Some days on a trip end up meaning more than you expect going in. Episode 7 of From Sal to America takes us to Kennywood Park in Pennsylvania, joined by my sister and nephew, for a day that combined pure adrenaline, a genuinely emotional moment, and some very necessary amusement park food.
What Is Kennywood Park?
Kennywood is a historic amusement park located just outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, known for its classic wooden and steel roller coasters as well as its long-standing traditions as one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States. It’s a staple of Western Pennsylvania summers and a perfect setting for a day of first-time experiences.
Her First Roller Coasters Ever
The centerpiece of this episode is simple: her very first roller coasters, ever. Once she got through the first drop, there was no turning back — she ended up riding several coasters throughout the day, and watching that shift from nervous to fully hooked is one of the best arcs we’ve captured in the series so far.
Fulfilling a Lifelong Dream: Riding a Carousel
Beyond the roller coasters, this episode holds a smaller but more meaningful moment: she’s wanted to ride a carousel her entire life, and Kennywood is where that finally happened. It’s a quiet, simple ride compared to the coasters, but the emotion behind finally checking off a lifelong dream made it one of the most memorable parts of the whole trip.
Kennywood’s Classic Loaded Fries
No trip to Kennywood is complete without trying the park’s classic fries, loaded with cheese and bacon. After a few rounds on the coasters, this ended up being exactly the kind of amusement park food break the day needed — and became a highlight in its own right.
A Family Day Out
This episode also introduced two new faces to the series: my sister and nephew, who joined us for the day. Having family along added a different energy to the episode, with my nephew talking her into a few rides she was hesitant about at first. It made Kennywood feel less like a tourist stop and more like a genuine family day out.
Watch the Full Episode
The full episode captures the entire day at Kennywood — every roller coaster, the carousel ride, the loaded fries, and the family moments in between. Catch Episode 7 of From Sal to America on our channel, Discover Sal, and subscribe to follow the rest of the trip.
From Sal to America is a travel vlog series from Discover Sal, following our trip introducing Cape Verde to America — one first-time experience at a time.
