Perhaps this isn't the Land of Oz, or Emerald City, but it is a village of busy people doing busy things. I would assume there would be verbal hellos, enchanting smiles, and hands waving a cheerful hello. No one appears to be using a smart phone or other technical device. Instead winter activities are the choice, shoppers are utilizing the hometown shops and enjoying a wonderland of snow. I am very fortunate since I can enjoy my Magical Village year round. Each time I turn on the tiny lights something new catches my attention.
Welcome to the first picture in a panoramic view of the Village.
A visit to the flower shop to purchase a special floral arrangement will make someone have a great day.
A stop at the diner for a cup of hot chocolate sounds inviting.
It was in the 1980's I started to collect the little houses, stores and figurines, and through the years it has grown to a storybook hobby. The train, church, and houses soon had lots of neighbors.
t
Harley Davidson makes a spectacular display. You can almost hear the excitement in the store. Perhaps some lucky individual thinks their wish list will come true with a new bike, or it could be just a figurine.
McDonald's is always popular, hamburgers were 15 cents, fries 12 cents, and a person could purchase a meal for under a dollar. After the fast food, looks like a trip to the park could burn off some calories. Looks like somebody is trying out a new bike.
Time to stop and fill the gas tank so we can continue our journey.
Children are busy in the classroom, fire people are busy, and the outdoor movie theater is waiting for the the winter movie goers. The tree house does not appear to have any takers.
A celebration of winter fun. Use your imagination and listen to the laughter of the children as they enjoy the treasures of childhood.
THANK YOU FOR VIEWING THIS POST. WHEREVER YOU LIVE I WISH YOU THE VERY BEST THIS SEASON. AND MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING YOU GOOD HEALTH.
Located in Millville, NJ is the historic Wheaton Arts Center. The Center is located at 1100 Village Drive. Since, it is located in a wooded area and is advertised as family friendly people come visit the active glass-making factory where you can watch glass-blowing demonstrations. To walk around the area is free, but it is recommended to spend the 10 dollars fee to see the glass blowing and the museum. The shops are not plentiful but each has its own uniqueness.
The Sweet Shop welcomes you to the Center. Here you order at a window and chose selections (s) from a menu written on a chalkboard.
The General Store captures a little nostalgia. Years ago my father had a sweet shop called "Sailor Jack's Sweet Shoppe" in a community nearby. It was a time when ten cents bought a child's dream of a full bag of chocolate and lots of other goodies. Let's take a look at some of the fascinating things inside the General Store.
Thank you for visiting the General Store with me. One of the memorable attractions was the playing piano. My friend put a quarter in to start the piano's operation and holiday music filled the room.
Our next stop was a shop filled with decorated Christmas trees, beautiful ornaments, and treasures to last a lifetime. The ladies who operated the shop were pleasant and enjoyable to talk to.
.Hand crafted scarves and other handmade items were for sale.
The beautiful works of art featuring, metal, stone, and fabulous glass objects was overwhelming. Every item was for sale, but some works of glass had prices in the thousands of dollars.
The wood carving looked somewhat tired, perhaps like us.
Before we left we had to take one more look in the window of the General Store. Look carefully and you will see my friend's refelection.
Mostly everyone has a special place to visit, and quite often pleasant memories inspire you to return to your special place. Recently a return to Atlantic City after the devastation of hurricane Sandy left me gratified to learn the boardwalk was not destroyed by the wind and tidal surges. Unfortunately the residents of the city and other coastal communities were casualties to Sandy's wrath. Without a doubt it will be an extended period of time before normalcy returns to the shore communities. The boardwalk was not busy, casinos lacked patrons and treasured possessions were discarded along the roadside. Before hurricane Sandy I took some photos of the southern section of the boardwalk. It created a sense of feeling like I was on a vacation. Sometimes it's not always good to be a creature of habit, thus this section of the "boards" has now been added to my special places to visit.
