Croton Point Park and Campground, Croton-on-Hudson, New York

Work takes me throughout the Northeast and in early summer, it took me to the Hudson area of New York to evaluate an undeveloped lot (back story: I am an Environmental Scientist who does due diligence work prior to the sale of commercial real estate). Because it was an undeveloped lot, I could get there whenever made sense for my schedule so I decided to make the weekend of it. I dragged the family with me and after a quick google search for campsites in the Hudson area, I stumbled upon a place called "Croton Point Park" and campground. What a funny name I thought, but to this point, I had been thoroughly impressed with New York State Parks and decided to give it a go. It looked like a peninsula on the water and at the price of $60 a night including access to the park, we packed up the camper and headed to the Hudson Valley.

Winnebago Hike 172BH - our camper/trailer one year review

Last year, Adam's online shopping (browsing) hobby turned into the purchase of a new-to-us RV. We always talked about one day getting a camper or RV, disagreeing on the size and the price. I was happy with something very small and basic (pop up style) but Adam was not. I wasn't looking with two kids and house renovations, it wasn't a top priority. Adam loves to look at real estate for sale online and added campers into the mix. Look and you shall find and when Adam brought me to see a barely used 2021 Winnebago Hike in a neighboring town, we left as camper owners. I truly loved it from the moment I saw it, an adventure lovers mobile home that was as big as I was willing to go and as small as Adam was willing to accept. It had everything we needed and a perfect setup for two kids camping in the back country or at a campground. I'll get into all the details about what the camper is like, why we love it, and why it may be a good choice for you. 

We've had the camper for a year and I didn't want to write anything about it until we owned it for a bit. We bought it in the early fall of last year and almost a year and five camping trips later (Portsmouth, Rhode Island; Croton Point, New York; Lake George, New York; Lincoln, New Hampshire; and Catskills, New York) I have some thoughts. 

Diana's Baths - Bartlett, New Hampshire

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are pure magic. By foot, skis, car, or train, there are so many amazing ways to play in the mountains. Even after visiting several times a year in all of the seasons year after year, there is always so much to do and new sites to explore. 

We were in the Attitash/Jackson area of New Hampshire (the central/eastern area of the Whites) for a wedding and decided to make a trip out of our journey north. We spent a day at Story Land, a day around Jackson and at the wedding, and spent some time exploring a new-to-me gem, Diana's Baths. 

Diana’s Baths is a serene series of pools and cascades on Lucy Brook. The water is refreshingly cold and sources from Big Attitash Mountain. The baths can be reached about a three quarter mile walk on the Moat Mountain Trail (northern terminus).

Hiking trail to Diana's Baths

Why Visit

The relatively short (just over a mile round trip) and flat gravel/dirt trail (ADA approved surface!) makes this a really great family hike (dogs included). It is lovely to visit on a hot summer day to cool off in the water, or in any other season to enjoy the beautiful falls. While it does get busy quick, it's for good reason. This place felt magical to us and I had just as much fun as the kids. There are pools of various depths and water falls. You can really spread out as the area is bigger than you think. If you want to beat the crowds and guarantee parking, head there early. I also read about complaints of trash and liter and I am happy to report we saw neither. Be respectful, please pack out what you pack in and remember there are trash cans at the parking area. 

Visiting Story Land - a New Hampshire Amusement Park

I have fuzzy, 30+ year old memories of visiting Story Land as a kid. Summer days at Mother Goose's House and rides on the yellow flying dutch shoes. These nostalgic childhood memories are what makes it all even sweeter, taking my kids to the same park I visited as a kid and seeing the same charming rides mixed in with updates to the park.  

If you have young kids in the northeast, Story Land is a must. I know Disney World gets a lot of attention and many families save up vacation time and cash to take their kids to the "Most Magical Place on Earth". As someone who has visited Disney as a child and again as an adult, let me tell you, Disney lost a whole lot of magic over the years. The crowds, the level of planning needed to get around long lines, and the expense is wild. The Point Guys broke down their Disney World trip (3 nights lodging, 2 days at the park) on a "nice but budget conscious" trip - over $3,662 for three nights and two days at the park, not including flights. 

(Half) Day trips to Cremona, Bergamo and Sirmione (with a toddler)

If you've read this blog for a while, you know I am constantly towing the line between lesser-known places and those that are popular for a reason. I tend to lean to the first, avoiding really touristy areas to find the more hidden gems. This tale of three cities (towns really) are examples on opposite sides of the spectrum, the quiet violin town of Cremona, the more known city of Bergamo, and the very well-known lake town of Sirmione.