Lincoln, New Hampshire
We visited the Lincoln, New Hampshire area in the Summer of 2004 with our 6-year-old son.
As this was a last-minute trip (we booked our room the night before we were to leave!), we stayed at the only place where we could find an available room at a price we were willing to pay? the Franconia Notch Motel. We loved that our room was right on the Pemigewasset River! We could walk down a short path to the river bed, and could hear the rushing water as we drifted off to sleep at night. The owner of the motel is very friendly, and provides free coffee in the office in the morning. We stayed in a motel room, but there are also small cottages ? our son would like to go back and stay in a cottage!
We drove into town in the early evening, perused some shops, ate dinner at a pizza shop with a great salad bar, and had ice cream at Bishop's. We loved Bishop's ? you can even make your own sundae there. They have pie as well, and you can eat indoors or outside.
The next day we got up early, had breakfast (just take out from the local McDonald's), and drove to Lost River. (www.findlostriver.com) Our son adored Lost River ? he still talks about it and wants to go back! We followed the whole trail, through all the tight caves. It was fascinating! At the end, our son got to 'mine' for 'gemstones'.
We then drove to Clark's Trading Post (www.clarkstradingpost.com) , where we visited the shops, had lunch, saw the bears, and visited some attractions. The highlights were the train ride, and the bumper boats (prepare to get wet!) We had some snacks, and then headed home that evening.
Another great Lincoln attraction is the Hobo Railroad. We actually took this ride one year while visiting the Bartlett/Glen area of the White Mountains? it is a must for any family with a train-lover!