The dunes were instrumental in holding back some of the fast moving surges of ocean water. Many of the dunes need to be replaced at an astronomical cost, but in many instances the dunes proved their effectiveness.
This monument is dedicated to the men and women who lost their lives working on the redevelopment of Atlantic City.
The painted facade attracts many visitors. When it was created several years ago many thought it would not last. Today it continues to have bright colors and it has become an attraction bringing attention to the city and to the TV show "Boardwalk Empire."
A little walk on the beach and a seasonal beach bar welcomes you. It was the last day the beach attraction would be open. The palm trees sway, and oh it was a beautiful day.
Trump Plaza Casino advertises its Rainforest Cafe with this elaborate entrance display. Somehow I missed the word shop, so the next time shopping is a GO.
Bally's Casino has a covered wagon display on the side of the casino. The Casino has a section called the Wild, Wild, West, and this was a tribute to the old west.
There were several works of stained glass art. It proved to be absolutely beautiful as the sun shown through the glass.
Let your imagination run wild with this scene. I felt very proud, I never spent a penny on the slots.
One of the piers that extends over the beach and into the ocean has a water show synchronized to music. Colorful changing lights and splashing water, entertain all those viewing the show.
Our giant pacaderm is made of jellybeans. The store sells favorite sweet delights.
The day is over, the day is done, but in so many words--It Was Lots of Fun.
As I was traveling on one of the nearby highways I caught a glimpse of a display outside a Canal's beverage store. Of course the display meant pictures had to be taken of the interesting replicas of some famous, real, and fictional characters. The first jug-handle made it possible to gain entrance to Canal's parking area. As I took the photographs it reminded me of the untimely loss of lives due to substance abuse. Many times our lives were influenced by their gift of beauty and talent. Thankfully we continue to enjoy the films and music of yesterday productions, featuring some of the below portrayals.
Canal's advertising sign appears to be preparing shoppers for the holidays.
R2-D2 was a major robot character in all six Star Wars film. Originally there were two R2-D2 models, one remote controlled and rolled on three wheeled legs and another which was worn by a human and walked on two legs.
Marilyn Monroe was born Norma Jeane Mortensen; June 1, 1926 - August 5, 1962. Monroe was a successful model, actress, and talented singer.
She has become one of the most enduring icons of all time. The above photo depicts a pose from one of her popular movies. Marilyn Monroe continues to attract an audience of admirers and her tumultuous life will continue to fascinate her fans forever.
John Belushi was an American comedian, actor, and musician. It was his love for soul music that inspired the "Blues Brothers." His biography gives insight of a man who was generous, talented and sometimes misunderstood.
Batman is a favorite fictional character and superhero. Of course he is one of the favorite crime fighters also known as Dark Knight and the Caped Crusader. He along with his sidekick Robin are always ready to fight the forces trying to destroy Gotham City. Go Batman!!
This tattooed charmer appears to capture the idea-----somewhere inside me is that body. As I was taking the photo a pleasant patron going into the store jokingly asked me, "Would you like to wear that dress?" My response was, "It won't happen in this lifetime."
Recently Canal's added several more figures to their collection, one of them being Humphrey Bogart. In 1943, he and his co-star Ingrid Bergman starred in a film entitled Casablanca. In the 45 films of his career he generally portrayed a tough guy image. Then came the opportunity to play a romantic leading man in the Casablanca film. He and his costar made chemistry with their performance of former lovers briefly united in the chaos of WWII. In 1943 it received the Academy Award winner for best picture.
Pirates of the Caribbean certainly missed out on this charmer. I guess you might say you can't win them all.
Ho-Ho-Ho, this looks like the Santa who got run over by his reindeer.
Elvis became known as the King of Rock and Roll, and in today's world he is known as the "King."
.
Elvis had everything necessary to become a star. His good looks, acting and singing continues to influence the music world today.
Never miss the opportunity to pose with the King. Just look at that smile, it belongs to a super person and I don't mean Elvis!!
