GREAT READS → MUSINGS Issue 1098 · February 4, 2026

My American Dream

Was our midwinter outing a dream come true— or one big headache?

My American Dream

WE

were going to go hiking. My husband and I had decided that, and our decision was final. Yes, it was freezing outside and we had seen snow already, but at 40˚ F, we could handle a mountain, right? We’d work up a sweat and cast off our coats, desperate for a breeze. It would work. Anything to avoid another winter visit to American Dream.

It’s not that I’m opposed to American Dream. It’s a lovely place. There are activities everywhere, a little something for everyone. Go ice skating for an hour for an exorbitant price! Mini golf for 20 minutes for an exorbitant price! Ride a Ferris wheel for half a nhour with a beautiful view of… the highway… for an exorbitant price!

There’s just one, tiny, exorbitantly priced thing that gives me pause. Mostly, it’s this: Why am I spending half my salary on a single day of vacation?

Sadly, when the day dawned, we hadn’t broken 30˚ F, and I suspected the medical bills might be even more exorbitantly priced than the riding toys in American Dream ($10 for ten minutes! Per child, obviously). So off we went.

Continue reading with Mishpacha.

Create a free account to keep reading.

Everything you need to stay close to Mishpacha.
← Previous installment Takeover Next installment → Second Sight