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

If Andretti’s is the place for go-karts, then Spin is the Ping-Pong haven. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this place has you covered. As host Nate, who grew up playing the game with his little brother, put it, “I have never experienced Ping-Pong like this.” Spin offers multiple tables, a bathtub full of Ping-Pong balls and even professional players.

Speaking of the pros, Nate had the chance to talk with Eric Owns, one of Spin’s pro table tennis players. Eric’s take on Spin is clear: “Spin is the place to be on a Friday night. There are so many things to do, there is a great DJ, food, drinks.” Eric added, “You don’t even need to be a great Ping-Pong player, enjoy the atmosphere, challenge one of the professionals, we will teach you how to play, we will challenge you, it’s a great place.”

Spin started as a private underground environment, evolving into the nine locations they operate today. The Chicago location boasts five to six pros on staff, offering a unique opportunity to learn from and challenge a pro.

Before Nate took on one of the pros, he explored Spin’s food offerings, which were undeniably top-notch. Their chefs and bartenders serve up a world-class food and beverage menu, featuring Short Ring Bahn Mi Sliders, an unforgettable Nacho platter and a delightful Korean Chicken Wrap. The specialty drinks menu provides ample options to quench your thirst during an intense Ping-Pong match.

In the YouTube video, you can witness how Nate’s childhood Ping-Pong experience stacked up against Eric’s professional tour experience as they went head-to-head on the table. To sum it up, Spin is a Ping-Pong social club where you can watch (and compete with) world-champion players and enjoy monthly local art battles, all while relishing a creative and delicious food and beverage menu. One unique aspect is the group vibe that Spin fosters, bringing together people on corporate outings, date nights or casual outings with friends and family to watch fun matches between pros or pros against guests, even offering Ping-Pong lessons. This adds a distinct element to the overall experience.

One key takeaway from our visits to Andretti’s Indoor Karting & Games and Spin Chicago is that, in addition to offering unique forms of entertainment, their exceptional food and beverage offerings significantly contribute to enhancing the overall experience. Andretti’s delivers fun through a variety of attractions, while Spin focuses specifically on Ping-Pong, but both go above and beyond with their food and drinks, exceeding guests’ expectations and giving them one more reason to return.

As always, stay tuned for the next stop on Fun Across America’s tour of entertainment facilities, and don’t forget to watch all our episodes on our YouTube channel.

 

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.