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Protests, sainthoods and unapologetic queer joy: The secret history of the secular LGBT+ nuns

There are currently more than 3,000 secular lgbt+ nuns around the world whose mission – as part of a network known as the sisters of perpetual indulgence – is to promote joy and liberation. and corner the market in crude puns. rachel flynn meets some of them, article bookmarked.

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A s she puts the finishing touches to her habit, Sister Clarita, a Mexican immigrant living in Los Angeles, tells me that there are more than 3,000 LGBT + nuns around the world. They’re part of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an international network of activists who identify as secular nuns. From Sydney to Los Angeles to Huddersfield, these queer nuns swap crucifixes for Pride memorabilia as they get to work on their mission: to promote universal joy and remove any sense of shame felt within the LGBT+ community.

In the UK, official houses for the sisterhood exist in Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff, with more on the way in Glasgow and Bristol. Their modern take on nunneries allows sisters to take part in their mission alongside their ordinary lives – performing, attending protests, handing out free condoms and sexual health leaflets whenever and wherever is convenient. “There’s something of the secular self in the nun and always something of the nun in our secular self,” explains Sister Polly Amarosa, who in 2021 founded the Trans Pennine Travelling Sisters – a group of queer nuns who carry out their work along the Trans Pennine Trail.

But they’re not real nuns, I hear you say, as your eyes skim across the photos of sisters in drag. I admittedly thought the same when I first met Sister Polly, a trans man and radical feminist who spoke frankly and hilariously about BDSM and patriarchal pleasure. Surely nuns as we know them haven’t gone completely wild?

“We’re what the Catholic Church should be, or should’ve been 50 years ago,” Sister Polly says. To become a sister, you go through a process that takes inspiration from the ordination process of the Catholic Church. Fully professed sisters start as aspirants, or someone who aspires to be a sister. After meeting with other sisters and talking about the kind of work you’d like to do, you become a postulant – traditionally this means someone seeking entrance to a religious order. When you’ve performed acts of ministry or activism , your house will meet to decide whether to elevate you to a novice. And finally, after you’ve completed a formal ceremony to commit to the vows of the sisterhood – something called a “vestition” – you become a sister. Light work. “It’s about enabling LGBT+ people who’ve experienced the negative aspects of religion to have a symbolic system that blesses them, and helps them heal,” Sister Polly says.

The idea of a queer, secular sisterhood began in late Seventies San Francisco. In a district presided over by Harvey Milk , the first openly gay man to be elected to public office, queer men began wearing nun habits in protests. A few years later, groups of gay men in London wore habits to protest against the UK government’s treatment of the Aids crisis.

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Sister Polly tells me that the sisterhood’s arrival in the UK is greatly contested – the Aids crisis meant that many of the original sisters died early, taking the British history of the sisterhood with them. There is speculation that a secular Australian nun brought the idea to London in 1991, but others swear they witnessed nuns protesting with the Gay Liberation Front in the Eighties.

Sainthoods are about honouring our heroes, not with ornaments of empire but with the love of our community

Whatever the truth, Mother Mandragora – who is known as Kell Farshea when they’re out of their habit and identifies as non-binary – first encountered the sisterhood in the Nineties while working as a press officer for Act Up, the grassroots political group founded to end the Aids pandemic. “People didn’t expect articulate, political analysis from gay men dressed as nuns,” they tell me. “It was an opportunity to put a different perspective into the public domain. It may look ridiculous, but no one can deny we were confrontational.”

Their habits were an asset at times, too. Farshea remembers protesting outside of a private members’ club in the Eighties where notorious Conservative activist Mary Whitehouse was due to give a speech, and starting to chant when Whitehouse took to the stage. It was enough for the police to threaten them, before a passer-by shouted: “Are you really going to arrest a nun?” Farshea smiles at the memory – the police let them be. “Being a sister gave me extra power in that situation.” Life as a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence wasn’t just fuelled by anger back then, either. “It was extremely liberating,” Farshea adds. “It gave me an opportunity to explore aspects of femininity that were closed off to me at the time.”

A key part of the sisterhood’s mission is to grant sainthood to often unsung heroes in the LGBT+ community. One of the most memorable sainthoods, which Farshea attended, was that of the filmmaker, artist and gay rights activist Derek Jarman. “Derek was a queer hero who was our first and most obvious choice for our saint,” they tell me.

