Arts & Entertainment

Cheap Trips: Ridley Creek State Park and More

Discover four local attractions you can visit on less than one tank of gas.

Looking to save money?

Try visiting one of these four nearby destinations--Ridley Creek State Park in Media, the Schuylkill River Heritage Center in Phoenixville, the Abington Art Center in Jenkintown and the Historic Bethlehem Heritage Tour.

Ridley Creek State Park

Address: East Bishop Hollow Road and Chapel Hill Road, Media, Pa.

How Far From Your Patch? Approximately 58 miles (1 hour, 14 min.) from Hellertown.

Find out what's happening in Hellertown-Lower Sauconwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Admission: Free

Hours:

Find out what's happening in Hellertown-Lower Sauconwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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

Summary: This state park offers 12 miles of hiking trails, five 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 its 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 while sitting under a tree, Ridley Creek State Park has something for everyone.

Links:

 

Schuylkill River Heritage Center

Address: 2 N. Main St., Phoenixville, Pa.

How Far From Your Patch? Approximately 41 miles (1 hour, 10 min.) from Hellertown.

Admission Fee:

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

Hours:

  • Fri-Sun, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • First Friday, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Summary: Visitors to the center can take in video presentations, explore interactive kiosks and check out photos recalling the era of industry and manufacturing in Phoenixville. 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.

Links:

 

Historic Bethlehem Heritage Tour

Address: Visitor Center, 505 Main Street, Bethlehem, Pa.

How Far From Your Patch? Approximately 5 miles (10 min.) from Hellertown.

Admission: $12

Hours:

  • Tues-Sat, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Summary: Visitors can explore all 270 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 Your Patch? Approximately 43 miles (1 hour, 7 min.) from Hellertown.

Admission: Admission to the gallery is free; donations are accepted.

Hours:

  • Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 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, through Nov. 27. The artists include Sarah Becktel of Jersey City, N.J.; Erin Murray of Philadelphia; Joseph Leroux of Philadelphia; and Paul Rider of Philadelphia. In addition to exhibitions, the art center also offers classes.

Links:


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here