OT:::Spending a few days in White Mtns, NH this summer...

[Micka Mouse]

We have our place booked (Gale River Motel), but was wondering if anyone had any other ideas than what we have planned. We're going to Storyland, Whales Tale and Santa's Village. We MAY go to Six Gun City as well.

We went to Storyland last summer, but it rained . We had a good (but soggy) time. Any suggestions?

Thanks!!!

 

[JacobsMommy11002]

I don'tt know the names of the hotels in NH, where is that one? We usually camp when we go. One great tip about both Santa's Village and StoryLand is that if you go after 3 and pay fullprice for a ticket, you get a return pass good for anytime that season...including the next day. We always do this to get some extra time there. We also tend to do a lot of hiking, there are tons of trails, lots of them easy enough for young kids. In Conway you can hit the outlets and shop. There is also the train station, and the Cog railway, which goes up the mountain. You could drive up Mt. Washington, there is an autotrail. There is also a model train museum between Conway and Glen. We have never gone to Six Gun City, it just doesn't appeal to us. We did the Polar Caves last year, and they were cool, although I think they are a drive from the area you are going to be in. Have a great time, I am so jealous! We are going camping the last week in May, but Santa's Village and StoryLand aren't open during the week yet.

 

[arielsleepingbeauty]

Every summer we do Storyland and Santa's Village. I will be sad when my DD's get too old for it. This year we are extended our trip and staying one night at Indian Head to do the Polar Caves and Clark's Trading Post. Then we will drive up and finish the day at Santa's Village and then drive to our hotel in NOrth Conway. We will spend the next full day at Storyland and then go over to Santa's Village on our last day. We like to stay at the Eastern Slope Inn in North Conway. Since mst of the small stores close early, we take a walk to the nearby playground . They sometimes have music playing and they have water fountains that the kids can go in. NH is really a nice slow paced place to visit. To my kids, it's just as good as WDW.

 

[bennythepug]

don't forget to go hiking, espesially the white Mt area - it is beautiful. Have a great time

 

[sara74]

Wow, lots of familiar places being mentioned on this thread!
I grew up in NH and we actually spent a week last summer in the White Mountains with a 4 and 2 year old.

Clark's Trading Post was lots of fun, the kids especially liked the train ride with the Wolfman (not too scary) Storyland was good too, DD is still asking when we can go again.

For a less busy day we spent a day at the lake at the base of Cannon Mountain - Echo Lake. There is a beach there and the passes are inexpensive. The kids had a ton of fun playing and we saw a bear (from a distance) on the slopes at Cannon. The water was super cold, though, so make sure it is a hot day when you go there!

 

[Micka Mouse]

In Conway you can hit the outlets and shop. There is also the train station, and the Cog railway, which goes up the mountain. You could drive up Mt. Washington, there is an autotrail. QUOTE]

We drove Mt. Washington last summer. It was a blast, but it was FREEZING when we got up to the top. Embarassing story...When we got to the top, it was too cold for my younger DD. DH walked my older daughter up the steps to the top. He carried her over his shoulder. She kept saying, "My butt's cold", and he laughed it off. What we forgot about was that we were at the park earlier and she played in the fountain. Her underwear got wet, so I took them off her (she was wearing a dress). Didn't have an extra pair, so she went commando. DH turned red when he realized what had happened...he was sure she gave people an eyeful!

day. We like to stay at the Eastern Slope Inn in North Conway. Since mst of the small stores close early, we take a walk to the nearby playground . They sometimes have music playing and they have water fountains that the kids can go in. NH is really a nice slow paced place to visit. To my kids, it's just as good as WDW.

We stayed here last summer. I think it was called the Red Apple Inn. DD's LOVED the water fountains at the playground!

Clark's Trading Post was lots of fun, the kids especially liked the train ride with the Wolfman (not too scary) Storyland was good too, DD is still asking when we can go again.

