Business & Tech

Cheap Trips: Get Outside or Get Some History

Find three local attractions you can visit on one tank of gas.

Want to get out of town and go for a trip, but looking to save money?

Try one of these three trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas: The Riverbend Environmental Education Center in Gladwyne, the Chester County Historical Society in West Chester and Sand Island Park in Bethlehem.

Riverbend Environmental Education Center

Address: 1950 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne

How Far from Springfield Patch? 13 miles or 25 minutes

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Admission: Grounds are free and open to the public from dawn until dusk. Check Riverbend's website for the cost of specific programs and camps.

Hours: Grounds are open daily dawn to dusk; the barn is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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Summary: The center is open to the public and aims to encourage environmental appreciation and understanding among children. The center offers school and scouting and outreach programs as well as camps and nature clubs.

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Chester County Historical Society

Address: 225 N High St, West Chester

How Far from Springfield Patch? 17 miles or 25 minutes

Admission: CCHS members, free; adults, $6; seniors (65+), $5; students (with ID), $3.50; children (6-17), $3.50; children (under 6), free; AAM members (with member card), free

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Summary: Did you know that Kennett Square is known as the Mushroom Capital of the world? Or that penicillin was first mass-produced for humans in West Chester? These are just two interesting facts you will learn after spending a few hours at the Chester County Historical Society. Located in the heart of West Chester, the society is a fun place to visit with programs, activities, museum, research library with newspapers dating back to Ben Franklin, photos from the beginning of the camera, and interactive exhibits. In addition to hosting a variety of cultural events, the Chester County Historical Society offers various rental spaces, including The Cultural Center. These rental spaces are a perfect setting for conferences, corporate events, formal galas, wedding receptions, performances, meetings and fund-raisers in Chester County.

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Sand Island Park

Address: Main Street and River Street, Bethlehem

How Far from Springfield Patch? 60 miles or an hour and 15 minutes

Admission: Free

Hours: Open daily dawn to dusk

Summary:  Sand Island Park is just a few minutes from both the north and south side of downtown Bethlehem. Walking/biking paths take visitors to the confluence of the Monocacy Creek and the Lehigh River or along the historic Lehigh Canal. The park features a boat launch, lighted tennis and basketball courts, playground and splendid views of South Mountain and the former Bethlehem Steel Complex.

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