National parks offering travel deals

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Aramark Parks and Destinations (a concessioner of the National Park Service), offers special deals on lodging and retail items.

In addition to receiving free entrance to the national parks April 17-25, visitors can take advantage of buy-one-get-one free offers on lodging at select destinations. Guests will also receive a 40% discount off select 100% recycled t-shirts at retail shops during the dates.

Celebrate National Park Week with the following specials:

- Guests of the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia can book one night at Skyland Resort at $125, and receive the second consecutive night free. This offer is valid April 18-29. The park lies 75 miles west of Washington, DC. Current airfare sale rates start from $94 with AirTran or Delta.

- Guests of Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado can book one night at the Far View Lodge at $99, and get the second consecutive night free. This offer is valid April 22-30. Additionally, entrance to Mesa Verde National Park is free through April 30. Mesa Verde National Park is located 65 miles from Durango, Colo. Travel with United Airlines to Durango from $117 each way. Give a two-week advance notice of travel. Valid on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday. Other days of travel are $80 more each way.

- Guests of Olympic National Park in the state of Washington can book one night from $157, at any of three APD-managed properties, and receive the second consecutive night free. This promotion includes stays at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and Kalaloch Lodge from April 17-25 and stays at Lake Crescent Lodge from May 7-31. Guests must book their stay for Lake Crescent Lodge by April 25. Seattle is located 84 miles from Olympic National Park. Current one-way sale rates start from $152 and valid on AirTran or Delta.

- Guests of Togwotee Mountain Lodge, located 44 miles from the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park, can book one night at the cabins, starting at $99, and receive the second consecutive night free. This offer is valid for stays from May 21-June 28. However, reservations must be made by April 25.

For more information on booking the "Fee Free" promotion, call 866-761-6262 or visit online at http://www.aramarkparksanddestinations.com/feefree2010