Magic Forest Via the North Pole

A couple of weeks ago, Todd called me from work and told me to find a motel for the night so we could head up to the North Pole in the Adirondacks, something we've been discussing for some time now.  I found a motel and got everything packed in a few hours, somewhat stressed but kept it under control.  We on our way around 3pm.  The kids were pretty good and Abbey took a short nap.  We had been warned that places in the North Pole close by 9pm so we started looking for a place to eat.  We thought this place looked like a good bet because it said family dining and there was a sign that said pizza outside.  Turns out there was no pizza. And turns out it wasn't the absolute best place for toddlers.

Adam was just so poorly behaved.  Like I've never seen him in a restaurant.  Tearing stuff off the wall, yelling and screaming.  He was clearly over tired, over stimulated and did not want to sit.  The food was OK, nothing special.  Here's what I learned: if the kids have been in the car for over 3 hours, best to stop somewhere they can be a little active like fast food or pizza.  No, it's not interesting and yes, Todd stops at these places for me because I LOVE trying out new "local" spots away from home, but with little kids, that can wait.  It set the tone for a stressful evening.

We passed through Lake Placid and headed towards the North Pole, about 15 minutes away.  The garmin was wrong and had us pass our motel.  Good thing I noticed the sign and we went back after a detour.  The motel was very nice and the guy who ran it was clearly enjoying his retirement.  It was right across from Whiteface Mountain and had an amazing view, which I snapped really quickly the next morning.  The kids went to sleep OK in their pack n plays (the size of the room was great and so was the balcony to watch the view) and after a side trip I took to the gas station, Todd looked up the opening time of the North Pole.

Turns out before you drag two toddlers somewhere in the car, you need to make sure that the place is open.  CLOSED on Sundays.  What???  We were speechless.  And let down for our kids.  After some Internet searching, we found the Magic Forest, 80 miles away in Lake George.  So determined to make a fun time for our kids, we got up early, went to breakfast down the road and a little diner (food was OK and the waitress was GREAT...gave our kids moose and bears to color in which they loved).  Went back, packed the car and hit the road, trying to be in a good mood and half making it.

We were in the car until eleven, with the kids a bit fussy, Todd a bit cranky and me a bit stressed.  And forgot my pillows.  And no, I was NOT going back.  Turns out it was worth it (mostly :), because Magic Forest ended up being the perfect place for our kids....