I'm not sure whether it is the sight of the colorful and whimsical animals, the sound of the old calliope, or the smell of the ever-present caramel popcorn and cotton candy. Whatever it is, the spirit is alive in the Seaport Village of San Diego.

This historic icon is set on the San Diego Bay amidst over sixty gift shops, restaurants, and boutiques.

But, the real magic happens inside the carousel building where I feel the pull of childhood, as in the Ray Bradbury story Something Wicked This Way Comes. Where in the novel, the characters are transported back in time when the carousel runs backward. While nothing quite so wicked happens here, the feeling of reverting to a simpler, happier time is unmistakable.

As the carousel slows to a halt, giggling children and adults disembark for the exit. A new set of passengers step onto the platform looking for the perfect hand-carved animal caricature to ride.

The Charles I.D. Looff Carousel, built in 1895, moved to this site in 2004. The amusement ride is decorated with white horses bedecked in colorful ribbons of blue. The shiny brass and faux-gold complement the colors, and the canopy's lit globes complete a concentric heaven. An occasional goat, zebra, or coach round out the menagerie.

Riding the carousel is a thrill. The horses in different poses make their way around while galloping up and down on the metal post. Mothers hold their toddlers tight to the seat while more daring older children and adults frolic to the music. The visit to my childhood is complete. But it comes to an end much too soon, as the platform glides to a stop.

Cost: $4 a ride Open 11:30 – 4:30 daily.

Useful links

https://seaportvillage.com/