For a less busy day we spent a day at the lake at the base of Cannon Mountain - Echo Lake. There is a beach there and the passes are inexpensive. The kids had a ton of fun playing and we saw a bear (from a distance) on the slopes at Cannon. The water was super cold, though, so make sure it is a hot day when you go there!

I didn't know about Echo Lake...Looks like we may have to spend an extra day up there. DH will be thrilled. He absolutely loved stopping on the side of the road to walk down to the river. DD loved it as well. We're all looking forward to our trip this summer!

What part of CT are in in? We're in Prospect.

 

[shoegirl1020]

Later in the day we love to walk around the center of North COnway, where the train station is. There is a park, open space and lots of cute stores, including Zeb's which sells great stuff all made in the north.

 

[jnordan]

Definitely try to do some "nature" stuff -- it's so beautiful! The "Basin" is right off the highway (you'll see signs) and is free and a great walk -- you can even use a stroller. Also, we went to the Flume Gorge last summer, and that was beautiful -- we used a stroller there, too. How old are your kids? Lost River Gorge may be a fun option, too -- we're waiting until ours are a year or two older for that one . . .

Oh, and try to go to Polly's Pancake Parlor for breakfast one day -- it's great! But be there early, as the lines can be long (worth the wait, though!). If you google it, you'll find a website.

 

[sara74]

Hey CT neighbors! We are in Simsbury.

Polly's Pancakes are fabulous and the view is worth the wait! (actually we didnt' have much of a wait when we went last year)

I second the Flume and or Basin for a nice trip too. As far as the kids go the 2 four year olds on our trip last year did a decent length hike around the Flume. Our DD whined at the end but the other family's son did just fine! The dads took the kids to the Lost River too, but I skipped out. Anything with a cave called the Lemon Squeeze was off the list since I was 8 months pg with #3!

 

[Micka Mouse]

Looks like we'll be adding another night I'll look into the basin. I checked the flume out, but I think dd2 is too young.

Thank you all soooooo much for your ideas It's not Disney World , but we'll have a great time!!!

 

[staticgirl50]

LOVE NH! Hit the outlets! Oh and North Conway is a VERY cute town to hit!

 

[kribit]

How about the Polar Caves, Attitash Slide, Clarks Trading Post, Shopping in North Conway? Then if you want to visit the Lakes, Winnepesauke is always nice. We used to visit every year...pulled the boat up to FrankenSundae. Anyone remember this place?

 

[champagne27]

Loon Mountain is alot of fun! You can ride a gondola up to the top and they have a really nice playgroung up there and a place to eat. There is also trail into the woods that is very fun although there are quite a few stairs. Very relaxing way to spend an afternoon though.

And there is a really nice great kid friendly restaurtant just past Storyland called Red Fox Bar and Grille - they have 2 toy rooms for the kids which is great!

Have a fun trip.

 

[adamalexa]

We went to SGC two years ago and it was NOT worth the price of admission. It was lame and many of the rides were not operational. The tip off should have been when you drive up you cannot see what is behind the entrance. I think they know that if you see what's behind, you won't pay to go in. They are right.

I was so disappointed. I went many years ago as a kid with my family and it seemed much better.

 

[Micka Mouse]

After learning about all the nature trails and the beach, I decided to skip Six Gun City. My dh really wants to go, so he may talk me back into it. But as of right now, it's off the itinerary. I told him last night that I'm adding another day, and he said 'okay'. I didn't think I'd get so excited about this trip. We had a res for the GF, which I canceled. I was so bummed about not going to WDW, but I am really getting excited now. Thanks to all of you! You have given us lots of great ideas (I am really looking forward to the hikes and beach!!!)

Thank you!!!!!!!!

Shannon

 

[dougsmom98]

If you head over to North Conway, the Hampton Inn there just opened an indoor water park. One of my friends was just there and had a great time. Weather is so unpredictable in the northeast so booking a hotel with an indoor pool is a nice bonus.