Last year in Huddersfield, Sister Polly sainted photographer Ajumu X, now Patron Saint of Darkrooms, for his boundary-crossing work capturing black, queer bodies. Though much of what the sisters do has a comedic or theatrical bent, often involving the house’s best orator and a flurry of crude puns, sainting is far from a religious parody. “Most times when we talk about LGBT+ people, they’re already dead, they’re in the past,” Farshea says. “It’s about honouring our heroes, not with ornaments of empire but with the love of our community.” Sainthood means the work, joy and resistance of queer icons becomes immortal.

The nuns have also grown from an organisation largely oriented around cisgender gay men to one of enormous diversity. Sister Clarita is the first Mexican in the sisterhood, and there are now a lot more trans and non-binary sisters. It’s especially important at a time in which the rights of trans people have become a target for lawmakers – a Scottish bill to streamline the process of changing gender was blocked in January 2023, and only a small number of American states aren’t currently introducing bills designed to restrict trans rights. The Trans Pennine Travelling Sisters recently attended a Trans Day of Visibility event organised by Trans Leeds, where they offered saintings and, importantly, a listening ear. Last year, they attended a protest in York opposing the government’s decision not to ban conversion therapy for trans people, handing out tea bags and a note to say, “Keep the T in LGBT”. Plans to outlaw the practice have since been extended to include the trans community. Sisters in Los Angeles are also currently trying to improve political engagement, encouraging those traditionally isolated from the political sphere to vote in upcoming local elections.

Most significantly, though, the sisterhood embrace their position as role models. Novice Ann Ahmana Do Doo from the Glasgow mission tells me about a time she took part in a human library project at a primary school in Scotland. Children between eight and 10 could ask questions of people from different backgrounds who’d been invited to the school. In her habit and makeup, Novice Ann spoke about “the joy of existing how you wish to be”. Over a decade later at Cardiff Pride, she heard someone shout her name. It was one of the same children she’d spoken to years earlier, only now older and trans.

“We hugged and cried a bit,” she remembers. “They were so happy. They found the joy that I’d been speaking about.” She says that what she aimed to do back then was provide someone with “the skillset” to identify what happiness is. “That’s what we teach each other as nuns, and anybody we meet. It justified my existence. The fact I helped a human being develop in a direction that they chose, that they wanted, is why I’ll probably do this for the rest of my life.”

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The Trans Pennine Travelling Sisters

Founded : 09/01/2021 Fully Professed : TBD – Mission Current Status : Active

Contact : Facebook Blog

“People won’t understand us if they don’t see us for who we are.”

The loud and proud international network of nuns fighting for LGBT+ visibility.

By Rachel Flynn

Sister Polly Amarosa with French Sisters performing La Messe des Soeurs  at Solidays Music Festival, Paris. Photo credit: La Fille d'à Côté

"Sister Polly is chatty, quirky, and a little bit crude,” she tells me as we share a scone and a pot of Earl Grey on Sheffield High Street. A trans man when not in habit, Sr Polly is one of 3000 queer activists who identify as secular nuns. Together, they're known as the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

Image captions

Sister Polly Amarosa at the We Demand Better TUC March in London, 2022. Photo Credit: Art Kane

In 2021, Sr Polly set up the Trans Pennine Travelling Sisters , a group of Sisters who carry out their work across the Trans Pennine Way. This is one way that the TPTS differs to the traditional houses, which fulfill their mission within a specific city.

“The aim is to create a caravan of people. Whether it's just for a day or a year, I'm the cabbie and I’ll welcome you aboard," Sr Polly says.

As well, while traditional houses follow an internal process for members to become Sisters, also known as the ordination process, Sr Polly wanted to create a less formal way to be part of the international network.

Sisters can be a part of the Trans Pennine Travelling Sisters without going through the formal ranks. As many of the TPTS Sisters have disabilities or difficult situations, Sr Polly established a mission without hierarchies or expectations.

“This mission has to be as inclusive as it can possibly be,” she says. “I don’t want people getting left behind.” 

While it may be the first time you’ve heard of queer nuns, the sisterhood isn’t new. Sister Frigidity of the Nocturnal Emission, (Sister Fridge for short) was part of the first UK sisterhood in the nineties. Sr Fridge, who’s now in her sixties, explains that the London house began as a political statement against the government’s treatment of Aids. “Back then, being a sister was a queer stance against heteronormative and murderous policies,” she says.

