A "The Academy Is" concert in Gilford, NH took us to the far north on Saturday. We decided to hit a couple of places we had never gotten before prior to Casey going to the concert. We hit the road EARLY for the long ride to Jefferson NH and Six Gun City. We arrived at the park right at the 9:30 opening and found about 20 cars in the lot. We got in line to get tickets. Fifteen minutes later the line had barely moved. It was then we discovered that the credit card machine was malfunctioning and it was cash only. The workers kept saying just a few minutes but nothing was happening. We suggested holding our card and letting us in and do the transaction later, but were refused by the workers and also the manager(owner). They kept suggesting a 15 mile round trip to the nearest ATM. What the hell kind of customer service is that!

We were about to call it a day and move on when the machine began to work. So 40 minutes after arrival we got into the park. We were on a tight schedule so that time lost was not cool. We entered the park and checked it out some. We rode the coaster and then ran into some folks who had been in line with us. They had gotten in before us by changing to cash. They complained about some prices and general run down condition of the park. Nothing to recommend here.

Next stop was Story Land in Glen. We found the parking lots packed and ended up parking far from the entrance. This place was busy!! No real line at admissions and we got right in and then found Eric. He gave us the tour of the park. He wasn't wearing loud green or pink pants so I guess the decorum of being the head cheese has taken hold. LOL Eric told us it might be the busiest day of the year if the rain held off.

I had no idea how big this park is. I won't cover all the stuff there but I can see it easily being more than one day if you did all the shows and interactive attractions in addition to the rides. Eric had to take care of some business part way through the tour so we hopped in line for the coaster. The line was out the queue, but it moved steady. We quickly realized that it had two trains!! Good job there. Bet there aren't too many kiddie coasters with two trains. The crew was loading and checking the trains and were regularly ready to dispatch before the previous train hit the brake run. No stacking here!! LOL We exited after a 20 minute wait. Did get a chuckle from a stenciled phrase on the front of each car on the train. It said "This is not a seat." I guess people have tried to sit between the cars in the past. These tourists must not be the brightest. LOL

We continued to tour the park and caught the circus show. Gotta give them big props on this one. It was The Royal Hanneford Circus and it was a top notch show. We especially loved the quick costume change act and the trained house cats.

We finished touring the park before hitting the road in the afternoon. The park was clean, people seemed to be having fun, lines seemed reasonable despite the crowds. This park is a real gem.

Finished the day in Gilford for Casey to go to the concert and then made the long drive home.

That's ridiculous about Six Gun City. Since they could only accept cash, maybe they should've offered a discount for the inconvenience. Even though we haven't been there yet, I can tell that park is totally overpriced for what it offers.

Did you ride the Crazy Barn at Story Land? Aside from the Polar Coaster and Turtle Twirl, that's a unique ride and definitely one of our favorites.

^like I said, Six Gun was a disaster. The crowds were sparse and now we know why. I am sure the word of mouth on this place in the tourist resorts is brutal. Hitting both parks, on the same day just 30 miles apart, the contrast was startling. The real problem for Six Gun City is Santa's Village is just a few miles down the road. Their parking lot was filling fast when we drove by. No wonder. In this economy a place like that will be in big trouble.

We didn't ride the Crazy Barn but we did watch it operate. Thought of you when we say the turtle themed Titlt-a-Whirl.

After your Visit you can understand why i have only been to Six Gun City twice in my entire life. Amazingly you talked about it being run down. i noticed looking into the park earlier this yea that a lot of work had been doen since my visit in 2003.

did you only get one ticket, or did you get a return ticket to Six gun. I was told that all year would be a ticket to return deal.

also what did you think of the coaster?

Story land is an amazing park as Is Santa's Village. Clarke's trading post is also worth a stop. Too bad they don't have a coaster.

I was going to get the return pass but as I was delayed so long I watched the process and noticed they required ID and the return was issued to a specific name. Since I would never return and it couldn't be used by anyone else it had no value.

The coaster was nothing special. Polar Coaster at Story Land was much better as was Rudy's Rapid Transport up the road at Santa's Village.

Didn't have time for Clark's or anything else because someone wanted to be in the front row for the concert.

Did ya really have to get the front row for the concert, Ed?

LOL, Through him in front of the bus why don't you!

I'm not surprised about the coaster. What is your opinion comparing it to other Miler coasters. I personally wish there was more landscaping and maybe a little themeing.

Hopefully one of these days you get a couple hours to stop by Clark's.

Yep - I had the front row allright. Front row at Patrick's Pub for the Red Sox game about a half mile from the venue.

As for the Gold Rush Express - totally forgetable. No specisal theming beyond the front car being a locomotive and Six Gun City painted on each car. Nothing special in the queue or along the ride. "More landscaping" - how about some landscaping. Might as well have been in the parking lot.

Polar Express, on the other hand, was themed with the station like a ice fort or giant igloo. Penquins on the roof. etc. The train had a walrus on the front.

Were you thinking of pulling a "Marineland"?

I thought that might be the response. I liked teh coaster itself. but like pointed out the area round it and the setting has no charm what so ever. really detracts form the attraction. Maybe they should spend less energy on the campground next done and put more effort into the park.

Rudy's rapid transit doesn't really have any themeing but it's reasonably well landscaped.

I had a similar complaint about teh go carts although fun make no sense given the theme.