Cheap Trips: Lost River Caverns, McNally's, Premium Outlets and Green Lane Park

Editor's Note: The admission rates to Lost River Caverns originally listed were its 2010 rates. This story has been updated to reflect the cave's current pricing.

Try one of these four trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas—the Schmitter Sandwich at McNally’s in Philadelphia's Chestnut Hill neighborhood, Philadelphia Premium Outlets in Limerick, Green Lane Reservoir Park in Green Lane and Lost River Caverns in Hellertown.

Address: 726 Durham St., Hellertown, Pa.
How Far From Hellertown Patch? Zero miles!
Admission Fee: Adults (13 and up), $11. Children (ages 3 to 12), $7.
Hours:

• Summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day): Daily, 9am—6pm.
• Winter (Sept. through May): Daily, 9am—5pm.
• Gilman's at the Cave gift shop is open late (until 8pm) Fridays year-round.

Summary: Lost River Caverns is a natural limestone cavern discovered in the late 1800s. It was opened for tours in 1930. Tours run every half hour, taking visitors roughly 120 feet into the ground. Highlights include the Crystal Chapel, which has hosted dozens of weddings since 1949, and the Lost River itself.

Links:

• Lost River Caverns Website

Address: 8634 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. (Chestnut Hill)
How Far From Hellertown Patch? One hour (40 miles) from Hellertown.
Price: The original sandwich on a Kaiser roll is priced at $8.35. A double-meat Schmitter on a long roll is $13.95.
Hours: 

• Monday to Saturday: 11am—11pm
• Sunday: Noon—8pm

Summary: McNally’s has a long history in Chestnut Hill, opening on Germantown Avenue in 1921. Since then, they have developed the famous Schmitter sandwich, which has been featured in The New York Times and Saveur magazine as one of the best sandwiches in the country. The sandwich is a cheesesteak topped with tomatoes, fried onions, grilled salami and special sauce. In recent years, the Schmitter has become available at Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, and was served at Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, Fla., but Chestnut Hill is the only place to get the sandwich at its original venue.

Links: 

• McNallys Tavern Website

Philadelphia Premium Outlets

Address: 18 West Lightcap Road, Limerick, Pa.
How Far From Hellertown Patch? One hour (34 miles) from Hellertown.
Admissions Fee: Free to enter. Free parking.
Hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 10am—9pm
• Sunday: 10 am—7pm

Summary: If one-stop shopping is your thing, then the Philadelphia Premium Outlets is the place to go. With easy access off the Sanatoga exit on Route 422, the Philadelphia Premium Outlets is a collection of 150 stores that offer designer labels and brands at discounts. The outdoor outlet complex includes plenty of benches as you walk from store to store and has a circular design so you won’t miss a thing. The food court is located in the middle of the outlet and is a great place to eat after a long day of shopping. Some of the stores include Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azria, Brooks Brothers, Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, DKNY, Gap Outlet, Guess, J.Crew, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Michael Kors, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Puma, Sony and Tommy Hilfiger.

Links:

• Premium Outlets Website 
• Store Listings

Green Lane Reservoir Park

Address: 2144 Snyder Road, Green Lane, Pa.
How Far From Hellertown Patch: 47 minutes (24 miles) from Hellertown.
Admissions Fee: Free.
Hours: Dawn to dusk (camping permit required for overnight stays).

Summary: Part of the Schuylkill River National & State Heritage Area, Green Lane Park's more than 3,400 acres encompass some of the most beautiful natural vistas in southeastern Pennsylvania. As the largest member of the Montgomery County Parks system, admission is free, but you'll need to rent a boat to explore either the 814-acre reservoir or the park's two smaller lakes. Paddleboats, canoes, kayaks and motorboats are available starting at $10 per hour. For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, an extensive trail network invites hikers, cyclists and horseback riders to explore a landscape of rolling hills and forested uplands. Ice skating is popular during the winter months. Camping facilities are also available.

Links:

• Green Lane Park Website
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