“Back then, being a sister was a queer stance against heteronormative and murderous policies”

Life as a London Sister wasn’t just fuelled by anger. Mother Mandragora, a former London Sister who now identifies as non-binary, said: “It was extremely liberating. It gave me an opportunity to explore aspects of femininity that were closed off to me at the time.” Though the London house is no longer active, their pride and fighting spirit has influenced houses across the world. 

Sister Fridge at an Anti-War march, 1991. Photo Credit: Gordon Rainsford

Much like the nineties, it is both a busy and tragic period for queer politics - with the rights and culture of the trans community being particularly targeted. In England, the murder of a 16-year-old transgender girl, Brianna Ghey, is being investigated as a hate crime. In Scotland, trans women will first be sent to a male prison if incarcerated. In the US, over a third of states are filing bills which target the legality of drag performances. 

"When horrible things like this occur, it’s really important not to hide,” Sister Polly says as she discusses how transphobia is dominating the headlines. Alongside community group Trans Leeds , the TPTS celebrated the Trans Day of Visibility by offering sainthood to the Gathered Faithful - essentially anyone who isn’t a sister.

Sainting involves choosing a saint name and a Sister recognising a special quality. “It’s an affirmation of the queer self, a validation they are important and worthy of honour,” Sr Polly explains.

Sister Polly Amarosa writing a Saint Card at the Trans Day of Visibility . Photo Credit: Jamie Robinson

Keep the T in the LGBT Ban Conversion Therapy action with Trans Leeds, 2022, Photo Credit: Arthur Kane

The TPTS have focused on attending smaller Prides - those in Marsden, Ellesmere Port, Bolton and Barnsley, with free condoms in hand and a listening ear for communities where queer culture is a bit less loud and proud. “Queer people have to rely on creative ways to make things happen,” Sr Polly says, as she recalls the time they handed out tea bags with the phrase “Keep the T in LGBT” attached to protest the government’s decision not to ban conversion therapy for transgender people. In January this year, the government banned it in all forms. 

"Queer people have to rely on creative ways to make things happen"

She explains their plans to bless a newly opened LGBT+ community centre in Wakefield and sets the scene: bells ringing, incense and lots of celebratory chants. Glitter is non-negotiable. To mark the end of a blessing, they cheer: “Amen, Awomen and all the rest!” 

Sister Loose Clarita, a Los Angeles Sister, describes the power of the Sisters across the pond. "People won’t understand us if they don’t see us for who we are," she says, referring to the wave of legislation restricting LGBT+ rights across the U.S. A major component of these laws is a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, from hormone treatments to surgery.

The antidote? "Education, awareness and visibility," Sr Clarita says with certainty. LA Sisters are currently trying to improve political engagement, encouraging those traditionally isolated from the political sphere to vote in upcoming local elections.

The LA Sisters at LA Pride, 2021. Photo credit: Victor B

The LA Sisters sticking up posters encouraging the public to vote, 2023. Photo credit: Viktor B

Some Sisters choose to cover their faces in white makeup, known as whiteface. This began for Sisters who wanted to cover aids-related marks, and is now regarded in some houses as a major part of preparing for ministry. Novice Ann, who was an Edinburgh Sister for 12 years before founding the Glasgow house, says whiteface lets people know how she is feeling. Some days she’ll cover it with butterflies, others she’ll choose hearts. 

“I’m a cosmic jester,” she says, referring to her work in Glasgow where she recently hosted a ‘loopy bingo night’ to raise money for local LGBT+ charities. Just like a jester, she is immediately hilarious and fiercely warm, with an important message at the core of her mission - “that everybody loves, and everybody is loved.” 

Novie Ann's Most Memorable Manifestation

Though the future of queer rights and culture may at times seem bleak, past and present sisters have shown that a creative, inclusive community is invaluable for queer visibility. I ask Novice Ann if her unpaid work as a sister can ever feel thankless. "If I can do anything to stop the relentless borders, barbarity and hatred, then I must try it,” she replies. “As a sister, it’s my duty to destroy the systems that stop everyone participating.” 

Novice Ann and the Glasgow Mission at a Scottish Independence protest, 2022. Photo credit: Billy Knox

Since the UK government blocked the Scottish-lead Gender Recognition Bill in January, which streamlined the process for transgender individuals to change their gender, Novice Ann fears what effect this may have on LGBTQ+ youth. “As sisters, we have to channel joy even in awful times,” she says. She is motivated by the impact her unapologetic queerness can have on younger generations.

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Slade School of Fine Art

2023/12/06 17:00 – 18:00, featured media.

