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Entry bubble Your Turn: Cheap Destinations

By: Editor | May 11, 2009 | Category: Travel

Our Monday blogger, Jake, has work duties that will take him away from Gov Gab until September. In his absence, we’re alternating between “Your Turn” weeks, where we’ll ask a question to spotlight your knowledge about government resources, and posts from guest bloggers across the government.

Many thanks to all who shared their favorite places to spend the day last week. In our continuing focus on cheap summer travel and getaways, we’re now wondering . . .

Today’s question: If someone came to visit you, what can’t-miss, inexpensive or free destination would you recommend? (Extra points if it’s somehow connected to the government!)

| View Comments [12] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: cheap   editor   travel   your_turn  

Comments (12):

blue comment bubble Posted by Moya Thompson on May 11, 2009 at 08:37 AM EDT

There are so many "free places" to go in the DC area, but I would say Arlington National Cemetery. There are very few places in the world that can inspire people as much as this place that honors the courage and sacrifice of our fallen soldiers from throughout our history. My dad (WWII Air Force Veteran) is buried there, and there is nothing more beautiful than visiting on a clear day and looking out across all the markers and reflecting on what they (and their lives) mean to all of us.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Fred D on May 11, 2009 at 09:49 AM EDT

In New Jersey, I would recommend two inexpensive sites.

One, for an inclement weather day, or nice day if you choose, is the Newark Museum. It contains a beautiful art collection and a very unique and extensive Tibetian exhibit. There is a cafeteria on premises, and the museum is close to the train station and parking is on site.

For an outdoor excursion, I would suggest the Grounds for Sculpture, in Hamilton. Wear walking shoes, and bring a camera. See the classic Renoir, Manet, Monet (and others) paintings as life size sculptures. Have your picture taken, included in the scenes. A good link to see about what I am writing is:

http://www.math.princeton.edu/~wwong/blog/jrnl200607140818.shtml

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blue comment bubble Posted by Ray Dunavant, Huntsville, Alabama on May 11, 2009 at 10:14 AM EDT

If someone came to visit you, what can’t-miss, inexpensive or free destination would you recommend?

In response to one of our favorite blogs, Gov Gab: Your U.S. Government Blog, we offer our suggestion for an inexpensive or free destination.


Question: If someone came to visit you, what can’t-miss, inexpensive or free destination would you recommend?
As a resident of Huntsville, Alabama (Zip 35811), we have numerous government connected free or inexpensive vacation opportunities ...and you will love the southern hospitality offered to all visitors of the Huntsville area. Huntsville is home to NASA's Marshall Spaceflight Center. Marshall Space Flight Center is located on the U.S. Army's Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala. Visitors are welcomed at Marshall's Visitor Information Center at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC). For admission information and ticket prices please click here: http://www.spacecamp.com/details.php?cat=Museum&program=Admission . Huntsville is also home to the United States Army Space and Missile Defense Command which "...conducts space and missile defense operations and provides planning, integration, control and coordination of Army forces and capabilities in support of US Strategic Command missions; serves as the Army specified proponent for space, high altitude, and ground-based midcourse defense; serves as the Army operational integrator for global missile defense; and conducts mission-related research and development in support of Army." Huntsville is a pro-visitor, high-tech, as well as farming, mecca. Y'all come see us now!
Posted by: Ray Dunavant Reference: http://freecheapdestinations.blogspot.com/
Note: This article and blog may be reproduced or republished freely

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blue comment bubble Posted by Jackie on May 11, 2009 at 10:31 AM EDT

Of course we have Charleston and Myrtle Beach but did you know that South Carolina State Parks is celebrating their 75th birthday? Check out the Hot Deals and Packages, such as 40% off a rental cabin at Oconee State Park. From May 25th – June 8th, a cabin for four costs around $340 a week! The cabins have AC but no TV or telephone. Some of the cabins were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression.
http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/750.aspx

Check for rental specials at other state parks too. For more information about the 75th anniversary celebration go to:
http://www.comeoutandplay.net/

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blue comment bubble Posted by C in DC on May 11, 2009 at 12:02 PM EDT

In DC, there's so much that's free. I would recommend in particular, though, the FDR memorial. Great view of the water, and less crowded than many other places. It's particularly fantastic at night, as are many of the other memorials.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Jim Coliton on May 11, 2009 at 01:22 PM EDT

The Smithsonian!!! I work in DC and try to get into the museums at least once a week at lunch for a treat to myself. Depending on their interest, my two favorites are Air & Space, and American History - especially since the re-modeling has been completed - much lighter and open.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Eleanor Mower on May 11, 2009 at 01:26 PM EDT

Cape Cod National Seashore - a magnificent place to spend the day. Take a camera and a picnic lunch or stop and get some native clams or oysters for lunch in welfleet. Life can't get much better than this.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Amy on May 11, 2009 at 02:29 PM EDT

Here in D.C., I take everyone who visits me to the Old Post Office. There is an interesting story behind its restoration, as well as the Bells of Congress. Though it's shorter than the Washington Monument, the view from the bell tower is amazing and has the added benefit of a much shorter wait and no crowds.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Editor on May 11, 2009 at 03:53 PM EDT

So if you're thinking about coming to Washington, DC this summer, it's a great place to vacation. Thanks to Fred, Ray, Jackie, and Eleanor for their suggestions outside the city. I'm always glad to hear about spots all around our wonderful country! Keep the recommendations coming!

Any suggestions for places in Upstate New York? Last week Warren Marcus asked for suggestions there, and he could still use your help.

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blue comment bubble Posted by Anne on May 11, 2009 at 04:15 PM EDT

Brooklyn NY - all within walking distance is beautiful
Park Slope, Prospect Park, Children's Zoo (and Carousel),
Botanic Gardens, Brooklyn Museum, all free or low cost and
fun for all of all ages.
In one direction the Brooklyn Bridge (glorious!),
the Transit Museum, Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, the
Promenade.
In the other direction Greenwood Cemetery, Sunset Park
(Brooklyn's own Chinatown).
Take the subway, take a bus, take comfortable shoes
and enjoy!

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blue comment bubble Posted by Mary Clare Burgess on May 11, 2009 at 10:37 PM EDT

Locust Point in Baltimore, Maryland - Fort McHenry. National Monument and Historic Shrine. Birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner. Come, bring a picnic lunch, see the beautiful Baltimore skyline on the Northwest Branch of the Patapsco River. Find out about the War of 1812. See re-enactors. Bird-watch at the restored natural habitat area. All that is free, but for a nominal fee you can enter the Star Fort and see what life was like in 1812 and learn the many ways the Fort has played a part in Baltimore history for almost 200 years. Check it all out at: http://www.nps.gov/fomc/index.htm

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blue comment bubble Posted by Bill Barry on June 30, 2009 at 02:25 PM EDT

I would encourage the outdoor type visitor to look into volunteering with a government recreational camping park near them and to really go cheap. Check http://camphost.blogspot.com for more info on this unique way of camping called camp hosting.
What does a camp host do? The camp host is a volunteer who meets a specific criteria and provides a service to the campground management in exchange for a free campsite and more times than not a stipend wage is included for the service. Park host campers are used nationwide in the maintenance of both private and government regulated campgrounds. Their duties are generally the same but may include activities tailored to the needs of management and the particular geographical region. They are an advocate for the park and they collaborate with management to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for the other campers.

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