Cheap Trips: Eagles Training Camp, Minigolf, Gardens and Movies

Looking to save money?

Try one of these four trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas--Eagles Training Camp in Bethlehem, Chanticleer in Wayne, the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville and Freddy Hill Farms in Lansdale.

Eagles Training Camp

Address: Lehigh University, Goodman Campus, near Bethlehem, PA
(Click for directions)
How Far From Your Patch? Less than a mile from Hellertown!
Admission Fee: Free parking and free admission
Hours:

• Practices most days are at 8:05 a.m. and 2 or 2:45 p.m.
• Camp ends Tuesday, August 16.
• Check the practice/autograph schedule () before you go.

Summary: See your favorite players up close as the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for their 2011-12 season. Training camp includes a merchandise tent, autograph tent, children’s activities, food vendors and a chance to meet cheerleaders and mascot Swoop. Tailgate or bring a cooler. The autograph tent is open after morning practice only. A limited amount of numbered tickets are distributed to fans as they arrive. Winning tickets are selected at random. Numbers of those tickets are posted by 9:15 a.m. and fans should report to the autograph tent immediately after practice (around 10:30 a.m.).
Links:

• Website

Colonial Theatre

Address: 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460
How Far From Your Patch? About 40 miles from Hellertown.
Ticket information: Film seating is general admission; certain concerts and events have reserved seating.
Film Tickets:

• $8 Regular Adult Admission
• $6 Seniors (62+)
• $5 Students with identification
• $5 Members & Children younger than 12

Parking: Free on-street parking or paid lot.
Summary: It’s not often that a movie house built more than 100 years ago is the centerpiece of a town’s revitalization, but that’s the case with the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville, northwest of Philadelphia. Built in 1903 and re-opened in 1999 thanks to the Association for the Colonial Theatre, a nonprofit corporation, the Colonial Theatre has become the face of the borough. In its early days, the 658-seat theatre was home to live stage shows, vaudeville acts and musicals, including appearances by Harry Houdini and Mary Pickford. Movie buffs know that the Colonial was featured in the 1958 science fiction classic, The Blob, starring Steve McQueen and filmed in and around Phoenixville. And for the past 12 years, Blobfest has attracted visitors from all over the country to the borough for a re-enactment of the famous “running out” scene as well as screenings of The Blob. The theater also hosts other events throughout the year, including its annual Oscar party, where guests enter on a red carpet and watch the awards on the big screen. Movies include art and independent films, children’s programs and classic films.  
Links:

• Website
• Buy Tickets Online

Chanticleer

Address: 786 Church Road, Wayne, PA 19087
How Far From Your Patch? About 50 miles from Hellertown.
Hours:

• Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Friday nights May through Labor Day, open until 8 p.m.
• The garden is open March 30 through October 30

Admission Fees:

• Radnor Library cardholders $5
• Adults $10
• Members of Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and local arboreta $8
• Pre-teen children free
• Garden professionals free.

Summary: Chanticleer is a 35-acre “pleasure garden” on the grounds of a former residential estate. It’s whimsical in its design, and features paths, ornamental fences and water fountains. From subtropical flora to Asian woody plants, you can take in the beauty of the sprawling garden and mansions or educate yourself by picking up a plant list.
Links:

• Website

Freddy Hill Farms

Address: 1440 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, PA 19446
How Far From Your Patch? About 30 miles from Hellertown.
Hours:
    •    Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
    •    Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Admission Fee:
    •    Adults: $6 ($5 before 5 p.m. on weekdays)
    •    Children 5 and younger: $4 ($3 before 5 p.m. on weekdays)
    •    Seniors $1 off before 5 p.m. on weekdays
    •    Batting cages: $1 for 15 pitches, $5 for 90

Summary: Freddy Hill Farms combines a variety of some of the best summertime activities into one location in Lansdale. The main draw is minigolf, with two unique courses that a family of four can play for no more than $20. However, there's also a free farm zoo, where children can come face to face with sheep, deer, elk, pigs and even a llama. If it's a hot day, you can also cool down in the Dairy Store, named "Best of Philly" by Philadelphia Magazine. The treat shop offers more than three dozen flavors of homemade ice cream. Freddy Hill Farms also has batting cages and a pro shop.
Links:

• Website