Coney Island was once considered one of the world’s greatest amusement parks, but that was a very, very long time ago. Today, it features a handful of small attractions, a few shops, food vendors, a large boardwalk, and a beach. Before World War II, Coney Island was the biggest amusement park in the United States, attracting millions of visitors annually. Now, the area is a shadow of its former self, with some parts looking quite run-down. Various plans to restore or redevelop the area have been proposed over the years, but none have gained significant momentum. However, this may not be a bad thing, as some of the venues in the area possess a quaint charm that would be a great loss if they were destroyed. Read the rest of this entry »