someone wanted to throw a party here, I would say yes. I love to theme build. I'm never happy and am always tweaking and adjusting."

So come on over to Brian's Christmas amusement park while it's up.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sunweaver%20Bay/236/225/21

Bixyl Shuftan

More Halloween Places in Second Life

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

Grimly!!!!! Here you will find a ride that takes you literally into a movie. This is a scary movie and I am not going to tell you any more. You need to go for the experience.

 Keep your hands in the traveling cart. Do not stand up - it is a long fall! This region has other rides if you live through this one go back and take a tour. I noticed there is a hunt going on as I entered a nearby haunted house after I survived the rides.

 Across the way is another ride called The Screaming Goat . Do it over and over again  with a different experience each time for a choice of 9. And don’t miss Borley Haunted Mansion . The entrance is down the road. And .. there is more! Keep walking . Bye. I got a notice after I left that there is another new ride there now too. I have not had a chance to check it out but I am sure it fits the name.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Koko/52/228/2002

Nance Clowes has been so busy with Second Life events. However she has set up her wonderful Haunted Mansion tour. While you wait for the door to open, notice the tombstone. Read the signs too. Be careful when you enter, don’t click by accident, you might find yourself outside again. The voice of experience!

 This all takes a while so plan your time. It is a cool ride. I take it every year.

 Many ghosts inhabit this retirement home , all invited by Nance to move in. Some love it , though I think there are a few reluctant that  I found. Inhabitants  have their entertainment inside and out  and good meals. The sights and sounds in the house add to the experience. I recommend taking a friend on this ride. There is so much to see and discuss and scream at. The ghosts may invite you to stay as you pass through. That is up to you. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/GEL%20Community%2038/67/42/24

As you visit Halloween event places there is a sign at each and you can get a list of many other places to visit so click .

Gemma Cleanslate
 

Wedcot Center Park

By Gemma Cleanslate

The ad said “Disney tribute - Celebrate the future with Spaceship Earth, Horizons, Soarin', Test Track, World Showcase and more. Amusement WDW Rides theme park magic kingdom carnival Garden,”  So off I went after my tour of Wedcot Center Park.

My visit to  started with a pram tour of the grounds which gives one a great overview of all the buildings to be visited and the lovely landscaping of the region. As I exited I  grabbed a guidemap and a times schedule at the bottom of the stairs and began the long walk to explore all the scientific buildings.

I stopped at the grand Globe of course , rezzed a vehicle and found myself on a tour of the short , pointed marvelous history of the world and man from cave living to computer.

It was a good review before moving on to the unknown future world.

As I entered  my next  stop, The Land, I took some time  to have a snack in their cafeteria then entered. Most of the food there is grown right in the exhibit. One thing I love about these guided tours is the riding in a vehicle with explanations of the views as we pass them . The Land is a great example of learning  that is fun and informative.. The second life prims and mesh are integrated in to the greenhouses. (Subtile “clean your inventory “ hints here too. )Across the way with the entrance in the cafe is another delightful tour that takes you around the world in video, again, seated .

My next stop was at The Sea. While there is a ride there that is interesting and cute , upstairs there is a aquarium and learning lessons on the fish and care of the sea. I picked up a nice free piece of coral while there and  bought a cute shirt on the way out.

I found a  short ride on a boat that took me over  to World Showcase. Of course  I fell off the dock exiting the boat  into the deep waters but was able to tp back before I drowned. There are very inexpensive outfits and items from around the world in the lovely shops representing the culture of various countries. This is a charming  little area to walk through. Hungry again I picked up a California roll at the Katsura Grill to enjoy while strolling.

There is so much to do here at the Park and more to see so I left some for you to discover. Hint:look for Beauty and The Beast dancing in a park. Take more than a few hours vacation at the enjoyable park.
here !
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Real%20Dreams/42/9/106

Gemma Cleanslate

Winter Holiday Village

By Gemma Cleanslate

Did you notice that it is that time again? Although it feels early the Christmas season is already under way. Reminders to start thinking of Christmas gifts, clothing, decor for the home and sim are all around us. I have already started collecting information about bazaars and fairs to help you out. One of my favorite places has already opened and I took a tour to check out the new additions and the old favorite nooks.  One can go shopping, skate, visit Santa, and all in one wonderful place. This is the 10th year that the region has opened for the holiday.

I was so sorry to learn that Mairead Fitzgerald, who started this wonderful Christmas event area has passed on . Her real life husband Preacher (Sutra Kish) and  Rosanadana Kish (Alienorifice Resident) have kept the wonderful sim going.

There are so many venues to visit while you are there. Information is available at the entrance area. Bring your skates,or, purchase some classy ones while you are there . The frozen lake  is extensive and the rivers off the lake wind around. It is a marvelous place to skate. As you glide around the large pond and rivers you get to view the shops with all the decor and outfits . Passing through the crystal caves is fun. On the lake is where the staging for all the marvelous events is set up . There will be fun parties with DJs and singers until the Christmas season is over.

There is a  horse drawn buggy tour that takes you up , up high into the sky. It is a fun thing to do with a friend or your honey and a good chance to chat . At the top there are more delightful shops to check out and winter cabins for rent. There is also a game pavilion to visit there . I saw a ski slope in the distance and there are free skis. You can take the ski lift up as well as the tour buggy. 

My favorite way to get an overview of the beautiful lake and all the shops it to take a ride on Santa’s Magic Snow Owl. Find that ride at the other end of the road from the ski lift past the big shops.It is right next to Santa’s throne room where you will find him and elves.  It is magical to float over the skaters. There is a wonderful wedding venue inside a glistening palace venue.

Be sure to stop in at the Lodge where , of all things, Mrs Claus is serving at the dining table with Mr Claus entertaining guests. There are so many venues to visit and I don’t want to spoil it all for you so .. I recommend you join the group is skating to music is for you and your friends. Event upon event will be taking place. I visit many sites for the Christmas season and I like them all but this one has always been one of my very favorites and I am glad to see it is continuing with the love that Mairead had for doing it for SL residents. I will be skating there as soon as i sharpen my skates! There are great skating pads and balls there if you do not have a skating hud.Don’t miss it.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tahuna%20Bay/190/170/26

Gemma Cleanslate

Winter at Devon Dream

By Bixyl Shuftan

Every December, Safra Nitely decorates her sim of Devon Dream into something out of a Christmas story.

I recently dropped by to get a few pictures, and have a few words with her. 

Much of the area was covered by a pine forest, with snow on the needles.

 

There was a walkway going through the forest, with occasional scenes such as a few presents placed here and there.

One thing that is different this year is that Safra has some stalls up for any merchants interested in setting some wares up for sale, for free, "free maket stalls for content makers, try make it a viable marketplace for two months."

Safra wanted there to be some interactivity, so she had a couple rides set up in the area.

In one cottage, Santa and his elves are getting ready for Christmas.

Dropping by later at night, the place had a whole new look, with the Northern Lights visible in the sky.

There was a dance floor set up on a frozen lake, with lights and a DJ booth.

The teacup ride area looked different at night, with some of the cups lit up.

This time while going through the forest, there were crystals helping to light the way.

Don't forget to drop by Devon Dream this Christmas season

Bixyl Shuftan