Cheap Trips: Movies, Homes, Gardening and a Boat Ride

If you're looking to save money, try one of these trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas:

Cliveden and Upsala

Address: 6401 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia 

How far from Pottstown: 50 minutes, 38 miles

Admission Fee: Adults, $10; Students, $8.

Hours: Thursday through Sunday from April to December: Noon to 4 p.m.; Second Saturdays of the month from May through October, 1 to 4 p.m.

Summary: Cliveden and Upsala are historical homes on the property owned by the Chew family on the grounds where the Battle of Germantown was fought during the Revolutionary War. Visitors can take tours of the facility, and it can be rented out for private functions. Cliveden provides lectures throughout the year and the schedule is posted on its website.

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Delaware County Master Gardener Program

Address: Smedley Park, 20 Paper Mill Road, Springfield

How far from Pottstown: 48 minutes, 39 miles

Price: Free

Phone: 610-690-2655

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Summary: The Delaware County Master Gardener program works with home gardeners to continue their horticulture education. Under the direction of Linda Barry, the Master Gardener coordinator for Delaware County, the program’s mission is to bring researched-based information to home gardeners by offering classes, workshops, speaker series and horticulture projects. On the second Saturday of each month, the Master Gardeners hold horticulture classes that cover everything from pruning to wreath making.

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Frank Theatres Montgomeryville

Address: 750 Montgomery Glen Drive, Lansdale

How far from Pottstown: 50 minutes, 31 miles

Admission Fee: Adults, $10; Students, $8.

Hours: Movies begin as early as 11 a.m. and run as late as 10:15 p.m.

Summary: Frank Theatres has 12 or more movies playing on seven screens. The cinema is located in the Water Tower Shopping Center near Five Points in Montgomery Township. Frank Theatres often offers $1 movies for children during the summer, as well as midnight showings for select films.

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Hugh Moore Park Canal Boat Ride

Address: 2750 Hugh Moore Park Road, Easton

How far from Pottstown: One hour, 45 miles

Admission Fee: Adults, $10.75; Seniors, $9.50 (65 and older); Children, (3-15) $8; Children (2 and under), free.

Hours: Labor Day and weekends only in September. Ride times are at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.

Summary: Hugh Moore Park features 19th century industrial ruins, locks and other canal structures. Visitors can take a 40-minute ride on the Josiah White II mule-drawn canal boat. A crew in period costumes tells the history of the region's canals. The admission fee includes the Emrick Technology Center, which features a 26-ton steam engine and other treaures of the Lehigh Valley's industrial heritage.

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