By Maryann Hammers
What are you doing this summer? We have some ideas: Cavort on the New Jersey shore; explore the City that Never Sleeps; or get away to the White Mountains. We have discounts for all that and more in the Northeast U.S.
Massachusetts
Looking for Boston-based accommodations? If you want a view of the water, convenience to downtown Boston, and free parking — and don’t mind something a little different — you can’t beat this: Rock On Rentals offers overnight accommodations in houseboats and yachts. Active duty and retired servicemembers get a 20-percent discount off the nightly rate. Regular pricing is $250 to $350 a night, making the military price as little as $200 a night. Free parking and a free water taxi ride into downtown Boston are included. Call (617) 299-9043 for more information.
New Hampshire
Black Bear Lodge is an all-suite condo-style hotel in the scenic White Mountains’ Waterville Valley, with nearby hiking, mountain biking, and water sports. Regular rates start at $184 a night, but servicemembers get a 20-percent discount (though you’ll still have to pay the 15-percent resort fee and 9-percent state room and meals tax). Call (603) 236-4501 for information and reservations. Ask about the discount when you book.
New Jersey
Cape May City — one of the top beach destinations on the east coast and a National Historic Landmark known for beautiful Victorian homes — offers free beach tags (a $28 value) for active duty personnel and veterans (including those of the New Jersey National Guard) and their spouses/civil union partners, and dependents. The tags grant beach access for the season and are required on all city beaches. Proper ID or discharge papers must be presented. To get your free tags, fill out the appropriate form for beach tags. For information, call (609) 884-9525. For what to see and where to stay, dine and play in Cape May, call the Chamber of Commerce at (609) 884-5508.
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| Photo courtesy of Crystal Springs Resort. |
While you’re in Cape May, stop for a visit to the World War II Lookout Tower. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, active duty servicemembers and their families get free admission.
Crystal Springs Resort in New Jersey’s picturesque northwest offers a 20-percent Heroes Discount to active duty and retired servicemembers. Crystal Springs is an all-season getaway with seven championship golf courses, accommodations ranging from luxurious to outdoorsy and family-friendly, 12 restaurants, two spas, a water park, a bike park, a zip line, and hiking. Call (855) 977-6473 for information.
New York
The marketing manager at New York Water Taxi (a fleet of 12 distinctive black-and-yellow checkered vessels) and Circle Line Downtown (consisting of a 600-passenger luxury yacht and The Shark thrill ride) tells us servicemembers and seniors get a 30-percent discount on harbor cruises. It’s the most scenic way to see the city. The offer is new and not yet posted on the companies’ websites, so call (212) 742-1969 for information.