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Get outdoors on the cheap with hostelling (video)
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Summer is here, and the prime vacation season will be starting. Most Pittsburgh families have their Ocean City or Outer Banks trips planned. Though, where can an outdoor-loving single person go that won’t break their bank and provide recreational activities? There are several options for those on the single scene within a reasonable driving distance from Pittsburgh. The most affordable option for lodging is at a hostel. Hostels usually run from $20 to $25 per night, and are located by some great area abundant with outdoor activities.
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Harpers Ferry, WV
Harpers Ferry is about a 4 hour drive from Pittsburgh and its most notable attraction is Harpers Ferry National Historical Site. Within the park there are several options for hiking with the most popular trail being the Maryland Heights Trail which takes you to a stunning vista overlooking the historical town and the convergence of three rivers. The area is also great for biking with the level terrain of the C&O Canal Trail which runs through the park. Float down the Shenandoah River with BTI Whitewater for something different. BTI provides shuttle service to the put in and from the take out. The Harpers Ferry Hostel is located nearby and is $20 per night for Hostelling International members.
New River Gorge, WV
The area around New Rivers Gorge National River in West Virginia provides a fix for all outdoor junkies. One can choose from some of the best white water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and climbing. The whitewater rafting takes you down the New River which has class III to class V rapids on its lower portion. The New River runs north into the Gauley River which also offers challenging whitewater rafting. The steel-arch suspension bridge spanning the New River in Fayetteville, WV is the second longest bridge of its kind in the world. Bridge Day is held every October and provides for a festival-like atmosphere with opportunities for BASE jumping, rappelling, and high line. The New River Gorge area is approximately a 4 hour drive from Pittsburgh. Inexpensive lodging is available at River Rock Retreat and Hostel located just north of Fayetteville, WV. Lodging is $22.50 per night.
Lucas, OH
Malabar Farms State Park preserves the residence and property of Louis Bromfield, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and nature preservation advocate. The park consists of Broomfield’s 32-room mansion, 14 miles of hiking trails, camping, fishing, and winter activities. Take in local culture if you are visiting in October with the Ceely Rose Play, a drama about the surrounding rural countryside performed in a historical barn converted to a theater. There is also a popular farm market where you can purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables. Malabar Farms is a 3-1/2 hour drive from Pittsburgh. Hostelling International (HI) operates the Malabar Farms Hostel which offers lodging for $20 per night for HI members.
About Hostelling
For ‘newbies’ to hostelling, here are some guidelines:
Sleeping arrangements are dormitory style. There may be several other people sleeping in the same room as you. Someone may be sleeping above or below you since several hostels have bunk beds. Women and men sleep in separate quarters.- Most hostels expect their travelers to pick one chore from a list to complete for each night’s stay. Most chores can be completed in less than fifteen minutes.
- There is usually a common area which is shared by all who are staying in the hostel. This common area is a place where people can talk to other travelers, watch TV, read a book, or just relax.
- The large majority of hostels provide a blanket and a pillow. Though, most people bring their pillow from home to use since not all hostel-provided pillows are five-star quality. Typically, you will have to bring your own linens.
- There will be a fully-equipped kitchen for you and other travelers to store and prepare the food you bring.
- Not every hostel has bare-bones accommodations. Some hostels have added amenities such as cafeterias, private room accommodations, and swimming pools.
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