Cheap Trips: Nature and Monster Mini Golf

Are you interested in taking a trip, but not willing to part with a stack of money?

Try one of these three trips you can enjoy on just one tank of gas: Lower Merion Conservancy in Gladwyne, Monster Mini Golf in Feasterville and the Lehigh Gap Nature Center in Slatington.

1. Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Address: 8844 Paint Mill Road, Slatington (Washington Township)
How Far From Emmaus Patch: 26.6 miles / 45 minutes

Admission:

• Free

Hours:

• Nature refuge is open dawn to dusk
• Call (610) 760-8889 for details on nature center schedule

Summary: The non-profit Lehigh Gap Nature Center is located in a gap carved out by the Lehigh River between the towns of Slatington and Palmerton. The center is a starting point for hiking along the Kitatinny Ridge and for exploring a habitat garden made up totally of native plants. The garden has a wheelchair accessible path. The nature center includes educational exhibits, research library, classrooms and restrooms. The center hosts guest speakers, guided walks and other activities. Check out the center's calendar for details. The Lehigh Gap nature refuge includes 13 miles of trails. It's a great destination for birding, nature photography, geological observation and river access.

Links:

• Website

2. Lower Merion Conservancy

Address: 1301 Rose Glen Road, Gladwyne
How Far From Emmaus Patch: 41.7 miles / 1 hour 3 minutes

Admission:

• Cost varies by event

Hours:

• By appointment

Summary: The Lower Merion Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that aims to preserve historic and natural sources in the community. It hosts community volunteer groups such as BirdWatch, StreamWatch, ButterflyWatch, Forest Restoration, Native Plant Gardening and Residents Reporting Environmental Observations. It also supports open space preservation and offers educational opportunities. 

Links: 

• Conservancy website

3. Monster Mini Golf

Address: 1045 Bustleton Pike, Feasterville
How Far From Emmaus Patch: 54.0 miles / 1 hour 13 minutes

Price:

• Little Monsters: $7
• Big Monsters: $8

Hours: 

• Monday: Closed except holidays
• Tuesday through Thursday: 2 to 9 p.m.
• Friday: 2 to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: noon to 10 p.m.
• Sunday: noon to 8 p.m.

Summary: Monster Mini Golf is an indoor monster-themed glow-in-the-dark 18-hole miniature golf course that offers a host of fun activities. Enjoy a few hours of playing mini golf among a scary -- but fun -- monster décor with custom and animated props at every turn. And after your round of scary golf, there’s an arcade full of fun for children of all ages.

Links:

• Patch Place Listing
• Website