Thursday, October 22, 2020

Magic Carpet Golf, Reno - Take a Magic Carpet Ride Into Fantasy and Back in Time Into the Prehistoric Era


6925 S Virginia St
Reno, NV 89511


(775) 853-8837
Reviews on Yelp

I didn't grow up with mini golf, so I never had the interest to seek out places like Magic Carpet Golf.  After becoming a parent, my mindset changed and like many parents, I am always on the hunt for places to take my kids.  Finding places that are safe, fun and educational is like finding gold.  

Five years ago when I first moved to Reno, I found such a place-Magic Carpet Golf.  It drew me in with it's inviting, whimsical, handmade structures and tall trees.  I couldn't believe that I've been missing out on so much fun all these years.

One hot summer day, I dropped in with my son and fell in love with the place.  Upon entering, we were welcomed with some good old video games, many of which I played when I was a kid.  I was so happy that my kids would get to experience some of the joys of my childhood.  

We checked in at the counter, where we found three courses to choose from- a 19-hole-course with a fantasy theme, a 19 whole course with a dinosaur theme and a 28-hole course with a theme unknown to me since I have yet to try it out.  

Me and my son tried both the fantasy and dinosaur courses between different visits.  We were given a score card, putters & a ball by the nice person at the counter, headed out to our course, and went at our own pace.  Of all the times I've been here, it's never been busy to the point that I felt rushed.  

My son had a great time with a look of pure joy on his face as he swung his putter and admired the handmade structures (some mechanical moving).  It was so great to see him have so much fun, all while getting exercise and fresh air.   

I love the fact that mini golf is something you don't have to be good at.  You take the ball, aim for the hole and swing for the win — all while being able to enjoy the ambiance they've worked so hard to create. 

During the pandemic, I'm even more appreciative of outdoor places like this that enable people to have a fun and safe time, allowing good air circulation and space to distance yourself from others.  

Notes:
-family owned and run
-Masks required in lobby and outside when a distance of six ft cannot be maintained.  Putters wiped down.
-In the summer, they serve Dole Whips.  Yes, the ones from Disneyland.  If you're really hooked on them, believe it or not, you can buy the machine and mixture from Amazon.  
-Hungry? Walk over to Sushi Minato next door if you want to get your picnic on at Magic Carpet
-handicap accessible 
-water structures make for a relaxing environment 
-great shade in the summer
-at the end of your game, place your ball into the ball slot machine for a chance to win a free game
-drink and snack machine available inside building
-little play putter available for little ones (my 2 year old had fun pretend playing).  The person at the counter gave my son one along with a ball free of charge.
-I would throw a party here, hands down.  Check their website for more information on their birthday packages
-you don't have to have children to have fun here.  I always see adults on their oown,having fun.
-ideal spot for meetings, fundraisers, field trips, team building and work events
-restrooms available
-No alcohol, no glass, no cooking
-the place is well kept and beautiful 
-closed on Thanksgiving
-hours change according to season and weather. check website or call in for current hours
-Right next to Target across the street
-outdoor food and cake allowed for events

Friday, October 16, 2020

Abel's Apple Acres #38- Acres of Family Fun and Apple Goods


2345 Carson Road P.O. Box 2204
Placerville, California, 95667


(530) 626-0138

If you don't already know, Apple Hill Grower's Association is a popular destination in Placerville and Camino, CA, during October.  Among the collection of farms that bring lots of family fun, fresh baked goods, and beautiful scenery, is Abel's Apple Acres.  

Abel's has it all-a cute barn filled with pies, pastries and sweets, holiday decorations, books, pantry items, hot food for lunch, maze, gemstone mining, benches and bug shelters for picnics, craft fair, pony rides (currently closed due to Covid) and tranquility.

The farm brings on a quaint farm feel that provides a tranquil and scenic environment and is enough to keep me coming back to Apple Hill time and time again; but extra experiences like being able to eat award-winning caramel apples, finding your way through mazes, and gemstone mining for treasure bring that experience much further to the point of wanting to make new traditions.  

For the latest visit, I planned on visiting three farms with my kids, but only ended up going to two, since the kids were having so much fun relaxing, running around and munching on apple goods.  Abel's (along with many other farms on the hill) lends itself to good old fashion fun.

Their goods are honestly fresh and delicious.  We tried an apple donut, a slice of apple pie, a caramel apple, and an apple empanada.  They were so good that my kids kept on giving me a thumbs up with each and every bite.  Let's just say that we left the barn with our hands full.  Wouldn't want to leave home without some of this apple magic. 

If you want to know a secret, their apple pie caramel apples were so delicious that they deserve an award.  You must try them!!!  They are fresh-picked apples dipped in delicious caramel, white chocolate fudge, and cinnamon sugar.  If there's something to represent all that the hill has to offer, this would definitely be one of them along with apple cider and apple donuts.  

For hot foods, I got the tri tip sandwich with onions, which was loaded with lots of meat.  It was fresh and under-seasoned.  I'm guessing they do that intentionally so that their customers can adjust to their taste.  They make that easy with the condiments they supply.   

My kids were also happy with their hot dog meal that came with a side of chips (potato salad available), crackers, lollipop, and milk.  Not all farms on the hill serve hot lunch, so don't forget to check the Apple Hill guide to explore your options.

Notes:

-It gets crazy busy during October, so visiting on the weekdays and/or right when they open is ideal to maximize fun without too much wait.  Alternatively, visiting late September is great since crowds are absent
-Don't forget to bring a mask. Hand Sanitizer and handwashing stations available
-If you're traveling from out of town, you might want to bring a cooler to haul some goodies back home
-Masks are required inside the barn (which is well ventilated, with big open doors) and whenever you cannot maintain a distance of 6 ft.
-Maze is open during weekends only
-Purchase ggemstonemining bags at check out near caramel apples
-Holiday decorations available
-The only farm with specialty caramel apples
-Pony rides currently closed due to the pandemic
-Lots of cutouts available for photo opportunities
-Click HERE for Apple Hill's U-Pick Guide 
-Vendors available
-Veggie burger available