There is something exhilarating about visiting a major city.
London and San Francisco are my two favorites, but with Erin moving to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love is climbing the list.
But there's also something to be said for smaller locales like North Conway, N.H., a scenic jewel less than a three-hour drive from my house.
I hadn't been to North Conway in about 15 years when Misty and two of our daughters, Meaghan and Lyndsay, made the trek last week. Yes, not everything was the same, but it was comforting that it hasn't changed too much.
Horsefeathers restaurant is still in the heart of the downtown. The railroad station is still a beehive of activity. The town is still between mountain ranges.
And something else hasn't changed - the parking is free!
Due to the fact that our visit was in the middle of a sweltering heat wave, we sought relief after supper on the first night of our visit. We found a perfect watering hole - the Saco River - less than a 10-minute drive from our hotel.
The drought has done a number on the Saco's water flow, but our spot had plenty of water to cool us down.
We took a 2-hour and 20-minute train ride, but the highlight of the trip was a visit to Echo Lake. We went after the gates closed at 6 p.m. and we had the lake nearly to ourselves. With Cathedral Ledge looming in the background - and the sun going down - it was like something out of a dream.
I can't imagine many prettier vistas in New England - or beyond. Quaint shops. A terrific variety of restaurants. Stunning views. Friendly people. Recreation options galore. And free parking!
North Conway has it all. The Scanlons will return.
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