By Michael Hartigan - GLOBE CORRESPONDENT NOVEMBER 17, 2017
My 4-year-old daughter was hesitant to board the log flume
at Santa’s Village, even though I assured her it was just like the panda-themed
ride she enjoyed two days before at Story Land. She remained skeptical before
finally climbing into the log.
Afterwards, she told me I was wrong, they were not the same
ride — the panda bear was faster.
Generations of New England families have made Story Land in
Glen, N.H., and Santa’s Village in Jefferson, N.H., into regional vacation
mainstays. Odds are, if you grew up around here you have photos somewhere of
your younger self balancing next to Humpty Dumpty or perched on the mitten of a
giant Frosty the Snowman statue. I have both and now, after back-to-back
visits, my daughter does, too.
“Generation after generation visit the park to relive their
childhood and share wonderful memories with their children and grandchildren,”
said Lauren Hawkins, director of marketing for Story Land.
Both parks are rooted in nostalgia. Look no further than the
decades-old park maps decorating the queue at Story Land’s antique car ride.
But each also evolved, continually adding new rides and
updated services, embracing an active and responsive social media presence and
easy-to-use websites. Santa’s Village even has an app.
“It’s a modern and contemporary theme park that embraces its
roots, constantly improving while preserving the best of its history,” said
Jeff Miller, one of Santa’s Helpers at Santa’s Village. “It’s about staying
true to the theme and recognizing what’s the best fit for any enhancement we
consider.”
The efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Story Land notched a
2016 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor while Santa’s Village was
ranked No. 20 on TripAdvisor’s 2017 Traveler’s Choice list of top amusement parks.
While it may not feel like amusement park weather right now,
there are reasons to keep an eye on these White Mountain destinations.
Story Land is closed for the season and will reopen in late
May. There’s an online sale going on now with big discounts on tickets for next
year. And starting around Halloween, continuing on most weekends for the
remainder of the year, Santa’s Village is open for winter operating hours and
holiday events, allowing for the rare possibility of riding a reindeer roller
coaster in the snow.
With wistful whimsy and quirky charm, Story Land and Santa’s
Village offer welcome diversions from everyday life at less cost and commitment
than a trip to Orlando. Each will dredge your memory banks of family vacations
past while simultaneously filling those coffers anew.
Located on opposite sides of the White Mountain National
Forest, Story Land and Santa’s Village are separated by about an hour drive on
some of New England’s most scenic roads.
Story Land benefits from being closer to the hamlet of North
Conway. It is home to the best general store around (Zeb’s), an old-time
railroad station, plentiful lodging, and some sneaky good food options like
local brewpub Moat Mountain (get the pulled pork sandwich served on cinnamon
raisin toast); or May Kelly’s Cottage, a cozy yellow house where Irish fare
doesn’t get more authentic or delicious.
Both parks have enough diversity in rides to entertain
children across age groups, with roller coasters peppered among tamer
attractions.
At Santa’s Village, my daughter just hit the height
requirement for Rudolph’s Rapid Transit Coaster, an exhilarating flight through
quick drops and ground-hugging curves.
For an unmatched and slightly unnerving panoramic view, ride
the towering Christmas Ferris Wheel. At its peak, Mount Washington and the
Presidential Range emerge in a striking alpine skyline.
Story Land introduced a speedy dinosaur-themed wooden roller
coaster in 2014, the Roar-O-Saurus. But its Polar Coaster, a dipping and diving
classic clacking coaster, and the decorative frozen ice pole at the ride’s
entrance, remain endearing park icons.
At Story Land, shows feature talented young actors singing
and dancing to classic fairy tales. Other well-known children’s tales are
brought to life at the Storybook Animals section, where live animals roam
around pens decorated like the corresponding story, such as the Three Little Pigs
or Three Billy Goats Gruff.
Many guests look to Cinderella’s castle atop the park for
the preeminent character meet and greet. But just as memorable is the colossal
yellow boot near the park entrance, where kids are gifted stickers from the Old
Woman Who Lives in the Shoe.
Our daughter danced along to Santa’s Village’s musical
Christmas light show. But the highlight here is the big man himself. Santa’s
house is festive and warm, perfect for a meeting with the jolly old elf. And be
sure to visit Santa’s reindeer housed in a beautifully constructed wooden barn.
Scattered around the park are 26 distinctive elf statues,
part of the “Elfabet” scavenger hunt. My daughter screeched joyfully whenever
she spotted one, rushing ahead to check another off her list. The certificate
she received upon completion is proudly displayed in her room.
The ability to bring in your own food is a welcome time and
money saver at both parks.
But expect a little indulgence, especially at Santa’s
Village, which smells of cinnamon immediately upon entrance. We followed our
noses to a hut behind the reindeer carousel, where they sell fresh mini
doughnuts and hot cocoa. At a bakery nearby, kids decorated their own
gingerbread men and women. The gingerbread was a moist, tasty spiced pastry,
anything but your typical cardboard cookie.
Story Land’s shaved ice hut was a must, as was the
make-your-own sundae at the Dutch Village Ice Cream Shop.
But a much-needed treat came in the form of another classic
New England staple: the Dunkin Donuts hut right inside the Story Land
turnstiles.
A cup of coffee helps when debating log flume speeds with
your 4-year-old.
Michael Hartigan can be reached at mhartigan04@gmail.com.
Full story can be found at the Boston Globe website here: http://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/travel/2017/11/16/santa-village-and-story-land-revisited-even-more-magical-than-you-remember/4FK44keiRsiU3Q93YyiBNM/story.html?event=event25#comments
