With the weakening economy and soaring gas prices why not consider an affordable family vacation in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This area is a great summer vacation destination, located near North Conway New Hampshire, and it is only about a three hour drive from the suburbs of Boston. Imagine not having to deal with the hassles of air travel or the indignities of the TSA airport screening process. We have been summering at our condo in New Hampshire for several years now and our family really loves it. Our condo serves as our base from which we are able to take many day trips.

Mount Washington, NH is the highest peak in the northeast at 6288 feet. Its enduring presence can be felt throughout the valley that bears its name, a monument and reminder of the presence of rugged nature outside our doors. In one spot it spreads out in a splendid scenic vista, in another it is glimpsed through a thick forest of pine. It appears and disappears at the whim of the weather, sometimes emerging above the clouds like a brilliant Shangri-La. In fact, the Native Americans revered its peak as a sacred place.

The Mount Washington Valley Children's Museum is located only 1 mile from 23 Hill'N Vale at 2936 White Mountain Highway, North Conway. It is a great place to take the toddlers on a rainy or inclement afternoon, when everyone is suffering from cabin fever.

In my opinion, nothing culminates your 4th of July Picnic or Barbecue like a dessert of Strawberry Shortcake. This simple pastry is one of the easiest to make and transport to wherever your dinner venue takes you whether it is a gathering on the back patio, a picnic at Shuler Park before the local Fire Works, or a waterside barbecue after swimming in Echo Lake.

Story Land is a popular New Hampshire summer attraction only 4 miles from 23 Hill'N Vale. Generations of families have been taking their children to Story Land since its opening in 1954. Some even make it a yearly trip. To tell you the truth, I was not enthusiastic about a day long visit to the alpine theme park, but my begging kids finally wore me down. So, on a partly cloudy, mid-80's, midweek summer day we made the journey to the North Country's mecca of childhood.