Back in July I visited my cousin David, his wife Julie, and their adorable son Ryden up in Nashua, New Hampshire. We took a day trip up to Story Land amusement part in Glen, NH — I hadn’t been to Story Land since I was a kid, and it holds fun family memories (UPDATED TO ADD: check out scans of old photos from 1991 at the very bottom of this post… thanks for finding them, Mom!). It was a treat to go back and relive it again as an adult, with my cousin’s young son experiencing it for the first time.
On the way up, Julie pulled over at a rest stop just north of Nashua — this Cider Bellies Doughnuts truck serves apple cider donuts that have been voted among the best in the state.
Two thumbs up:
We took the scenic route through the White Mountains. It took us longer to get to Story Land but the views were worth it — I’d love to come back to camp and hike up here.
We passed through Bretton Woods and the famous White Mountain Resort:
And after 2.5 hours (who knew New Hampshire was so big?) we have arrived at Story Land!
Just inside the gates…
They have a Dunkin’ Donuts!
What a beautiful family:
The message on this clock is a little too real and sobering… especially as I contemplate that the last time I was here was 25 years ago…
I totally remember this shoe from the ‘90s:
A bunch of cute family photos because how adorable are these three?!
Ryden is growing up fast — remember when I took his newborn photos over two years ago?
Ryden started out a little unsure of the teacups but quickly warmed up to the ride:
There may have been a lot of cool rides here, but in Ryden’s eyes they’ve got stiff competition from this rock.
Thanks for taking this photo of me, Julie!
There are two big boats — a swam boat and a pirate ship. We picked the pirate ship.
This whole section is internationally themed. Loved all the reference to other cultures.
Water-themed area where kids can enter this octopus submarine:
I remember this giant wooden roller coaster from when I was a kid! It was the big scary coaster that I had to put on a brave front to ride. This time I went on it with Julie and was surprised by how forceful it was, even as an adult.
Then I watched Ryden while Julie & David went on the coaster. There’s a camera that snaps your photo mid-way through and is available for purchase at the exit. We didn’t get the photo, but David & Julie re-enact it here:
Train time! This train snakes throughout the entire park — we left the stroller and took it for the whole loop.
I remember LOVING this next ride as a kid — you get to drive a car!! What could be cooler than that when you’re 7 years old?
We did the wooden Dutch shoe ride — super fun:
We left when the park closed at 6pm. Here are the characters making their exit:
Family photo with Humpty Dumpty — I remember him from the early ‘90s and I suspect he’s had a facelift or two over the years:
Cute vegetable-themed music show on our way out of the park:
The broccoli rapped:
Sunset on the way home:
What a fun day! Thanks to David, Julie, and Ryden for sharing the day with me!
UPDATED TO ADD:
My mom found our old Story Land photos from the summer of 1991! So it was 26 years ago when we went as a family. Here are some scans… you’ll recognize a lot of places from the above photos. What a trip down memory lane.
