Continental Motel, Kissimmee, Florida

The Continental may look a little sketchy by today's standards, but I'm sure it's sink and range made it a (brief) home away from home for many Central Florida tourists. And after all, it is AAA approved, AND had HBO! And don't get me started on the "direct dial" phones. Anyone know if the Continental still exists?

Walt Disney World Discover Guide, Spring Summer 1987

Obviously we'll be looking at several brochures from Walt Disney World during our month-long look at Orlando-area attractions brochures. This is our first from WDW.

The year this guide was produced, also happened to be the 15th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Look carefully at the cover, and you'll see one of my favorite, and largely forgotten Disney logos: The castle superimposed over Epcot (Center's) Spaceship Earth. Yes, long before Animal Kingdom and MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios) there were only two fine Disney parks in Central Florida. The guide lists several attractions that have since disappeared: River Country, Discovery Island, and the Disney Inn to name a few.

In a time before the internet, that contact info on the back was key. I was always bothered by the fact that Disney didn't have an 800/toll free phone number. I think they've gotten by just fine without it.

Rivership Romance on the St. John, Sanford Florida

The name of the attraction isn't quite clear from the front of the brochure. Inside though, we see people having a grand late 80's time on board the Rivership Romance on the St. John's River near Orlando (Sanford). The Rivership Romance still sails, but it's not the same ship. Maybe someone out there can help solve the mystery of what happened to the original Rivership Romance. It's the way to "cruise the heart of Florida."

Cedar Lakeside Inn Kissimmee, Florida

There were many, many trips to the Orlando area in my youth, but none ever took me to the Cedar Lakeside Inn. I love how this brochure captures a simpler time in the tourism boom of the Orlando area. There's a pool! (and you'll notice everyone in it is looking at the camera. I suspect these may have been family/friends of the owners...)

Now I have to decide whether I want to take advantage of the $5 coupon. No expiration, and there is a La Quinta at the location of the previously independent Cedar Lakeside Inn. They just don't make them like this anymore...

Florida Best Western's Savings Bond Offer!

I don't know about you, but when I stay at a hotel, I want to save. No, I don't mean in the get the best price you can on priceline way, I mean savings for the future! So if you're like me, you would've loved this promotional brochure from Florida Best Westerns. Granted, the offer sours a bit when you look at the back and see you have to stay TWELVE nights to get the $50 savings bond. Bear in mind, that means the savings bond cost Best Western $25. Oh, and one more thing: these aren't just any twelve nights: they had to be booked at a Best Western, NOT through the 800 number or travel agents. Come to think of it, maybe our current bargains aren't a bad thing after all.

Loudoun County, Virginia: Hunt Country

The Loudoun Tourist Center prepared this brochure, so you'd think it would be inviting to potential tourists. From the logo, to the font, to the copy inside, it does a better job of selling it as an elite DC suburb (hmm...) than the kind of place someone would want to stop by for a weekend. Warm and welcoming? No.

Ponce DeLeon Springs, DeLeon Springs, Florida

I don't know how old this brochure might be, but the artwork is definitely retro cool. Actually, in doing a little wikipedia research, the state of Florida purchased the park in 1982. I was relieved to make this discovery, as sadly most vintage attractions are long gone. The 72 degree all-year-round pool remains.

I might just put Ponce DeLeon Springs on the itinerary for my next Florida trip. Have you been to DeLeon Springs? How has it changed through the years?

Fredericksburg Virginia, 1987

If you want to see Fredericksburg, its going to cost you. Maybe this brochure should've spent a little more time telling you why you would want to visit Fredericksburg, and a little less time/space on the prices of the different attractions. Oh, and get to that James Monroe Museum while you can; there's been a 33% increase just since the brochure was printed!

Econo Lodge, Cocoa Beach Florida

Look it's an Econo Lodge, ok? What do you want? Cocoa Beach is an interesting place with its close proximity to Kennedy Space Center, and Port Canaveral cruise ships. That said, I don't think I'll take them up on their "Seventh night free" offer. Six days is more than enough at the Cocoa Beach Econo Lodge, thank you.

Ephrata Cloister, Ephrata Pa.

These days, if the billboards in the Lancaster Pa. area are to be believed, The Ephrata Cloister is best known as the home of the wooden pillow. According to this 1986 brochure though, the Ephrata Cloister is/was also the home of the music drama Vorspiel. I have no idea what that is. Maybe you can help.

Brunswick Georgia, Interchange

It makes sense, but I think this is the only brochure in the collection designed for a specific highway interchange. At first it seemed silly, but really, it makes sense. There's more than 50 different restaurants, hotels, and gas stations listed. If they all paid a fraction, this was a cheap way to lure weary I-95 travelers off the road to fuel up, eat up, and rest up.

National Aquarium, Baltimore

It's an old brochure, but the photos are still stunning. The artwork inside and out is great. How could you not want to take a trip to the museum!? The (then) $6.75 admission isn't bad either!

Chincoteague Miniature Pony Farm, Chincoteague, Virginia

There's not a whole lot to say about this one. The Chincoteague Miniature Pony Farm promises "The World's Most Unusual Horses." I do have to say the promise of seeing "Misty Museum where 'Misty' is mounted" sounds interesting.

St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains

If the ALL CAPS type on the front sucks you in, be ready to spend some serious time figuring out which of the eight tour packages you want to pick! St. Augustine can still be seen by sightseeing "train" today.

Sea World, Cleaveland Ohio, 1987

Sea World Cleveland is long gone. After changing hands a few times, all traces of this Sea World are gone. Luckily, we've got this 1986 brochure to bring back the memories. Sorry, but the $2 coupon as long since expired... In 2001, Sea World Cleveland was sold to Six Flags. Later the property was sold to Cedar Fair (owners of Knott's Berry Farm)