Want fun? You’re in luckster at Chuckster’s

By Tim Goodwin - Aug 12, 2014 | 0 comments

Bridges over troubled water require signs.

The point of the Log Slammer at Chuckster’s is to avoid the inflated whirling tree looking thing. Unfortunately, Andrew Kaputa didn’t get the memo and is the reason why he’s flying through the air.

Disclaimer: this hole is really, really long.

Those waiting at the bottom of the world’s longest hole get a sweet view.

Michael O’Brien takes some hacks in the batting cages.

Lucas Amaya, 4, utilizes somewhat of an unorthodox putting stroke in which he shoots like a lefty while standing like a righty. Hey Tiger, give it a try.

Young speedsters at Chuckster’s.

Morgan Sanderson gets taken out by the swinging Log Slammer. For what it’s worth, she also successfully cleared it with jumps several times during the afternoon.

We thoroughly enjoy being the best Concord Insider in the entire world. There’s just something about that kind of prestigious title that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

And when it comes to New Hampshire, the Granite State is full of the world’s best. The city of Keene owns the record for most lit jack-o’-lanterns and Chutters in Littleton is home to the longest candy counter. For Chuckster’s Family Fun Park in Chichester, it’s claim to fame is the world’s longest mini golf hole. It’s 201 feet of pure edge-of-your seat excitement, although we don’t recommend playing mini-golf sitting down. Plus, since you can’t see the actual hole from where you tee off, you have to follow it down the winding green carpet like you’re the Dorothy of Chuckster’s. And just to be clear, Chuckster’s shares the record for longest hole with a place in Vestal, N.Y., but it’s also a Chuckster’s, so it’s okay.

“It’s just one out of 18 really cool holes,” said owner Mark Blasko.

While it’s not the hardest hole on the course, it sure does have the most suspense. With 12,000 square feet of carpet, this is one of the longer courses you’ll find anywhere, especially in the area. And that’s why Blasko decided to open Chuckster’s eight years ago. He felt there was a need for family entertainment, so it all began with mini golf, batting cages and ice cream at the Route 4 location he used to pass every day going to his former business, Shirtmasters.

“I always thought Concord needed a mini golf and family fun place,” Blasko said. “I built it thinking it’d be a fun side business.”

Now it’s so much more. By Labor Day, the newest addition to Chuckster’s will be open: Aerial Adventure. With seven zip lines featuring things like a snowboard and Tarzan swing, as well as a 240-foot ride at the end, it will definitely be a thrill.

“It’s going to be high and it’s still going to be a little scary, but very doable for just about everybody,” Blasko said.

It’s the second thing that Blasko added to the property this year; he opened the inflatable Log Slammer in the spring.

“The kick for me is creating the stuff and watching people enjoy it,” Blasko said. “My goal is to keep going bigger each year and keep people coming back.”

And what will he add next?

“I’ve got a lot of ideas,” Blasko said. “Let’s just say there’s no end to the ideas.”

Gee, thanks for the inside information Mark.

It’s been a priority for Blasko to expand each year. In year three, he added a climbing wall/jumpster and the go kart track.

“They’re fast enough to be fun and still be safe,” Blasko said of the go karts.

Two years later, ShootNShower came along, and then two years ago, Aeroball debuted, along with some fresh carpet for the mini golf course.

“I try to visit as many parks as I can to see what’s out there,” Blasko said. “That’s what led to the go karts, and now we’re starting to add things that people haven’t seen.”

The staples are still mini golf, go karts and ice cream. Who doesn’t enjoy a little putt-putt and whipping around a windy track with the wind messing up your hair, finished off with some Upchuck or Chuckster Chunk?

“Ice cream is king,” Blasko said. “And golf is the anchor.”

But all the additions make Chuckster’s a more desirable place for the whole family – and the whole day. There are plenty of options. You can pay per attraction, do one of the combo passes for two, four or six attractions or grab a day pass that gives you four go-kart rides and unlimited access to everything else for $32.

“The more we have, we find the further people come from,” Blasko said. “And the more stuff we add, the more attractive the day pass is.”

Chuckster’s is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 10 p.m. For more info or updates on the opening of Aerial Adventure, visit chuckstersnh.com.