Many attractions across the country are free simply because that's what they are worth. But others can give you so much fun that you can't put a price on it. Here, from TripAdvisor.com, are five favorite freebies.
* Mallory Square, in Key West, Fla., where you'll find food vendors, acrobats, musicians and a spectacular sunset.
* Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colo., home to sandstone rock formations and a view of Pike's Peak.
* Cliff Walk, Newport, R.I., a scenic 3 1/2-mile walkway with the ocean on one side and views of the famous Newport mansions on the other.
* Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles, where you can look up at the night sky through a telescope or simply take in the view of Los Angeles and the famous Hollywood sign.
* You've no doubt heard of the above four, but are you familiar with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah? There, in the scenic Angel Canyon, you can volunteer to help with the animals or take a free tour of the grounds.
How's that again?
A shopping bag spotted in Japan proclaims, "Primitive Cool: collective heterosexual scenario and turn the women red."
It's the early bird that catches Stowe's discount
Vermont's Stowe Mountain Lodge is already getting ready for snow. For those who can't wait to be the first on the lift, the lodge will offer up to a 20% discount on nightly room rates with its First Tracks package. The offer includes lodging for two in a studio guestroom, 2 two-day ski passes, complimentary ski storage and boot warming. One guest per booking will also receive a Royal Foot Treatment at The Spa at Stowe Mountain Lodge -- a 25-minute wrap, scrub and massage for the feet and lower legs. The package is valid for visits between Nov. 28 and Dec. 18, with rates starting at $329 per night (This represents up to a 25% discount off best available rates). A two-night minimum stay is required for this package, which must be booked by Aug. 31.
Visit www.stowemountainlodge.com or call 888-4-STOWE-VT, and refer to booking code FIRSTTRACKS.
Meanwhile, Sunday River is all set for summer
Sunday River in Newry, Maine, shifts into its summer mode with the opening of the Sunday River Mountain Bike Park and the start of the resort’s summer activity calendar. Additional summer activities for guests include golf and guided or unguided ATV/Ranger rides, fly fishing, mineralogy and canoe/kayaking tours. New this summer is the Chondola for scenic rides and mountain bike transport and 6 new miles of mountain bike terrain for beginners and intermediates. The $7.2 million Chondola -- part gondola and part chairlift -- gives a seven- minute ride to North Peak where the resort’s system of mountain bike and hiking trails branch from. The eight-person gondola cabins are reserved for pedestrians, while the six-person chairs are for mountain bike transport. Mountain bike adult all-day tickets with Chondola access are $27; trail-access-only tickets are $10. Roundtrip Chondola rides are $8 (ages 5 and under ride free).
Guided tours (ATV/Ranger, fly-fishing, mineralogy and canoe/kayaking) can be booked seven days a week by calling 800-543-2754. For more information on Sunday River, visit www.sundayriver.com or call 207-842-5234.
Trivial question
Where would you find Hagatna? Answer Monday.
Relax ... even if you're lost on the drive
Steve Halpern's CD "Drive Time RX" has relaxation suggestions encoded so softly in his music that the listener can't hear them, but the subconscious does, and will respond. At least that's the theory behind the recording artist's latest effort. So when you're totally lost while driving to your vacation destination, you might want to pop this disc into the CD player.
The CD is available at www.innerpeacemusic.com and Amazon.com, among other places.
Fascinating fact
Smokey the Bear, that indefatigable fighter of forest fires, has his own ZIP code: 20252.
Budget vacations from Appalachian Mountain Club
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is offering summer vacations for every budget, from free naturalist activities for day trippers to all-inclusive, five-night vacations for a family of four under $1,500. Three-night values for two include camping trips under $100, shore-side private cabin retreats in the Maine Woods for $300, and lodge-to-hut hiking under $500. Everyone is welcome, and AMC members get additional discounts. The destinations are in New Hampshire, Maine and New Jersey.
For details, click here.
