Last weekend my wife and I travel to Ontario California for an early birthday celebration for our granddaughter. This was her first trip since January and everyone had been given the all clear for the visit to happen. Usually by this time a year we learned made two trips to the area for conventions and have upcoming ones for San Diego Comic Con and the bi-annual D23 Expo.
Since none of them are able to happen due to the current world situation and not knowing when we will be able to travel in area again; my wife and I decided to visit Buena Park for some shopping which included a visit to Knott’s Berry Farm.
While the park remains closed; the shopping and dining options outside the park are available to guests and we made sure to visit the numerous shops, bakery, and enjoy the available amenities during our visit.
Currently free parking is available and we were greeted by Rufus shortly after leaving the parking lot as he was going about his business in the shadow of the Ghost Rider.
After taking a few pictures we learned that certain shops were not open until 11 and some dining options had an even later time which varies upon the day of the week in which you are visiting.
Making her way into the core shops we were able to purchase various food items such as boysenberry dressing, seasonings, barbecue sauce, and more during our first stop. Checks out was entirely user driven as we had to scan and bag our items and then use a touchless payment system. The cashier was available behind a protective Plexiglas barrier to answer questions and assist should issues arise.
Making away from shop to shop and purchased stuffed animals, a T-shirt, and other items while making sure to take some photos and enjoy the visit. The smell from Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner was strong and appealing even through our masks and people were already lined up to purchase some from the to go location or enter the restaurant when we arrived.
Various managers greeted us outside stores and one in particular was very gracious and thanking us for coming out and enjoying what the park was able to offer at this time. Rufus made another appearance as he followed a group from the parking lot and was strutting his way down towards the main gate for the part.
Our stop also included a visit to the bakery as well as a look around the house wares and collectibles and candy stores before we completed our purchases and headed to our family commitment.
While it is not the same as being able to enjoy the theme park; being able to take in many of the sights and smells of Knott’s as well is the very friendly and helpful staff made this an enjoyable visit that lifted the spirits and made us look forward to better days ahead when we can once again enjoy the full offerings of the park.
