Weekend Tourism Mid Atlantic Region

December 2, 2008 1:24 PM

Looking for suggestions for a fun weekend around Pennsylvania/South Jersey

The Mrs and I will travel from NYC to Danville on Friday night.
Starting Saturday morning, we want to do something fun in that region general area before returning to NYC on Sunday.

One alternative would be going to Philly and staying there for the night.
For that, which area of the city has hotels that offer free parking and are connected with the city's sights by public transportation? I don't like driving in urban areas.

Other ideas? Are there any South Jersey coastal towns that offer sights and amenities this time of year, other than the obvious Atlantic city? The Mrs is not big into winter sports so the Poconos are not an option.

posted by spacefire to travel & transportation (4 comments total)

If you're planning on staying overnight in Philadelphia, you will have to pay (around $20) for parking UNLESS you do one of these nice package deals. Just plan on parking your car in a garage and leaving it there until you're ready to go. Anywhere in Center City (downtown) will put you in walking distance from everywhere you want to go. Check out the Alexander Inn - it's my favorite hotel and it's not too expensive.
posted by jrichards at 2:20 PM on December 2, 2008

Which Danville do you mean? in NY? There doesn't seem to be one in NJ, although there's a Denville. It would help to know! :)

jrichards is right - most of the sights in CC are walkable if you stay right in the downtown area. If you want to venture a little further south in PA, the Brandywine River Valley has lots of historic and cultural things to see and do, and plenty of lovely places to stay. In South Jersey, Cape May has lots going on year-round and especially now, with Victorian Christmas extravaganza time. That said, it might be a little too busy if you're looking for a more low-key getaway.
posted by chihiro at 2:43 PM on December 2, 2008

If the Danville you will visit is in Montour County, PA, Centralia is not far. A vein of coal under the town has been burning since the 60s causing the town to be virtually abandoned. Enter at your own risk.
posted by dreaming in stereo at 5:45 PM on December 2, 2008

Try New Hope, PA - it's a great, fun little town to spend a day or two in, and it is much more reasonably priced than Philadelphia proper. New Hope is about an hour north of Philly, and well worth the trip.
posted by aether516 at 9:41 PM on December 2, 2008