Don Helbig
@DonHelbig
Theme parks & travel journalist | Influencer | NFL postgame quotes transcriber | Award-winning PR pro | Buc-ee’s enthusiast | Sandusky Register contributor
Had a fun day at Camden Park — West Virginia’s amusement park with a rich history. From classic rides to old-school charm around every corner, there’s something special about stepping back in time. Grateful for parks like this!

The Big Dipper at Camden Park is a true classic — and one that holds a special place for me. It was one of the first wooden roller coasters I rode as I began traveling to parks outside of southwest Ohio in my late teens. Built in 1958 by the National Amusement Devices Company,…

I absolutely love the Haunted House at Camden Park. This rare Pretzel dark ride delivers classic chills with tight turns, sudden drops, and a mix of spooky and psychedelic scenes. Old-school charm at its best!

Can you really say you visited Camden Park if you didn’t get a Snow Cone?

My travels today take me to Camden Park — West Virginia’s only amusement park and one of the oldest in the nation. Founded in 1903 by the Camden Interstate Railway as a simple picnic spot, Camden Park has grown from modest beginnings into a cherished destination. Today, it’s home…

Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage, West Virginia, is one of those unforgettable roadside attractions I absolutely love. With its offbeat charm, old school buses, and quirky Appalachian décor, the place is as much an experience as it is a restaurant. Known for its massive 15-inch…

Great news! Can’t wait to see what Bengals DC Al Golden can turn Shemar Stewart in to.
Sources: The #Bengals and first-round DE Shemar Stewart have finally agreed to a 4-year rookie contract worth $18.9M, including a $10.4M signing bonus. Stewart is now officially under contract and ready to go in Cincinnati. The saga is over.
I’m celebrating National Carousel Day with a ride on Kings Island’s magnificent 99-year-old Grand Carousel.

Dollywood is rolling out the red carpet for the heroes among us—those who serve our communities day in and day out. themeparksbydon.com/dollywood-than…
Good acquisition by the New York Yankees. Ryan McMahon will give the Yankees their best glove at third base since Graig Nettles.
The New York Yankees get their third baseman: Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies will receive two prospects in return, per @Feinsand
New merchandise available at Cedar Point for its Boardwalk Nights event.




The Reds have the pitching to contend for a wild-card spot, but they’re missing that one power bat who could put them over the top. Acquiring third baseman Eugenio Suárez would be a game-changer for the lineup and significantly boost their chances of playing in October. Suárez, a…
Today marks National Carousel Day, and communities across the country are celebrating with special events and activities that capture the timeless charm of these classic attractions. themeparksbydon.com/national-carou…
A great read from Dennis Speigel, founder and CEO of International Theme Park Services, Inc. An internationally recognized leader in the amusement and leisure industry, Speigel brings more than 50 years of professional experience to the table. interthemepark.com/ticket-prices.…
Name three defunct amusement or theme parks you’d love to see make a comeback.
