Plan a weekend visit to a National Park three ways: On a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Budget: Acadia National Park, Maine
Getting there: Bangor, Maine is 50 miles from the Park entrance. Round-trip rates start at $248 with a 10-day advance notice ($50 higher on weekends); Delta or USAirways.
Stay: The Town Motel (part of the Moseley Cottage Inn) is minutes from the Park and a short walk to Bar Harbor's restaurants, shops and shoreline. This modest motel offers guest accommodations at $149-$159 per night on stays through Sept. 6 ($108-$129 on Sept. 6-23); 12 Atlantic Ave., 1-800-458-8644; www.moseleycottage.net/motel.html.
Eat: The Jordan Pond House is famous for its baked popovers, homemade ice cream, lobster stew, freshly squeezed lemonade, and fresh Maine seafood. The restaurant, inside the Park, overlooks water and mountains. Extensive lunch items are from $9-$16.75 ($21 for a 1.25 pound Maine lobster). Go a la carte or order the $26 dinner special of a starter, entree and dessert; Park Loop Rd., Bar Harbor, 207-276-3316, www.thejordanpondhouse.com.
Experience: Acadia National Park's striking scenery must be seen to be believed. The Park encompasses over 47,000 acres of granite-domed mountains, woodlands, lakes and ponds, and Atlantic shoreline. Two don't-miss experiences include a drive along the 27-mile Park Loop Road, considered on of the most scenic drives in the U.S. And, drive up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise, sunset or simply for the views (Nova Scotia lies to the east); www.nps.gov/ACAD.
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Moderate: Everglades National Park, Florida
Getting there: Round-trip rates from $178 to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers or Miami require a ten-day advance purchase; AirTran, Delta. The drive to Everglades City from these airports is under two hours.
Stay: Rent a cabin or waterside home when visiting Everglades City at Miller's World. Through Sept. 16, cabins are priced from $89.50-$159.50 per night. Fancier cabins to three-bedroom/two-bath stilt homes from $169.50-$249.50. Amenities vary, but most feature a private dock, screened porch, A/C, TV, private bath and mini- to fully-equipped kitchens. A two-night minimum stay required on weekends. On-site is a restaurant, bar, deli-general store (with the only beer, liquor and wine stock for 30 miles) and facilities for bike, boat, kayak and canoe rentals; 801 S. Copeland Ave., Everglades City, 1-888-956-6251, www.theevergladesflorida.com.
Eat: Joanie's Blue Crab Cafe is home of the "World famous Everglades Crab Cake & The Best Gator In Town." Go for the funky down home atmosphere and friendly service. Menu prices from $4.95. A "Swamp Combo" of gator, frog legs, crab cake and Fry Bread is $16.95; 39395 Hwy. 41, Ochopee, 239-695-2682, www.joaniesbluecrabcafe.com.
Experience: A boat-assisted kayak and walking eco-tour of the Park is guided by an experienced Florida Master Naturalist. During the 3.5-hour to 4-hour tour, watch for manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills and more; $139.95 per person; 238 Mamie St., Everglades City, 239-695-3633; www.evergladesareatours.com.
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Splurge: Rogue River adventure near Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Getting there: Round-trip rates to Medford start at $666 with a two-week advance purchase notice; Alaska, Delta, United, USAirways. Medford to Grants Pass is 24 miles.
Stay: The Lodge At Riverside sits along the scenic Rogue River with charming rooms featuring pillow top beds and feather duvets. Rooms rates range from $130-$195 (based on amenities); two-room suites from $325. The lodge is convenient to the historic downtown of Grants Pass with its abundance of antique shops, specialty shops, galleries and restaurants; 955 SE 7th St., 1-866-538-0187, www.thelodgeatriverside.com.
Eat: Blondies' Bistro menu covers all bases with sandwiches, burgers, steaks -- along with vegetarian, curry and Szechwan dishes. Starters from $7-$13; entrees $12-$26; sandwiches $8.95-$12.95; 226 SW G St., Grants Pass, 541-479-0420.
Experience: O.A.R.S. four-day, three-night Rogue River rafting trip journeys 40 miles through forests, meadows and narrow gorges with overnight beachside tent camping. Per person rates include meals, limited beer and wine, all land and river gear and more. Adult rates for Aug. 13, 20; Sept. 3, 8, 18, 19 are $933; $813 age 17 and younger. Two dates, Aug. 28 and Sept. 1, are Wilderness Gourmet trips where guests learn to prepare gourmet meals from certified executive chefs in an on-river environment (Adults $1,333); www.oars.com.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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