Summer picks: Readers share favorite frugal spots

So in my last column, I mentioned all of the favorite inexpensive places my family loves to visit during the summer. Leave it to fabulous local readers to chime in with their favorite frugal spots as well! I received dozens of emails and texts, and managed to pare it down to some of the best, listed here – enjoy!

Madeline T. of Exton loves to head with her husband to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on (get this!) their “Pay What You Wish” Admission Day. They’re not kidding. Head into the Museum on the First Sunday of the month between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Wednesdays 5 to 8:45 p.m., and pay what you wish — they respectfully suggest you start with a penny, but I would encourage you to support them as best you can. Talk about culture without the cash. Considering the bulk of my art knowledge comes from binge-watching Pierce Brosnan in “The Thomas Crown Affair,” I’m thinking perhaps I better check it out.

Sean and Evie M. of Media love to take their three daughters to Nottingham to tour the Herr’s Potato Chip Factory a handful of times each summer – it’s fun, it’s inexpensive, and the airconditioned tours through their delicious-smelling factory take only an hour. Thanks Sean and Evie. Victor and I took our kids there a while back as well, and everybody just loved it. If you have chip lovers in your midst, get onto herrs. com to find the best day and time for your schedule – remember that their regular summer tour hours tend to change in July.

Abby M. and Steven K. of West Chester are both Farmers Market Addicts, and why not? Talk about a healthy addiction. There’s no time like summertime to enjoy all of the local produce the area has to offer, it just does a body good. In their farmers market travels, they both give highest marks to the Phoenixville Farmers’ Market, open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The food is superfresh, delicious, and reasonably priced. Find out more at www.phoenixvillefarmersmarket.org. Thanks, guys.

Diane B. loves taking her two grandsons to the American Helicopter Museum at the Brandywine Airport. Honestly, that’s brilliant – let’s face it, boys and helicopters go together like peanut butter and jelly. Adults are just $10, and Seniors, Students with ID and children under 12 are just $8. Diane adds that the museum is so kid-friendly that her grandsons wear themselves out running from exhibit to exhibit. What’s not to love?

Magda S., Tucker B., Alex E. and Becca P. all raved about Ridley Creek State Park – I love that place too. Over 600 acres, more than a dozen picnic areas, miles and miles of hiking trails (you guys go on without me, I’ll just hang back and protect the picnic basket), not to mention the lovely Colonial Plantation and bike trail. Absolutely gorgeous, and easy on the wallet as well. Google it to find the day that best suits your schedule and pick a mild day to spend in the beautiful outdoors with your family. One quick note – it’s being mentioned again that this summer puts Pennsylvania on another mega tick-watch. Don’t let that squash your outdoor fun, just be sure to protect yourself and your family as you hit the trail.

Whatever you and the people you love lean toward for summertime entertainment, always remember that fabulously frugal venues await you in every direction. Get online to find the ones near you, then let me know your favorites by logging on to www.BrilliantFrugalLiving.com and sending me an email.

Have fun!