Wine industry growth has opened up affordable weekend getaway opportunities for wine enthusiasts across the country. According to "Wine Business Monthly," there are more than 5,000 wineries in the United States with as few as one in Delaware to more than 2,500 in California. Wineries open their doors to the public for extended hours during weekends, offering their grounds and wine tasting rooms for visitors to enjoy the breathtaking views of rolling hills and vineyards. With the cost of wine tastings ranging between $5 and $60, wine country visitors can plan tours of multiple wineries in the same weekend. Wineries attract other businesses, such as restaurants and bed and breakfast hotels in all price ranges, making it easy for visitors to plan a full weekend getaway at low prices.
Amusement parks generally offer a range of things to do for all ages, including rides, stage shows and shopping. Amusement parks sell treats like cotton candy, ice cream, jumbo hot dogs and pizza. Parks also offer areas with park benches and picnic tables. Famous amusement parks known as weekend getaway spots include Hershey Park in Pennsylvania, Busch Gardens in Virginia and Six Flags amusement parks located across the country. Ticket prices range between $45 and $70 each for adults and between $30 and $40 each for kids, depending on admission packages and discounts. Towns and cities hosting amusement parks typically offer a range of budget hotels nearby. Although amusement park getaways are often recommended for families, single adults and couples can experience the same level of fun, excitement, rest and relaxation at an amusement park as parents and children.
Cities and states across the country host cultural festivals year-round. Well-known cultural festivals include the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., among others. Music festivals, sometimes attached to cultural festivals, also make affordable weekend getaways. View your state and neighboring states' tourism websites for information about cultural festivals, music festivals, and arts and crafts fairs near you. Festivals and fairs are usually held outdoors, sometimes offer free admission and cost little more than the price of gas, food and accommodations.
Outdoor enthusiasts can arrange affordable weekend getaways at local camp grounds, as well as state and national parks. Such weekend getaways are especially inexpensive when you use equipment you already have. State and federal parks departments throughout the United States provide information about camp grounds and hiking and biking trails. Organizations like American Hiking Society and American Trails offer hiking vacation ideas and other outdoor vacation resources. While venturing off the beaten path can be enticing, for safety reasons, when it comes to outdoor activities, it is important to camp, bike and hike in officially recognized areas.
American Hiking Society
1422 Fenwick Lane
Silver Spring, MD 20910
1-800-972-8608
americanhiking.org
American Trails
P.O. Box 491797
Redding, CA 96049-1797
530-547-2060
americantrails.org
Although spa getaways can be expensive, you can cut the cost of a weekend spa trip by visiting a spa located in your area. Hotels and resorts offer individual, couple and family packages that include treatments, wellness activities, healthy cuisine and recreational sports such as golf, tennis and swimming.
