Cabin Fever

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. The arrival of winter's cold makes several Valley Forge and Montgomery County area hot spots just what the doctor ordered to cure cabin fever this season.

On the first Saturdays of January, February and March, children can "Join the Continental Army" at Valley Forge National Historical Park to learn what it was like to be a soldier encamped there over the winter of 1777-78. With wooden dummy muskets, children ages 6 to 12 learn the same marching drill and tactical maneuvers Baron Friedrich von Steuben taught America's first troops on the snowy Grand Parade some 232 years ago.

At the other end of the fun spectrum, The Stoogeum, in Ambler, is the world's only museum commemorating the comedy antics of the Three Stooges. No-cost open houses from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 26, Jan. 2 and Feb. 28 will feature nearly 100,000 pieces of memorabilia, including personal effects of all the Stooges, movie posters and costumes, as well as continuously-running movie clips in an 85-seat theatre. It's state-of-the-art and it's an area must-see. And, it's warm inside.

Back outdoors, Spring Mountain ski area, in Schwenksville, offers nine trails, six lifts and the lowest lift ticket prices around. It's an exhilarating winter fitness opportunity, and serious thrill-seekers can combine canopy tours and zip-lining with their ski lift ticket buys.

Come in from the cold again and rock climb at the Philadelphia Rock Gym, in Oaks. First-time as well as experienced climbers can stay active, build confidence, reach new peaks... and have fun. Programs are available for all ages and ability levels. The term "cheap skate" takes a whole new meaning at Center Ice, also in Oaks. This year-round indoor facility offers two-hour open skating sessions for $5 to $7, plus the cost of skate rentals.

For more outdoor adventure, Green Lane Park, in Green Lane, encompasses 3,400 acres and three bodies of water. Stocked in November with 1,000 trout, its Deep Creek Lake is the perfect place to ice fish when conditions permit. Skating's also allowed if the ice is frozen to at least five inches depth. And the trails are excellent for sledding and cross-country skiing, or just a great winter exercise walk. There are no entrance fees, and visitors need only bring their own equipment for all activities.

Combine these great winter weekend activities with an affordable Play and Stay hotel package that includes $50 in dining certificates. Book your package now!

The Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ltd. is a nonprofit, membership-based sales and marketing organization that aggressively promotes the Valley Forge area and Montgomery County as a convention site and leisure visitor destination by encouraging patronage of its 500-plus member hotels, restaurants, attractions and services. The Bureau's Web site, at www.valleyforge.org, serves visitors, meeting planners, tour operators and residents.