So I'm emailing with Dr Gay about my brief stay in Meridian, MS (it all comes back to Lance Bass--I was thinking he was born in Meridian, but it's actually Laurel. My mistake). About all I remember is I was fed up with my summer job, I was going to get my nose pierced*, we stayed in the Microtel, and I nearly left my beloved Freddy Bear behind in the hotel. Oh, and behind the hotel were what I believe were fairgrounds and an old, rusty sign that read "Royal Land." I cannot, for the life of me, remember why I didn't take a single picture of this, I was into abandoned properties even back at age 20. I imagine it was an amusement park of some sort, but at the time I wasn't really eager to go exploring on my own in a strange, overgrown place in a city I didn't know much about. My travel partner didn't seem to be into that sort of thing and besides, we weren't in the city for very long. I was much shyer then so I didn't think to ask any locals what it was all about. You'd think there'd be some information on the internets but you'd be mistaken. There is one tiny mention on a members only site (yes, I've registered) but then, I'm the sort who's too impatient to wade through 10 pages of google results. I figure if it's not in the first three it's not there.

So here's the deal. I'm curious to know more about the Royal Land Amusement Park, if that is indeed what it was (I'm assuming so based on the one site that turned up in my google search). I'm kind of hoping someone with memories will google it one day, come to this site, and let me know a little more. And yes, I've even thought about returning to Meridian, MS to explore Royal Land a little bit but it is doubtful I will find an interested party to go with. I'm kind of alone in my desire to explore old, abandoned areas that may or may not now be meeting places for transients, drug addicts, satanist wannabes, or other less than desirable characters. Besides, who knows if it's still there and not another motor hotel or subdivision? I'd like to think the old, rusted Royal Land sign is still there.

*The reason I did not get my nose pierced: At this time, 1996, piercing was mostly mainstream but the shop where I stopped was not mainstream enough to accept credit cards. I had to wait until late morning to cash my road expense check and get some cash. By the time I cashed my check and ate some lunch I had calmed down considerably. No pierced nose.