Consumer Watch: Take advantage of final days of summer and enjoy rich array of area attractions

Ellen Phillips
Ellen Phillips

With the school year starting, readers have very little time to use the final, precious summer days. Today's column features ideas for last-ditch fun in the remaining hot, hazy, lazy times.

photo Ellen Phillips

* Take advantage of national parks - both locally and within a gas tank's travel. We're fortunate to have Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park here that is steeped in history and adventure.

* Got an RV and a taste for wine? Go to the website Harvest Hosts. For a $44 membership, stay overnight at wineries across the country.

* Enjoy local events. Chattanooga and the surrounding area offer many wonderfully enjoyable activities. From the Children's Discovery Museum to the Tennessee Aquarium in our city to sites throughout North Georgia and Alabama, a wealth of entertainment awaits the entire family. (Check to see which of the many museums offer free admission days and hours. Some are always free for students. With a Bank of America or Merrill Lynch debit or credit card, you can go to more than 150 museums gratis on the first full weekend of each month.)

* Assuming you're not a klutz, try bowling. Even though summer will be over soon, youngsters can play two free games each day all summer at participating alleys. Sign up at kidsbowlers.com.

* Learn something new. For instance, Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics (Lowe'sbuildandgrow.com) and Home Depot Workshops (workshops.homedepot.com) both teach how to build wood projects and install a variety of home products. The new Bass Pro Shop (basspro.com/summercamp) hosts exciting activities for kids and adults. If you are a Lego fan, check shop.lego.com/en-us/minibuilds. (It's too late to register for August's Mini Model Build activity, but you can get in line/online for future months.)

* Been to a Lookouts game recently? If not, you're missing out on an exciting and inexpensive event. Active military personnel and vets get discounts at ballparks and other places; check these at military.com/discounts.

* We have a wealth of musical entertainment here, especially in summer. Visit chattanoogafun.com to view remaining events such as Nightfall (Aug. 26 is its final summer run), Riverfront Nights (through Aug. 22), and bands at Track29, among others. Discover free admissions, as well as heritage festivals and so forth, at festivals.com and eventful.com.

While "staycations" may be much less expensive or even troublesome, they still can provide family members with wonderful lifelong memories.

Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.

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