I just got back from a magical weekend at Story Land in New Hampshire, and I can’t wait to share all the details. We stayed at the most amazing Airbnb at Cranmore Mountain Resort, and let me tell you—it was the best Airbnb I’ve ever stayed in (and I’ve stayed in a lot of them lately). If you’re planning a trip to Story Land or just looking for a cozy getaway, this place is the perfect home base. Let’s just say, this trip was a bit different from our recent Waterville Valley adventure. Spoiler: they actually had hand soap here! 😅 Read about that trip here.
The Best Airbnb I’ve Ever Stayed At
Okay, I have to gush about this Airbnb. You know how sometimes you stay at an Airbnb and it’s super obvious that it’s just a company-owned property, with cheap, bare-minimum furnishings? Well, this was not that. The Airbnb we stayed at looked like a model home—beautifully decorated, cozy, and comfortable. Every detail was carefully thought out, from the plush bedding to the homey décor. If you’re looking for a similar experience, check out this Airbnb at Cranmore Mountain Resort.
And speaking of beds… wow. The beds were so comfortable I didn’t want to get up in the morning. I can’t say enough good things about this place! Plus, they provided us with all the basic amenities—shampoo, conditioner, and yes, even hand soap (which I’ve learned I shouldn’t take for granted). It was just such a welcoming, thoughtful space. I’m already dreaming about coming back for a longer stay.
Story Land: Perfect for Little Kids (and Big Kids at Heart)
Now, onto Story Land! As a total Disney fanatic, I wasn’t expecting it to be on the same level as Disney World (because, let’s be real, nothing really is), but Story Land definitely held its own. It’s more catered to younger kids, but the two teenagers we brought along were still able to have fun. It’s one of those places where you can just feel the magic and excitement all around. Located in Glen, New Hampshire, Story Land is nestled in the White Mountains and is about an hour and a half drive from the nearest major airport, Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Maine, which is roughly 65 miles away. If you’re driving up from Boston, it’s about a 2.5-hour journey, making it a fun road trip destination for families in the New England area.
We had the most fun at the Cinderella Tea Party. It was the absolute cutest thing. Cinderella herself was there, and all the little kids were enchanted by her. Watching them light up was so sweet! The staff genuinely seemed to enjoy their jobs, too. I couldn’t help but notice that the pumpkin carriage driver, who drives back and forth to the castle all day long, didn’t seem bothered at all—he was smiling the entire time. I guess when your job is to escort princesses, it’s hard to have a bad day.
Story Land Highlights: The Water Park and Loopy Lab
The water park at Story Land (Moo Lagoon) was the perfect break from the heat. It had the right balance of big-kid fun and little-kid safety. Our toddlers had a blast splashing around, and we loved that it wasn’t overwhelming for them. It’s the kind of place where you can relax while your kids play without worrying too much.
One thing I really appreciated was the baby centers for changing diapers and taking care of the little ones. It’s always nice when a theme park has those extra touches to make parents’ lives easier.
And while we’re on the topic of indoor spaces—Story Land has this fun little area called the Loopy Lab. It’s an indoor playground where kids can play with soft foam balls, and they even host shows there (we caught a Daniel Tiger show while we were there). The concept is great, but I have to be honest: the place was kind of gross. The balls were gray from all the dirt—definitely not the cleanest place, but the kids didn’t seem to mind one bit. They loved it! Still, a little TLC wouldn’t hurt.
What Could Be Better: The Bathrooms
If there’s one area where Story Land dropped the ball, it’s the bathrooms. Let’s just say they weren’t the cleanest. It felt like they could use a good scrub-down, which is always a bit of a bummer when you’re trying to enjoy a day out with kids. But hey, we survived. 😉 If you’re planning your own trip, definitely be prepared with a few extra essentials. Check out Story Land’s visitor tips for more details.
Exploring Downtown Conway: A Great Stop for the Littles
We also made time to explore downtown Conway, which was so charming. We took the kids to Schouler Park, a cute little park right in the heart of town. It was the perfect stop for our littles to run around and burn off some energy. Plus, the view? Stunning! The park offers a beautiful backdrop of the mountains in the distance, making it a perfect spot to relax while the kids play.
I also have to thank the TushBaby for saving my back. Carrying around a toddler all day downtown (or anywhere, really) is no joke, but this thing made it so much easier. No promo here, just pure back-saving magic.
Final Thoughts: Will We Be Back?
Overall, our weekend at Story Land was wonderful! It’s the perfect spot for families with younger kids, and even the teenagers had a good time. The mix of rides, shows, and that fantastic water park makes it a great destination for a family-friendly vacation. And the Airbnb? A total winner. I would absolutely stay there again in a heartbeat.
If you’re planning a trip to Story Land, I highly recommend making this Airbnb at Cranmore Mountain Resort your home base. It’s close to everything, and trust me, you’ll feel like you’re staying in a luxurious, homey retreat after a long day of fun.
Until next time!
— Chelsey
