Cheap Trips: History, Victorian Christmas, Holiday Lights and Nature

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

Try one of these four trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas: Lights in the Parkway in Allentown, Valley Forge National Historical Park in King of Prussia, Briar Bush Nature Center in Abington and Victorian Christmas in Malvern.

1. Valley Forge National Historical Park

Address: 1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia
How Far From Nazareth Patch? About one hour and 20 minutes, or about 60 miles

Admission:

• Free

Hours:

• Park grounds are open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk
• Visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day)
• Washington's Headquarters and Train Station is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day)
• Washington Memorial Chapel is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Summary: Valley Forge National Historical Park is among the most famous and significant landmarks of the American Revolution. Valley Forge is where Gen. George Washington and his Continental Army -- made up of shopkeepers, citizen soldiers and men from all over the colonies -- weathered the brutal winter of 1777-78.

Outmanned and outgunned by the British, Washington and the American revolutionary troops spent the winter encamped 20 miles from Philadelphia. Washington chose this location to remain far enough away from Philadelphia to prevent a surprise attack, but close enough to keep pressure on British troops.

The park offers not only beautiful countryside, but historic perspective and educational opportunities for visitors to learn about Army life in the days of the American Revolution and also about the strategy Washington used to ultimately defeat a far superior fighting force.

Knox Covered Bridge is located inside the park and is an integral part of Tredyffrin Township's history and logo.

Links:

• Patch Place Listing
• Park Website

2. Malvern Victorian Christmas

Address:

• E. King Street and Channing Avenue, Malvern (Friday, December 2)
• W. King Street and N. Warren Avenue, Malvern (Saturday, December 3)

How Far From Nazareth Patch? About one hour and 30 minutes, or about 70 miles

Admission:

• Free

Hours:

• 6 p.m. on Friday, December 2.
• 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 3

Summary: Step back in time and enjoy a free weekend of music and holiday events at the Malvern Victorian Christmas. The two-day event kicks off with the Lighting of the town’s tree at 6 p.m. on Friday and the arrival of Santa, who will be around both days.

Activities include hayrides, carolers, live music, arts and crafts, and two performances by The Philadelphia Boys Choir. Children will also get a chance to make a gingerbread house while adults can tour shops along King Street.

All events are free, but some require free tickets (check the website for information).

Links:

• December 2 (Friday) Event Listing
• December 3 (Saturday) Event Listing
• Event Website
• December 2 (Friday) Schedule
• December 3 (Saturday) Schedule

3. Briar Bush Nature Center

Address: 1212 Edge Hill Road, Abington
Distance From Nazareth Patch: About one hour and 15 minutes, or about 55 miles

Admission:

• Free

Hours:

Nature trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.

Museum, pond and bird observatory

• Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• The nature center is closed on Thanksgiving Day

Summary: Briar Bush Nature Center sits on 12 acres in Abington Township and comprises a nature museum, walking trails, a bird observatory and even a butterfly house (which is open June through October). The center holds nature-based programs for children ages 2 through sixth grade, and holds free programs on Saturdays.

The non-profit nature center sits on the former land of Everett and Florence Griscom, a Quaker couple who moved to Abington in 1908. The couple enjoyed sharing their knowledge of nature with children and school groups.

According to briarbush.org, the nature center’s mission is to “provide environmental education to individuals and groups of all ages through on-site and outreach experiences, protect and nurture a natural wildlife habitat and promote conservation of natural resources by increasing awareness and understanding of the environment.”

Links:

• Patch Place listing
• Briar Bush Website

4. Lights in the Parkway

Address: 1700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Allentown
How far from Nazareth Patch? About 30 minutes, or about 20 miles

Admission:

• $10 per car

Open:

• November 25 to 27
• December 1 to January 2
• Closed Christmas Day

Hours:

• 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Summary: This drive-through lights display covers more than a mile of one of Allentown's most beautiful parks (Lehigh Parkway) and features lighted trees, light tunnels and animated displays. Holiday scenes will also feature "The Wizard of Oz," "Cinderella" and other family favorites.

New for 2011 is a special section dedicated to Allentown’s 250th anniversary, which will be celebrated throughout 2012. It takes about 25 minutes to drive through the display. Horse-drawn carriage rides are available at $10 per person. After your tour, visit the Lights In The Parkway Gift Barn.

Links:

• Website