Jobi C.
Yelp
Ever since we discovered North Carolina's best kept secret, Santa's Land in Cherokee back in the '90s, we've been chasing kitschy, nostalgic theme parks. The more bizarre and surreal the better ... Dinosaur Land (White Post, VA, Professor Cline's Haunted Monsters Museum (Natural Bridge, VA), and Storybook Land (Egg Harbor Township, NJ) just to name a few. It's hard to say no to these wonderful time capsules.
One that's been on our list for years is the original Santa's Land (no affiliation) in Putney, Vermont, which celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2022. After years of neglect and abandonment, I must admit we were a little apprehensive about the park taking on a more contemporary look. But thankfully that wasn't the case. We found the park to be quite enchanting complete with gingerbread men, life size elves from the 1950's and even an original carousel from Coney Island. Their larger-than-life slide will quickly remind you just how much fun can be had with a burlap sack.
We had the pleasure of speaking with the new owner (of six and a half years). He recalled how he used to visit the park as a young child, and always told his parents that he wanted to one day own all of this. He not only made his dream come true, but he also saved the park from oblivion. The friendly staff seem to have a real passion for keeping this park alive and it shows!
Thank you, THANK YOU, for a wonderful day. Santa's Land USA is a perfect balance of old and new for all to enjoy!