Posted in Massachusetts by Sophia

Massachusetts Is The Only Place In The World Where You Can Still Play This Vintage Game

These days, arcades are usually filled with flashing lights, electronic games, and computerized fun. However, for much of the 1900s, one game in particular dominated in arcades and amusement parks across the Northeast: Fascination.

And for the first time in years, you can now play this retro game again in Massachusetts.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

Facebook/Fascination Nantasket Beach Fascination is an arcade game that’s sort of like a cross between skeeball and bingo. The game involves rolling hard rubber balls across a wooden table and trying to get them to fall into 25 small holes set on in a five-by-five grid. The goal is to fill all the holes – the middle is a freebie – in order to light up a corresponding board above the wooden game. Players usually compete against other Fascination players. The first person to light up all five rows is the winner. Wikimedia Commons/WillMCc Fascination used to be incredibly popular across the nation, but gradually fell out of favor as electronic games were introduced. Fascination tables are large, clunky, and difficult to maintain. Newer, sleeker games were more attractive to arcade owners, so the number of Fascination tables in the country dwindled. (Pictured above: Fascination tables at Indiana Beach) Facebook/Fascination Nantasket Beach Today, the Fascination tables near Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts are some of the only remaining games. In fact, the Nantasket Beach Fascination parlor is the only place in the world where you can still play Fascination for an all-cash prize. The parlor had actually closed for a few years before reopening to the public in 2017. Now, everyone is welcome to head on down and check out this vintage game. The parlor is open on Friday and Saturday nights, and because there is a cash prize involved, you need to be 18 or older to play. Wikimedia Commons/Rob McCready

You can find the Fascination Parlor at 189 Nantasket Ave., Hull, Mass. Looking for more retro fun in the Bay State? Check out these 13 awesome diners that will make you feel right at home.