National Park Deals Are Here

National Park Deals Are Here

National Park deals are here, and so are the vacation rentals near them. The national treasures that are  found here are just amazing. And to make it even better, there is one last free weekend to see the national parks this summer. Here is a link to the National Parks Service to get the specifics. Be sure to click on the link for special offers. http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm

This is the perfect last minute get away for the family. There are still great vacation rental properties available for that last minute vacation. For example, there is a 4BR/3Bath available in Farmington N.M. that sleeps 11 and it is still available. This huge house as a sleeping porch and over looks the Animas River. The family dog can even make the trip with you.

This is a great starting point for several National Parks in the 4 corners region of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. It would be a great place to relax for a couple of days and then pile all the kids in the car for an adventure.

Or you might want to make it a volcano adventure starting at Sunset Crater Volcano NM in Arizona, stay a couple of days in Farmington NM and head on to Capulin Volcano in New Mexico. Of course you can’t travel this close to the four corners and not go to the four corners monument (which is NOT a national park). Four corners monument will be having periodic closures this summer so call ahead before heading out there (928-871-6647)

If you live closer to Florida you might want to visit the Dry Tortugas National Park. It is one of those parks that you “can’t get there from here” kind of place. You will have to take a boat or a sea plane from Key West. If you are an avid National Parks stamp collector this is a must have. This park is so isolated, just getting there is an adventure. The park link is included to help with any planning. At this time there has been no effect from the oil spill on these beaches, and there is a special link on the sight to keep you updated. http://www.nps.gov/drto/index.htm

There are still vacation rentals available in the Florida Keys, and I would expect more will become available as folks unfortunately change their plans. The water in the Florida Keys is still pristine at this time. This is a great time to go see the Keys and the Dry Tortugas.

If the Midwest is more to your liking, you might try St. Louis. The Arch or the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial as it is known to the NPS is participating in the free weekend. Saint Louis is great fun and if you have kids you really must also check out the City Museum. Before the kids start yawning at the thought of a museum for a fun vacation, this one is totally and I do mean totally different. There are caves to explore, giant slides, stuff hanging off the outside of the building to wander through. As my kids say, it is insane. It is always a favorite of our crew. Plan to spend at the very least ½ a day here. Follow this link for more info: http://www.citymuseum.org/planning.html

Vacation Rentals in Missouri and Illinois are still available. Some local schools will be getting back into session the middle of August, so this is a great time to find a deal. I found everything from an apartment that sleeps 4 that also has a pool, to an executive lodge with a private lake that sleeps 10. Some places do take the family pet, so just check if you can’t stand the thought of living Fido at home.

There are 100 National Parks participating in the free weekend. Have fun taking a memory building, end of the summer vacation. Don’t forget to bring along your National Park Passport to get your stamps. Hope to see you there.

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