My first trip to Dripping’s Dreamland

I wasn’t expecting it… had only recently heard about it, but when we pulled up to Dreamland on Highway 290, I knew I had come to the right place to celebrate.

My reason for being there was simple: Dreamland has a stage with an outdoor amphitheater-like seating and my granddaughter’s dance studio was having a performance. Walking only a short distance, we arrived at the amphitheater and the show began shortly thereafter.

We were socially distanced in our seating, most of the audience were masked. Most of us had been vaccinated against COVID-19, and I felt safe.

Dreamland is the perfect place for almost any occasion. The beverage menu is mind-boggling because of the many choices, and Dreamland has partnered with area breweries, distilleries and wineries, so visitors can truly experience our Drippin’ Springs Style.

There’s a big indoor bar as well as a bigger outdoor beer garden, so you’re comfortable in any weather.

Golf nuts and nuts-to-be will love, love the 54-hole mini-course that meanders around the entire property. On our way to – and from – the dance program, we saw golfers of all ages and sizes, and some of the little ones were pretty impressive with their strokes.

Like I said, Dreamland seems to anticipate every way to have fun, and I could envision one of those evenings with thoughtful partners would murmur those three magical words – “Let’s eat out” and then loaded the family SUV and headed to Dreamland. The food menu is constructed to capture your attention for visits throughout the year. There’s a Tex-Mex section, a Pizza section, plus a general section, and – trust me – I found favorites… many favorites in every section.

Back to the great outdoors, there’s croquet, corn hole, and this summer, there’ll be a summer camp, too.

Did I mention pickleball?

At Dreamland, they have courts and a system to reserve courts. Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, one of those lovely islands clustered a short ferry ride from Seattle. It was invented by three dads whose kids were complaining of being bored one summer. Believe it or not, it’s the fastest growing sport in the U.S., so look for it in the summer Olympics in the next couple of years.

But, here are the best things about Dreamland. It’s clean. No napkins or other paper products flying around. Each facility is well-maintained. Park personnel are truly helpful, knowledgeable and pleasant, even if they’ve answered the same question for the 100th time.

My first visit to Dreamland was not only enjoyable for me, but the people around me were having fun, too.

Dreamland is open from 4-11 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays, and 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays with 18 and over only after 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays.

This much-needed park in our community also is scheduling music, periodically, through the week – another good music venue for the neighborhood! The only improvement

The only improvement I could suggest was somewhere down the line, I hope owners might be thinking about a big ole pool of some kind. Even with weather in the high 70s, things in Dreamland were heating up! Though they are currently building a splash pad for the kids.

If you haven’t been there, ya gotta go…even if you do nothing more than sit, have a cold drink and people-watch one afternoon. Dreamland, for me, was the perfect place to safely celebrate my 15th day after getting my second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine – and to see my granddaughter dance.