Consider the options only a drive away
By: Gloria Hayes Kremer
As gas prices soar as high as the thermostat, many vacationers are finding their travel plans are carrying steeper price tags, requiring some creative rearranging for their getaways.
Airlines are flying fewer flights; gas-guzzling cars, SUVs and minivans negate a cross-country trip, and even cruise prices can be costlier although last-minute deals are often available to those who are willing to wait close to sailing time.
How to solve the vacation dilemma?
Think one-tank getaways.
You will be surprised and delighted at the places you can visit on a single tank of gas. Just a drive away from your home are exciting possibilities you may never have imagined state parks, mountain resorts, golf and tennis centers, dude ranches, learning vacations, shore resorts, spa resorts, history centers, even cruises There are big cities to explore, charming bed-and-breakfast inns nestled in the country, tours of wineries, artists’ colonies, and more.
Resort owners are responding to the frustration of motorists. The Emerson Resort & Spa in Mt. Tremper, N.Y. (877-688-2828), in the magnificent Hudson Valley, is offering a Gas-n-Go Special. When a guest registers, the concierge fills the tank and washes the car for free. For the return journey, a complimentary full tank and car wash includes a bottle of water and driving directions home.
At BnBFinder.com (a bed-and-breakfast portal site), $30 is offered toward one’s gas bill at certain accommodations. At some hotels and resorts, a discounted rate is offered for families. Even a "kids concierge" service is emerging at several upscale hostelries.
Always ask for special promotions and discounts when calling for reservations.
Here are a few suggestions for some unexpected pleasures from your gas-friendly getaway.
The Poconos
A first-time cultural experience can be eye-opening and inspirational for adventurous vacationers.
At The Lodge at Woodloch, a deluxe new spa destination at Hawley in the Pocono Mountains Lake Region of Pennsylvania, a Spiritual Drum Circle Workshop offers three hour-long instructional sessions over a span of two days, teaching guests personal freedom and awareness through the art of drumming (Sept. 1-2). Guests will feel the beat with Emmy-Award winning musician/composer, Richard Reiter.
This destination spa resort, nestled on a 15-acre private lake, also offers outdoor adventures in hiking, kayaking, golf, tennis even a visit to the Dorflinger Wildlife Sanctuary. Among the favorite hikes is the Tusten Mountain Hike along the Upper Delaware River where wildlife viewing is spectacular. The Cranberry Bog Festival in November should be delicious. Also available are al fresco drawing and painting classes.
Guests must be 18 years or older.
The Lodge at Woodloch, Hawley, Pa.:
570-685-8500,
www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com.
‘The New Wave’ in Atlantic City
While a campaign to establish itself as the gambling mecca of the East has dramatically rejuvenated Atlantic City, the debut of The Pool Harrah’s spectacular dome-enclosed swimming pool complex and the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa adds yet even more glamorous experiences at this "queen of seaside resorts."
The Pool is a quarter-acre entertainment complex within the Harrah’s Atlantic City property. It features a tropical oasis with $1 million-worth of horticulture and an Olympic-sized pool, surrounded by six Jacuzzis, 12 cabanas, indoor and outdoor deck areas and The Pool Bar. There is also creative "water-tainment" both day and night, featuring "dive-in" movies, luaus, pool-side spa treatments and live music.
"More folks are looking to spend time by a pool, rather than trek to the beaches," said one Harrah’s official, "and we’re finding that even those who come here specifically for gaming are enjoying the relaxing comfort of this pool complex."
At the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, the stunning property in Brigantine which has raised the bar for luxurious offerings at the Shore, gourmet restaurants tempt vacationers to dine like royalty. Entertainment is also super-size with showroom performances featuring rock bands, comedians, vocalists and TV stars.
The Borgata is building the first boutique hotel, The Water Club, to open next year beside the main building, which will feature deluxe accommodations, five distinctive pools but no gaming or restaurants a first in Atlantic City. This is sure to appeal to vacationers who enjoy a quieter ambience but still like to be located only steps away from the casino environment.
The Pool at Harrah’s, Atlantic City: 800-242-7724,
www.harrahs.com/casinos/harrahs-atlantic-city/.
Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, Atlantic City (Brigantine): 866-692-6742, www.theborgata.com.
A cruise? Just a drive away …
Thanks to the overwhelming popularity of cruises (the healthiest segment of the travel industry), people in our area can drive to a cruise terminal in New York, Philadelphia, Bayonne or Baltimore and hop aboard a ship for a four-, five- or seven-day cruise. Most warm weather cruises sail for a Fall Foliage or New England trip to Canada, some stopping at charming seaside towns.
Carnival Cruises has four- and five-day cruises up to the Bay of Fundy in Canada; Carnival also offers a "Cruise Guarantee" if a passenger decides to abort a trip after the ship sets sail, he or she may notify the purser and depart at the next U.S. port of call and be reimbursed for the remaining part of the fare.
Carnival Cruises:
800-438-6744,
www.carnival.com.
‘Who Needs the Hamptons?’
In "the City That Never Sleeps" there is always 24-hour non-stop excitement. Warm weather days still find hordes of visitors who want to stroll Fifth Avenue, visit Ellis Island, lounge in Central Park, tour Rockefeller Center and dine at some of the best restaurants in the country.
The Hotel Gansevoort, at 9th Avenue and 13th Street, offers a "Who Needs the Hamptons?" package for visitors looking for a no-hassle getaway a bit removed from bustling Midtown. Included in the deluxe accommodations package is a bottle of champagne, lunch for two at the popular Rooftop Pool Restaurant and Bar, a Pool Bag, hat and towel, full continental breakfast buffet, poolside popsicles and more.
Hotel Gansevoort, New York City: 212-206-6700, www.hotelgansevoort.com.
Boston’s new sizzle
Somewhat farther afield but still a straight-ahead destination, easy-to-stroll, steeped-in-history and rich-in-culture Boston is perfect for visiting any time but particularly now before cold weather dampens one’s enthusiasm.
A "Sizzle in the City" package, created by the Fairmont Copley Plaza, offers an easy way to tour. The hotel is located close to Boston’s wide variety of sites and attractions and offers overnight accommodations for two, an Eyewitness Travel Guide to Boston and a consultation with a pre-arrival concierge to help plan your visit.
Stroll along the Charles River Esplanade, visit the Farmers’ Market in Copley Square, take a guided tour or just walk along the Freedom Trail. Children love the Beantown Trolley and the New England Aquarium. The museums are exceptional, with the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, in particular, well worth the visit.
The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston:
800-441-1414,
www.fairmont.com.

