Cheap Trips: Parks, History and Art

 Looking to save money?

Try one of these four trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas -- Ridley Creek State Park in Media, the Schuylkill River Heritage Center in Phoenixville, the Abington Art Center in Jenkintown and the Historic Bethlehem Heritage Tour.

1. Ridley Creek State Park

 Address: E. Bishop Hollow Road and Chapel Hill Road, Media, PA

How Far From Forks-Palmer Patch? About one hour and 35 minutes

Admission: Free

 Hours: The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is closed Saturday and Sunday

Summary: Ridley Creek State Park offers 12 miles of hiking trails, five miles of which are paved for biking or jogging. There are fishing spots filled with trout, 14 picnicking areas and sledding and cross-country skiing opportunities in the winter. The park also boasts Hunting Hill Mansion and gardens, which are available for weddings. Sam Riddle, owner of the race horse Man o' War and namesake of Riddle Memorial Hospital, gave the mansion to his niece and her fiancé as an engagement present in 1913. If you’re a horse lover, Hidden Valley Horse Farm -- also inside the park -- offers horse boarding, riding lessons and pony rides.

  2. Abington Art Center

 Address:515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, PA

How Far From Forks-Palmer Patch? About an hour and 40 minutes

 Admission: Admission to the gallery is free, but donations are accepted.

 Hours: Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Summary: The Abington Art Center comprises an indoor art gallery as well as an outdoor sculpture park. The center, which is more than 70 years old, sits on 27 acres in the Jenkintown section of Abington. Exhibitions usually change with the seasons, but the art center is currently showcasing its Fall Solo Series, which runs through Nov. 27 -- the artists include Sarah Becktel of Jersey City, NJ; Erin Murray of Philadelphia; Joseph Leroux of Philadelphia, and Paul Rider of Philadelphia. In addition to exhibitions, the art center also offers classes.

 Links:  abingtonartcenter.org  

 3. Schuylkill River Heritage Center

Address: 2 N. Main St., Phoenixville, PA

 How Far From Forks-Palmer Patch? About one hour and 30 minutes

Admission Fee: The entry fee is free, but memberships are available to support the center Private parties are available

 Hours: Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. First Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 Summary: Visitors to the Schuylkill River Heritage Center can take in video presentations, explore interactive kiosks and check out photos that recall the history of Phoenixville industry and manufacturing throughout the region. More than 120 years old, the Foundry building sits on the former Phoenix Iron and Steel Co. site and houses the Schuylkill River Heritage Center. The Phoenixville Area Economic Development Corp. purchased the building and restored it.

Links: www.phoenixvillefoundry.org  

 4. Historic Bethlehem Heritage Tour

Address: 505 Main St., Bethlehem

How Far From Forks-Palmer Patch? About 20 minutes

Admission: $12

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

 Summary: Visitors can explore 275 years of Bethlehem's history at their own pace and focus on what interests them. You can download the tour online, or go to the Visitor Center to rent a portable media player. Using a handheld audio device, visitors can walk, run or bike around two National Historic Landmarks, Victorian era homes and Bethlehem Steel buildings.

 Links: historicbethlehem.org