Elevating Fun & Food

A Total Experience at Andretti’s Indoor Karting & Games and Spin

by Barry Zelickson

In this month’s column, we join host Nate Reinhart and our Fun Across America crew as they embark on a thrilling journey to two top-notch entertainment facilities that not only excel in providing fun but also elevate their food offerings to enhance the overall experience. Buckle up and let’s go Karting at Andretti’s Indoor Karting & Games in Orlando, Fla., and then sharpen our Ping-Pong skills at Spin in Chicago.

Catch all the action from our visits on our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@funacrossamerica).

 

Andretti’s Indoor Karting & Games – Orlando, FL

Let’s answer this first…Yes, the location has ties to famed racecar driver Mario Andretti. Here’s how: Eddie Hamann, who is a managing member for Andretti’s, met Mario’s nephew John Andretti in 1996, and by 1999, they had opened their first Andretti’s location. We recently visited the Orlando location, and as Eddie stated, it is “100,000 square feet of pure adrenaline.” The excitement begins the moment you set foot inside.

Once inside, you’ll find yourself in karting heaven, complete with an exhilarating multilevel go-kart track featuring the Biz Kart Ecovolt GT karts. These karts are powerful, ergonomic, safe, and environmentally friendly, making for an intense live action competition. For those looking to hone their driving skills, like our host Nate, there are racing simulators designed for race car drivers. But the fun doesn’t stop at karting; Andretti’s also offers bowling, laser tag, arcade games, VR and a ropes course to keep the excitement levels soaring.

All this action is bound to work up an appetite, and Andretti’s doesn’t disappoint. Says Eddie, “We pride ourselves on serving from a scratch kitchen… we make our pizzas here, we bring everything from Italy.” From freshly made mac and cheese to delicious fried chicken, their food is meant to impress. Their drink menu also offers beverages and cocktails to quench your thirst and provide a “wow” factor. They even serve a flight of beer, allowing your group to choose from a 4-tap tabletop beer offering to create your own pairings for each course.

It’s worth mentioning Andretti’s commitment to giving back. Before John Andretti’s passing from colon cancer, he set up a charity to provide colonoscopy services for those who are underinsured or lack the funds. Andretti’s supports this cause through their charity #Checkit4Andretti and is truly making a difference in saving lives.

Andretti’s offers a unique package of fun and food and is continuously improving. Be sure to visit any of their nine locations, and if you’re in Orlando, check out their latest addition, boutique bowling.

Spin – Chicago, IL

Now my fellow thrill-seekers, let’s embark on a journey to the whimsical realm of Can Can Wonderland in the city of St. Paul, Minnesota. This is no ordinary wonderland; it’s a playful escape that owner, Rob Clapp, states, “Has one foot in the past and the other in the future!” It’s a place where nostalgia dances hand in hand with innovation.

Can Can Wonderland has an interesting history, and was born out of a late-1800s cannery facility. This huge factory, once owned by American Can Company, produced cans for household names we still cherish today, like Campbell’s Soup and Del Monte. The huge space provided a perfect place for an arts-based amusement extravaganza!

Picture this: 18 local artists, engineers and fabricators, each with a very unique vision, all coming together to design a miniature golf course that will take your breath away. This is not your average putt-putt experience. Oh no! Each hole is a work of art, a testament to creativity and ingenuity that will transport you to the realms of the unknown. Watch Nate putt through the Natural Disaster hole with a 20ft tornado with earthquakes too or Grandma’s Living Room and of course a Minnesota must, Prince’s Purple Carpet tribute hole. Can Can Wonderland doesn’t just offer fun, it creates a vivid tapestry of imagination that wraps you in its warm embrace.

And it doesn’t stop with golf. This wonderland is bursting at the seams with a kaleidoscope of visuals and activities that will leave you dazzled and a sense of whimsy that will make you smile. Prepare yourself for a delightful culinary adventure at Can Can, where creativity takes center stage on their fun-inspired menu as well.

We treated ourselves to gourmet hot dogs and hamburgers bursting with unique flavors, and accompanied by tantalizing sides. And if that’s not enough to excite your taste buds, brace yourself for a nostalgic twist – boozy milkshakes made with your favorite childhood cereals, including colorful Lucky Charms and Fruit Loops. Indulging in these mouthwatering delights will not only brighten your night but also leave you feeling fully satisfied.

But the excitement doesn’t end there. As you leisurely stroll down their captivating boardwalk of amusements, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of vintage arcade and pinball games, ready to transport you back to cherished memories of your childhood. Every decade is covered, and all in good working order too. The plethora of eye-catching attractions ensures that every corner of Can Can Wonderland is teeming with fun and excitement, guaranteeing a memorable experience for everyone.

So, if you’re seeking a place to satisfy your cravings for delectable delights or looking for a thrilling one-of-a-kind escape into a world of art and playful nostalgia, Can Can Wonderland is the perfect destination for an extraordinary, fun-filled journey.

Thus, whether you’re captivated by the oddities and educational delights of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, or you find yourself enchanted by Can Can Wonderland’s art-filled space, one thing’s for sure – Fun Across America promises an unforgettable journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you with stories to share for generations to come. Buckle up, fellow explorers, for the time of your life awaits.

 

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Barry Zelickson, is the co-creator of Fun Across America, a YouTube channel travelogue show. Zelickson has worked in the entertainment field for almost 30 years and has been awarded several IAAPA Brass Ring awards including one of the association’s highest honors, Family Entertainment Center of the World. His other projects include commercials, infomercials, feature films, documentaries, live events and entertainment centers.

 

Nate Reinhart, host and co-creator of Fun Across America, is a content creator for NalterDeeds and NalterCards on YouTube and content consultant for creators and businesses alike. After a shoutout from MrBeast, Nate has accumulated over 250,000 subscribers on his YouTube channels.