The Hampton Carousel

IthI I think a milestone in every #HRVA kid's life is the first time they ride the Hampton Carousel. First installed in Buckroe Beach in 1920, and running from April to September, the carousel is kind of a rite of summer passage in these parts and a pretty interesting piece of history, too. It's one of only 180 antique wooden carousels left in the US, a beautiful display of American folk art, and just everything a fairy-tale carousel should be, with oil pantings, bevel mirrors, gilded hooves, music, the works.

Anouk was in love from the first moment she saw it. She spent a long time picking out her favorite horse. As the organ began to play and the carousel began to go she looked a little scared but she soon settled in for the ride and her face, every time it came around, was completely joyous.

For her next ride, though, she chose to sit on the gilded bench, and try as we might to get her to pick another of the intricately carved horses (they are so detailed that the veins stand out in their necks!), she wouldn't budge. A woman walking past with her grandson elbowed me and said, "That bench was my favorite place to sit when I was her age."

For the rest of the summer, the Hampton Carousel is open Monday through Sunday, 12:00 to 5:00 PM and rides are $2 apiece, or $25 for 25. It now stands in Settlers Landing Park, right outside the Virginia Air and Space Center. And speaking of VASC, have you entered this giveaway for a free annual family pass yet? Today's the last day!