Travel Blog Planet

Let’s go BOGO. Who doesn’t love a buy one get one free lodging bargain? When it’s combined with free entrance to a U.S. National Park during the week of April 17- 25, your spring vacation is a budgetary winner. Sure, you could camp at Shenandoah or Yellowstone, but look at these bargains:

Far View Lodge

At Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado, explore the ancient cliff dwellings of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visits to Cliff Palace, Balcony House and Long House require a ticket on a ranger-led tour. Be sure to save some time for hiking one of the many trails or visiting the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum. From your room at Far View Lodge, high on the mesa’s shoulder, the view encompasses three states and all the stars you can count in the dark, night sky. Rooms are priced at $99 with a consecutive night free. This offer is valid from April 22 – 30, 2010. And, entrance to Mesa Verde National Park is free through the end of April.

Experience Virginia’s beautiful spring with a stay at Skyland Resort in Shenandoah National Park. The historic resort, built in 1886, offers inspiring views of the Shenandoah Valley. But don’t spend all of your time looking out the window from the highest point on Skyline Drive — take a hike, go biking or visit one of the local wineries. Book one night for $125 and receive the second consecutive night free. Offer valid from April 18 – 29, 2010.

Kalaloch Lodge

Olympic National Park in Washington encompasses rain forests, rugged beaches and mountain splendor. Confused about what to see first? Why not split your visit into two Olympic experiences? First take in the rugged Pacific coastline from your accommodations at Kalaloch Lodge. The bird-watching paradise includes hiking, biking and beach-combing opportunities. Next, head 12 miles into the heart of Olympic National Forest for a stay at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Soak away tired muscles after an invigorating hike through an old growth rainforest. Both Kalaloch Lodge and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort are offering accommodations priced at $157 with a second consecutive night free. This offer is valid from April 17 – 25, 2010.

Shenandoah, Mesa Verde, Olympic — I’m having a hard time deciding which National Park BOGO lodging adventure to choose. How about you?

Photos courtesy ARAMARK Parks and Destinations.

Review by Donna L. Hull, My Itchy Travel Feet.

Butte, Montana used to be the most profitable corner of the United States. Wander along the streets of downtown and it’s easy to imagine what Butte was like in its heyday when the The Copper King Mansion became its crown jewel. The mansion, still a jewel,  is now a museum and a bed and breakfast.

The Copper King Mansion, once the most expensive real estate in Butte.

 This majestic red brick Victorian-style house gives a nod to the era of Butte’s mining history and the wealth of  William Andrews Clark. Clark, who had the mansion built between 1884 and 1888, accrued his fortune when mining boomed in Butte.

Clark’s life was recently chronicled in a recent msnbc.com article on his daughter Huegette–a wealthy recluse without any offspring. If you stay at the Copper King Mansion Bed and Breakfast, you can stay in Huegette’s room as one choice.

The mansion is exquisite. Clark knew art and beauty and made sure he surrounded his family and himself with it. Fortunately, although the family did not stay robust, the mansion remains glorious. It’s one of my favorite stops in Butte when we go there each summer.

Master bedroom suite where wealth slept

As a guest of the bed and breakfast, you can take a guided tour of the rest of the house for free.  Here is an opportunity to be part of an unusual slice of American history while basking in beauty. Perhaps some of Clark’s money making smarts will rub off when you slumber. The master bedroom suite is one of the overnight options.

In addition to the Copper King Mansion, there’s plenty to see in Butte and it remains one of my favorite destinations.

219 W. Granite St.
Butte, MT 59701
(406) 782-7580

Photos courtesy of The Copper King Mansion

Related Posts:

• Ghost Towns of Montana
• Glacier National Park, Montana
• Fairmont Hot Springs, Montana