Ajamu X (HON FRPS) is an internationally acclaimed darkroom/fine art photographic artist. His theoretical provocations, and aesthetics unapologetically celebrate black queer bodies, the erotic, sex, pleasure as politics and the sensual material attributes of the print. His work has been shown in many prestigious museums, galleries, and alternative spaces around the world and has been published in a wide variety of publications and critical journals. In 2022, he was canonised by The Trans Pennine Travelling Sisters as the Patron Saint of Darkrooms and received an honorary fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society. His work sits within many private and public collections including: The Rose Art Museum, Gallery of Modern Art, Autograph, Tate Britain, Arts Council of England, Leslie Lohman Lesbian and Gay Art Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum.

Train strikes in May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Rail lines are set for disruption in the week following the first May bank holiday as train drivers at 16 rail companies strike on different days.

Thursday 25 April 2024 10:29, UK

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

Are there strikes on the Tube too?

There have been regular strikes on London Underground too recently, and while there aren't any planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to walk out on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions.

There will also be an overtime ban for the customer service managers on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Tuesday 2 May

Wednesday 3 May

Thursday 4 May

Friday 5 May

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) says the action by its members is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including on the Saturday following the strike (27 April), while TfL has said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Despite the warning, a TfL spokesperson has said they aren't expecting significant disruption.

This action follows strike action taken by the same workers on 10 April, which the TSSA said had a "real impact" with "many stations shut at short notice".

They say they are "extremely concerned" about TfL's 'Stations Changes' proposals.

"We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms, and conditions to stand unchallenged," a TSSA spokesperson said.

"We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith."

Commenting on the impending strikes, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

"While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution.

"There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations."

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's journey planner to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying it is way below inflation, and is linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the year-old pay offer of 4% and another 4% was "dead in the water".

Trains Moscow to Elektrostal: Times, Prices and Tickets

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Moscow to Elektrostal by train

The journey from Moscow to Elektrostal by train is 32.44 mi and takes 2 hr 7 min. There are 71 connections per day, with the first departure at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:46 PM. It is possible to travel from Moscow to Elektrostal by train for as little as or as much as . The best price for this journey is .

Get from Moscow to Elektrostal with Virail

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from Moscow to Elektrostal. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How can I find the cheapest train tickets to get from Moscow to Elektrostal?

Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as , but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets. Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results. Prices will vary when you travel from Moscow to Elektrostal. On average, though, you'll pay about for a train ticket. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.

How long does it take to get from Moscow to Elektrostal by train?

The journey between Moscow and Elektrostal by train is approximately 32.44 mi. It will take you more or less 2 hr 7 min to complete this journey. This average figure does not take into account any delays that might arise on your route in exceptional circumstances. If you are planning to make a connection or operating on a tight schedule, give yourself plenty of time. The distance between Moscow and Elektrostal is around 32.44 mi. Depending on the exact route and provider you travel with, your journey time can vary. On average, this journey will take approximately 2 hr 7 min. However, the fastest routes between Moscow and Elektrostal take 1 hr 3 min. If a fast journey is a priority for you when traveling, look out for express services that may get you there faster. Some flexibility may be necessary when booking. Often, these services only leave at particular times of day - or even on certain days of the week. You may also find a faster journey by taking an indirect route and connecting in another station along the way.

How many journeys from Moscow to Elektrostal are there every day?

On average, there are 71 daily departures from Moscow to Elektrostal. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 18 departures from Moscow which travel directly to Elektrostal. There are 53 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Moscow to Elektrostal, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Moscow to Elektrostal.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Moscow to Elektrostal

The cheapest Moscow - Elektrostal train tickets can be found for as low as $35.01 if you’re lucky, or $54.00 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $77.49.

Find the best day to travel to Elektrostal by train

When travelling to Elektrostal by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Moscow to Elektrostal CO2 Emissions by Train

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I visited Dollywood's sister theme park in the Ozark mountains. The hidden gem's attractions and food were just as good as Disney's.

• I visited Dollywood's sister theme park, Silver Dollar City, in the Ozark Mountains in Missouri.
• I was blown away by its high-quality entertainment and coasters, amazing food, and friendly staff.
• I've been to theme parks all around the world , and this is one of my favorites. 

One of my favorite hidden-gem theme parks is Silver Dollar City, nestled in the Ozark Mountains in Branson, Missouri.

It's a sister park to one of my other favorites, Dollywood . Both are owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, though Silver Dollar City opened first in 1960.

