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, NY. 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 Jersey, but keep your travel expenses in check. The nature of the Empire Although most think of the city when it comes to the Empire State, the city’s surrounding environments are suitable for both family vacations and couple’s getaways. The Adirondacks -With a variety of activities, like camping in the 6 million-acre Adirondack State Park, backpacking across the Northville-Placid Trail, or boating and fishing at Lake George. If sleeping outdoors is too rugged, stay in a lodge or cottage at Lake Luzerne Harbor — it allows for all the outdoor activities and the luxury of a bed. Lake Luzerne Harbor offers rafting, canoeing, horse back riding, golfing, and hot air balloon rides. The Adirondacks are approximately 220 - 300 miles from Sparta, 190- 260 miles from West Milford and Vernon, and 200 - 280 miles from Franklin and Newton. The Catskills - The Catskills Mountains have destinations for families and couples to vacation in many different ways. The Lodge at Emerson place, which overlooks the Esopus Creek, lets vacationers spend the day horse back riding, mountain or road biking, or fly fishing, and the evening at a four-star spa. Hiking enthusiasts should look at the Mohawk Mountain House, a 251-room Victorian castle surrounded by forest and trails. The Catskills are approximately 110 miles from Vernon and West Milford, 115 miles from Franklin, 140 miles from Sparta and 130 miles from Newton. Finger Lakes - The Finger Lakes is filled with museums and historical sites, such as the George Eastman House of Photography in Rochester, the Rockwell Museum of Western in Corning, Mark Twain’s study in Elmira, and the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls. Other attractions one should be sure to see when staying in Finger Lakes include, the Fallow Hollow Deer Farm, the country’s third largest deer farming operation, the Roseland Water Park, and the Black Rock Speedway. Finger Lakes is approximately 260 miles from West Milford, and 240 miles from Newton, Sparta, Franklin and Vernon. Turning Stone Casino Resort - Getting away to the country is not the only way to enjoy the Empire State. The Turning Stone Casino Resort creates another world for vacationers. With a full-service casino, five golf courses, a full-service salon and spa, and ten fine dining restaurants. Host to numerous entertainment events, such as Mariah Carey, Cedric the Entertainer, Johnny Mathis, and Larry the Cable Guy, there is always something going on. The Turning Stone Casino Resort is approximately 250 miles from Vernon, and 240 from Franklin, Sparta, Newton, and West Milford. 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 150 miles from Vernon and Sparta, 160 from Franklin, 140 from Newton, and 170 from West Milford. 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 160 miles from West Milford, Franklin, and Sparta, 170 miles from Vernon, and 130 from Newton. 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 trips. At the end of the day, a Harrisburg Senators baseball game makes for a home run wrap up. Harrisburg, Pa., is approximately 145 miles from Newton, 180 miles from West Milford, and 160 miles from Vernon, Franklin and Sparta. 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 200 miles from Vernon, Franklin, and Sparta, 180 miles from Newton, and 215 miles from West Milford.