3 Weekend Vacations in the Philadelphia Area

If you live in the Philadelphia area and are planning a weekend getaway, you don't need to look any further than your own backyard. There are some great vacation spots within just a few hours of home. Here's a look at 3 great weekend getaways.

Brigantine, NJ
Distance from Philadelphia: About 70 miles
Best Time To Go: Summer

Want to hit the beach without the Jersey Shore drama? Brigantine may be just the place. A quiet resort town of about 13,000 people, Brigantine offers the classic beach town experience. Spread out and soak up the sun on Brigantine Beach without the crowds and noise of tourist havens like Wildwood and Ocean City. Stay at Celebrity Resorts Brigantine Beach, just a short walk from the beach. Single rooms start at just $79 a night, making Brigantine a bargain-friendly place to stay.

When the sun goes down, why not head somewhere a little livelier? Brigantine is just 15 miles from Atlantic City. There you'll find world class restaurants, casinos and nightlife to spare. Atlantic City is a 24-hour town, making sure your weekend getaway is exciting as you want it to be. Try The Borgata, one of Atlantic City's newer casino-hotels - they frequently feature big-name music or comedy shows.

Jim Thorpe, PA
Distance from Philadelphia: About 80 miles
Best Time To Go: Fall, Winter

Jim Thorpe is situated in the beautiful Pocono Mountains with charm to spare. Featuring old-time details like a clock tower and antique train station, Jim Thorpe is like its own little world. The streets are lined with gorgeous Victorians, many of which are in remarkable condition and now serve as B&Bs. I like the looks of Mary's Guesthouse, where rooms start at just $60 a night.

There are different things to do in the Poconos depending on the time of year you visit. The warmer months give access to water parks, kayaking, and trails. The turning of the leaves in the Pennsylvania fall is breathtaking, and in the winter the Poconos are a great place to ski or snowboard. In Jim Thorpe specifically, there are numerous tourist attractions and sources of entertainment. Find out what's going on when you'd like to visit here and here, on websites devoted to the charming town's offerings.

Philadelphia, PA
Distance from Philadelphia: 0 Miles!
Best Time To Go: Anytime

As a final getaway idea, why not stay right in town? Take the money you're saving on tours, souvenirs and carfare getting from Philly to another destination and put it towards a room or suite at a swanky luxury hotel. Try the five-star Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons. Both command over $200 a night, but are in the heart of Center City and feature numerous amenities. Hit the spa, the hotel restaurant, or just relax and order room service.

When you're sufficiently pampered, head out into the city. Historic sites, museums, cultural events and award-winning restaurants are just minutes from your hotel. Enjoy those parts of your hometown that locals too often don't see or enjoy - hit the Philadelphia Zoo, the Art Museum, or take in a performance of our world-class orchestra.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigantine,_New_Jersey

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Thorpe,_Pennsylvania