Crossing the border great vacations a gas tank away

While high gas prices shouldn’t discourage people from going on vacation, they should encourage one to creatively plan a local getaway instead. “Local vacations are definitely less stressful for families. They have more control when they stay close to home. Many families even get along better on local vacations,” said Barbara Burns, manager of Jimmy Sturr Travel Agency in Florida, N.Y. Vacationing locally may not only save one both money and travel time, but it also allows for people to explore and learn about their local surroundings and what close by communities have to offer, such as various festivals, that they may have looked over before, said Burns. Here are some enticing spots that will take you out of New York, but keep your travel expenses in check. Key to some fun in the Keystone State Filled with sweet and historic locations, it is easy to make the Keystone State the center of vacations. Hershey - Chocolate Town U.S.A. makes for a great family vacation or couple’s getaway. Hug a Hershey’s Kiss or take in shows, such as The Great Candy Caper, at Hershey Park. This world of chocolate has 10 coasters, six water rides, and more than 20 kids rides. Right next to the park is the interactive Hershey museum. After spending a day with (or acting like) a kid at the park, spend some alone time at the Hershey Country Club or The Spa at the Hershey Hotel, where one can enjoy chocolate without taking in a calorie with chocolate treatments, such as a whipped cocoa bath or a cocoa massage. Outside of the chocolate world, attractions like Zoo America and Adventure Sports are both spots worth a day trip. Hershey, Pa., is approximately 200 miles from Chester, Goshen, and Warwick; 190 miles from Monroe and Central Valley. Lancaster - The Pennsylvania Dutch County may be just one gas tank away but it is a completely different world. Experience what it is like to live without modern technology and electricity with a visit to an Amish settlement. Take a horse and buggy ride, tour the settlements, and learn about the simpler way of life. The Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park’s 48 acres of games, rides, water fun, and entertainment for kids 12 and under is a world of fun. Continue the fun with a visit to Eagle Falls Thrills & Spills, which offers mini golfing, go karts, and water rapids rides; or the Hands-on House Children’s Museum. Lancaster, Pa., is approximately 185 miles from Monroe, Central Valley, Chester, and Goshen; 175 miles from Warwick. Harrisburg - The historic capitol offers a city getaway with lots of educational opportunities. There are museums — such as The National Civil War Museum, The State Museum of Pennsylvania, and the Susquehanna Art Museum — and attractions, such as the State Capitol and the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex that make for inexpensive and educational day trips. At the end of the day, taking in a Harrisburg Senators baseball game is a home run wrap up. Harrisburg, Pa., is approximately 215 miles from Warwick; 200 miles from Monroe, Central Valley, Goshen, and Chester. Gettysburg - Home to one of the Civil War’s most notable battles, Gettysburg boasts historic sites around every corner. General Lee’s Headquarters; the National Civil War Wax Museum, with more than 200 life size figures; and Gettysburg National Military Park, can be found in the Cyclorama Center and the National Park Visitor Center. Then take a trip to one of the nearby state parks. Caledonia State Park, approximately 1,130 acres, offers access to the Appalachian Trail, a “Class A” camping ground, and a golf course. Codorus State Park includes the 1,275-acre Lake Marburg, which offers boat rental, swimming, and fishing. There are also several wineries, such as Adam’s County Winery, where guests can tour, enjoy a tasting and have a picnic. Other attractions include Boyd’s Bear Country, home to thousands of teddy bears; and the Land of Little Horses, an animal park that offers animal shows, pig races, saddle riding, a carriage museum, and a nature trail. Gettysburg, Pa., is approximately 250 miles from Warwick, Goshen, and Chester; 240 miles from Monroe and Central Valley. Touring the Garden State Not sure what kind of vacation to take? Experience them all, rural, city, and beach, by going no farther than the Garden State. Vernon - Part of New Jersey’s Skylands region, Vernon offers a variety of vacation attractions. Use up the kids’ energy at Mountain Creek Water Park; on the scenic trail rides of Legends Riding Stables; hiking the Appalachian Trail; or at one of the many mountain lakes throughout the area. After an adventurous day, spend the night relaxing at Minerals Resort and Elements Spa. The full service spa offers various body treatments, massage therapy, hand and feet treatments, a hair salon, and various skin care. On site, vacationers can enjoy golfing, seven nature pools, various sport courts, and a children’s spray grounds. A short drive from Vernon, vacationers can visit the Franklin Mineral Museum; or Space Farms Zoo and Museum, a 100-acre spread containing over 500 animals and a museum with over 50,000 artifacts. Vernon, N.J. is approximately 25 miles from Goshen, Chester, Monroe, and Central Valley; 10 miles from Warwick. Jersey City - Jersey City is a gateway New York City. But before taking a ferry to the city, visit the Liberty Science Center. It is an interactive museum for all ages, where children and adults can play to learn. Close by is the Meadowlands, home of the NFL Jets and Giants; the NBA’s New Jersey Nets, the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, and the MLS’s MetroStars. Jersey City is approximately 60 miles from Monroe, Central Valley, Goshen, and Chester; 55 miles from Warwick. Seaside Heights - To spend a sun and sea vacation, Seaside Heights offers an escape at the Jersey shore. Besides lying on the beach and taking a dip in the ocean, Seaside Heights offers plenty of attractions. Both Casino Pier and Funtown Pier offer over 40 rides and numerous carnival games. If the ocean isn’t exciting enough Breakwater Beach offers water rides. For nighttime fun, catch a free concert on the beach every Monday at 7 p.m., free movies every Thursday at dusk, and free fireworks Fridays at 9 p.m. Only an hour away is Six Flags Great Adventure, Hurricane Harbor, and Wild Safari Animal Park. Seaside Heights, N.J., is approximately 125 miles from Warwick, Monroe, and Central Valley; 130 miles from Goshen and Chester. To experience a calmer, quieter side of the shore, drive down to the historic Cape May, in New Jersey’s Southern Shore Region. Vacationers here can enjoy bicycling, birding (Cape May is home to The World Series of Birding), carriage rides, ghost tours around the historic town, whale and dolphin watching. Cape May, N.J., is approximately 200 miles from Warwick, Monroe, and Central Valley; 210 from Goshen and Chester. Trenton - Trenton is a fun yet educational destination. Visit the New Jersey State Museum; the Trenton City Museum in the Ellarslie Mansion; and the New Jersey State House. You can take in a Trenton Thunder baseball game, the AA affiliate of the New York Yankees; stroll Grounds for Sculpture; or go to Adventure Aquarium. Cowtown Rodeo, experience the west with professional barrel racing, bronc riding, bull riding, and steer wrestling. Vacationers can also get access to the Delaware River and go rafting, canoeing, or kayaking. Trenton, NJ is approximately 95 miles from Warwick; 105 miles from Monroe, Central Valley, Goshen, and Chester.