TRAVEL TIPS Low Hotel Rates, Historic Celebrations MakeValley Forge Families’ Choice for Great Vacation (NAPSA)—Fifes and drums, cannon blasts, and the festive clamor of a Colonial Market Day and MayFair bring the 18th century to life as the Valley Forge area celebrates the 225th anniversary of the American Revolution this May and June. Weekend hotel rates starting at $64 a night with the third night free; free parking; and no chargefor children 16 and understayingin their parents’ room makes this a fun, affordable family getaway. These “Patriots’ Packages”include a free coupon book with dozensof deals, discounts and free offers; and a commemorative map and pin. Hotel offers are subject to availability, and rooms must be booked in advance. Special events include military reenactments, colonial craft demonstrations, spinning, dyeing, weaving, dairying and hearth cooking demonstrations, hands-on children’s activities and even a Court Martial for Benedict Arnold. Visitors can discuss politics with General Washington and British General Howe; trade wisdom with Ben Franklin; or take tea with Betsy Ross. Events take place throughout the area, at Valley Forge National Historical Park and 20 historic farmhouses, mansions andbattle sites which played a part in the American Revolution. Many events are free; a small admission fee is charged for some. “Determined to Persevere,” a new exhibit in the Welcome Center at Valley Forge National Historical Park,offers a broad overview of both the politics and personal impact of the Revolution, and the diversity of the Continental Army. “It was the most integrated army America would field until the Vietnam War,” says historian Thomas Fleming. Thedis- play includes a wide array of rare artifacts, including soldiers’ personal possessions, and the weapons and tools of an army. Among them are axes of the sort used to build the huts; curved knives used to cut the underbrush; drinking cups made from cow horn; surgical tools; George Washington’s telescope; dice and dominoes. Valley Forge is easy to reach from I-95 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, just half an hour outside of Philadelphia, and 90 miles from New York or Baltimore. “Patriots or Traitors?” is sponsored by the Valley Forge Convention & Visitors Bureau with support from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation. For a free Visitors Guide and Calendar of Events, call 1-888- Visit-VF or log on to www.valley forge.org.
