Cheap Trips: Marigolds, Movies and Mini Golf

Looking to save money but still have a little fun this summer? Try one of these quick day trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas – Chanticleer in Wayne, in Phoenixville and in Towamencin.

Chanticleer

Address: 786 Church Road, Wayne, PA 19087
How Far From Norristown? 20.7 miles or 38 minutes.
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 of gardens, paths and ornamental fences and water fountains. From subtropical to Asian woody plants to just pretty flowers, you can take in the mere beauty of the sprawling garden and mansions or educate yourself by picking up a plant list.

Links:

• Website

Colonial Theatre

Address: 227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville , PA 19460
How Far From Norristown? 17 miles or 36 minutes.
Ticket information: Film seating is general admission; certain concerts and events have reserved seating.
Film Tickets:

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

Parking: Free on-street parking; 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 of the Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville. 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, and includes the famous re-enactment of the “running out” scene as well as watching 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

Freddy Hill Farms

Address: 1440 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, PA 19446
How Far From Your Patch? 3.4 miles or 8 minutes.
Hours:
    •    Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.- 11 p.m.
    •    Sunday, 11 a.m.-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 the minigolf, which features 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, with more than three dozen flavors of homemade ice cream. Freddy Hill Farms also has batting cages and a pro shop.

Links:

• Website