I hate to gloat but...
08-20-08

On a recent Saturday morning I had 'Good Morning America weekend edition' tuned in. Up earlier, the boys hadn't grabbed the remote for their most recent 'Sponge Bob' fix. What crosses the screen, but a story about how more people are taking day trips from home, choosing to 'stay home' each night and visit near to home attractions each day; the story focused on people taking 'staycations' instead of the standard vacation. It has to be a couple of years ago that in my column 'day trippin' and other cool summer stuff' I hinted at this way of leisure and recreation as a way to have fun, watch your spending and enjoy the comfort of your own home all at the same time.

Another reason to promote 'staycations' is how the month of August has changed. When I was a kid you'd think about school as late as possible, extra curricular activities would also not start before school resumed. Now, football, school activities and even school itself in some cases starts in later August. What was reserved for college kids, that is the moving in and gearing up for curriculum for fall semesters in August has bled into high school and grammar school.

There is lots to do in our region. I'll work my way south to north. In Philly if you haven't been to the National Constitution Museum make it a point to go. Besides educational and inspirational it is a lot of fun for the whole family and costs just a few dollars to enjoy. While you're in old city check out the Betsy Ross House, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell pavilion and all the city's historic district has to offer. The price on all of these historic venues is either free or at a minimum and your family will enjoy walking the path of our founding fathers. What I found interesting and enjoyable was the park ranger service explanation of how Independence Hall, really our first capital, operated. Fascinating stuff and lots of inside information on some of our founding fathers.

Stay near to Philly and cross the river over to Camden to board the 'J'. Affectionately know as the 'J' the Batteship New Jersey makes Camden home and this floating museum offers much history and fun. Tours are nominal, the ship is collosal and is one of the most decorated battleships in the history of the Navy. The 'J' is a real treasure.

Also in Camden is the Aquarium and Children's Garden where you'll enjoy all kinds of attractions. If you eat before you go, grab lunch in the city and get home in time for dinner, you'll save money and time while enjoying a lot of fun and learning a lot about your country.

There's lots more to do near and in Philly, but I'll move north for a moment to inspire you to visit some attractions in the Lehigh Valley. The Crayola Factory in Easton and The DaVinci Center in West End Allentown. 2 fun filled attractions that you could easily hit in one day. Of course there's always Dorney Park which won't be a hard sell to the kids for a day long visit. Why not catch a ball game in the Lehigh Valley and see the Iron Pigs or move a bit west to Reading and catch the R Phills. Easily as enjoyable as watching the big leagues, minor league ball is a blast and much less expensive.

Work your way up the turnpike and work your way back in time with a stop in picturesque Jim Thorpe. Billed as the "Gateway to the Poconos" -- Jim Thorpe evokes a feeling of a time that was. Complete with a whistle stop old fashioned train station to greet you and an 'old jail museum' to spook you out, Jim Thorpe has a lot to offer and is worth a day's visit.

Finally, when you get done all these fabulous nearby sightseeing excursions you can head on home and treat yourself to dinner at any one of Quakertown's fine area eateries. I'll encourage you to visit the locally owned establishments and they're easily identifiable.

'Staycations'-- what a concept. I'm betting it will catch on, and I saw it coming a while back. Hope I don't sound like I'm gloating, but if you'll indulge this writer a moment it was gratifying to see the whole issue receive some national attention.

Enjoy the last few days of summer because before you know it whether you're vacationing or 'staycationing' it will all be long gone. See ya around town.