The park is a true hidden gem. First of all, it's an incredible value. Its highest-tier season pass currently costs under $300, and a one-day park ticket is under $100. For context, daily access to only one Disney park usually starts at $150 — and the most basic seasonal pass to Disney World is typically over $1,400.

The park itself is just great, too. I've visited theme parks all over the world and this now ranks as one of my favorites. Here's why I fell in love during my recent visit.

The park leans heavily into its old-school mountain-town theme

Themed to resemble an 1880s mountain village, Silver Dollar City had an authentic feel thanks to the local, multigenerational craftsmen who work in the park throughout its shops and streets.

The atmosphere felt both immersive and transportive as I discovered unique shopping opportunities, like hand-carved furniture, glass-blown home décor, and homemade candy.

Demonstrations were a big part of my experience, and I got to watch people altering leather, carving wood, and blowing glass — all things I'd never seen done in a theme park before.

Even the park's main guide, The Pathfinder, was themed.

It's designed to look like an old-school newspaper and contains a map, showtimes, and information on current events.

It's also built on top of a cave, which visitors can tour

The park is built on top of one of the oldest attractions in the area, Marvel Cave. Theme-park admission includes a tour of the caves, which was incredible.

We traveled 300 feet down into the limestone cave for a stunning view of the Cathedral Room, one of the largest cave rooms in the country.

The park is also home to some of my favorite roller coasters and a lot of unique attractions

The park blends its history with the future in the form of precedent-setting roller coasters .

My favorites include Outlaw Run, one of the steepest wooden coasters in the world, and Time Traveler, one of the steepest, tallest, and fastest spinning coasters in the world.

There are also unique attractions at Silver Dollar City that I haven't experienced anywhere else — Grandfather's Mansion was one of my favorites.

Grandfather's Mansion is a classic fun-house-style walkthrough attraction that's been at the park for decades. It was pure fun playing with my senses through different rooms in the mansion, including an upside-down room and an off-balance room.

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But above all, my favorite attraction is Fire in the Hole . The current reiteration pays homage to the original over-50-year-old indoor dark coaster. In its newer version, the $30 million attraction combines the nostalgia of the original with the technology of today.

The ride is of a high quality I don't see often outside of Disney or Universal parks.

The food is fantastic and unique

I'm a big foodie — especially at theme parks — and I was happy this park's eats lived up to the hype.

Silver Dollar City has the usual theme-park offerings, like hamburgers and hot dogs, but also offers many unique bites like its famous cinnamon bread and hand-twisted pretzels.

One of my favorite eateries on the property was Rivertown Smokehouse, which served some of the best barbecue I've ever had .

Visitors could watch staff smoke and carve food right in front of them in the open-air kitchen. I really enjoyed the smoked turkey and succotash and their accompanying sauces.

I also liked stopping at Eva & Delilah's, the bakery located by the park's exit, to pick up homemade treats on the way home.

The entertainment was outstanding

Tons of shows and events were happening at Silver Dollar City during my visit. The park brings in national acts throughout the year for different musical festivals — and access to these performances is included with regular park tickets.

I really enjoyed the park's iconic Silver Dollar City Saloon comedy show, which has been entertaining guests for over 50 years.

During my visit, the park was also offering a Broadway-style musical production of A Dickens' Christmas Carol. Housed in a full-scale theater, the show blew me away and was comparable to national productions I've seen.

I was also impressed by An Old Time Christmas, the theme park's seasonal event . It was unlike any Christmas event I've experienced at a theme park.

In addition to having seasonal foods and shows, the park had millions of lights and hundreds of decorated trees. It felt incredibly festive, and I loved walking around.

Every staff member I interacted with in the park was incredibly friendly and kind

I've visited theme parks all over the world, but I've yet to meet staff members as friendly as the ones at Silver Dollar City.

Many of the longtime employees were almost like characters in themselves, with throngs of guests waiting to meet and chat with them.

A highlight of my visit was meeting June Ward, who heads up the park's candy store, Brown's Candy Factory. She's worked at the park for over 50 years.

My visit was comparable on all levels to Disney, and I can't wait to return

Silver Dollar City checks all the boxes for me: high levels of theming, great attractions, fantastic food, and friendly staff.

I loved all the rides, especially the roller coasters, but I especially enjoyed exploring the shops and eating unique bites. This is a really special place that's different from any other park, and I plan to return year after year.

With its location in the touristy area of Branson there's so much to do locally — including seeing Dolly Parton's Stampede dinner show — that it makes for a great theme-park vacation far more unique than the typical visit to Disney.

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