Being within an hour’s commute to the Santa Monica Pier makes it a constant struggle not to hop on the nearest Metrolink so I can ride the ferris wheel all day long and stuff my face with popcorn. To me, carnivals have always had a whimsical allure, whether it is because they are a magical place for a first date, a fun bonding experience with your sister, or just to stand in the center of it all soaking up the colorful lights and sounds like a sponge. Carnivals are an enormous playground for children and adults alike. They are also a goldmine for junk food and sweets, and sometimes you just have to indulge in ice cream, cotton candy, and a hot dog, in that order and all at one time!