Community Corner

Cheap Trips: Parks, History and Art

Find four local attractions you can visit on one tank of gas.

Looking to save money?

Try one of these four trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas–, the Schuylkill River Heritage Center in Phoenixville, the Abington Art Center in Jenkintown and the Historic Bethlehem Heritage Tour.

Ridley Creek State Park

Address: E. Bishop Hollow Road and Chapel Hill Road, Media, PA
How Far From Broomall? About 3.7 miles or 9 minutes
Admission: Free
Hours:

  • Park: Daily, 7 a.m. - sunset
  • Office: Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., closed Saturday and Sunday

Summary: This state park offers 12 miles of hiking trails, 5 miles of which are paved for biking or jogging. There are fishing spots filled with trout, 14 picnicking areas and sledding and cross-country skiing opportunities in the winter. This park also has Hunting Hill Mansion and gardens, which are available for weddings. Sam Riddle, owner of the race horse Man ‘O War and namesake of Riddle Memorial Hospital gave the mansion to his niece and her fiancé as an engagement present in 1913. If you’re a horse lover, Hidden Valley Horse Farm, also inside the park, has horse boarding, riding lessons and pony rides. Whether you’re looking to exercise, explore nature or read a good book sitting under a tree, Ridley Creek State Park has something for everyone.
Links:

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Schuylkill River Heritage Center

Address:  2 N Main St., Phoenixville, PA
How Far From Broomall? About 17.4 miles or 34 minutes
Admission Fee:

  • Free entry; memberships available to support the center.
  • Available for private parties
  • Free parking lot

Hours:

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  • Friday-Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • First Friday 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Summary: Visitors to the center can take in video presentations, explore interactive kiosks and check out photos recalling the history of Phoenixville industry and manufacturing throughout the region.  More than 120 years old, the Foundry building sits on the former Phoenix Iron and Steel Company site and houses the Schuylkill River Heritage Center. The Phoenixville Area Economic Development Corporation purchased the building and restored it.
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Historic Bethlehem Heritage Tour

Address: Visitor Center, 505 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA
How Far From Broomall? About 64.3 miles or 1 hour and 10 minutes
Admission: $12
Hours:

  • Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Sunday noon - 5 p.m.

Summary: Visitors can explore 275 years of Bethlehem's history at their own pace and focus on what interests them. Download the tour online or go to the Visitor Center to rent a portable media player. Using a handheld audio device, visitors can walk, run or bike around two National Historic Landmarks, Victorian era homes, and Bethlehem Steel buildings.
Links:

Abington Art Center

Address: 515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, PA
How Far From Broomall? About 29.6 miles or 39 minutes
Admission: Admission to the gallery is free; donations are accepted.
Hours:

  • Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Summary: The Abington Art Center comprises an indoor art gallery as well as an outdoor sculpture park. The center, which is more than 70 years old, sits on 27 acres in the Jenkintown section of Abington. Exhibitions usually change with the seasons.
The art center is currently showcasing its Fall Solo Series, which runs through Nov. 27—the artists include Sarah Becktel of Jersey City, NJ; Erin Murray of Philadelphia; Joseph Leroux of Philadelphia; and Paul Rider, of Philadelphia.
In addition to exhibitions, the art center also offers classes.
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