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AKIRA SUWA / Inquirer Staff Photographer

The Boardwalk in Ocean City, N.J.

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Posted on Sun, May. 25, 2008

Readers' Choices

One tank away

Beaches and boardwalks, roller coasters nestled in the trees, places steeped in history and Victoriana - that's where readers like to get away without going too far away. More than 400 readers submitted their favorite vacation spots, and their biggest problem seemed to be limiting their excitement to 25 words. Based on the responses, most of which are posted on our Web site, at www.philly.com/travel, here are 10 of the most popular destinations within 300 miles of Billy Penn's statue (but outside the eight-county Phila. area). They are not listed in any particular order, and each one would make for a fun-filled weekend journey or weeklong summer vacation.

Enjoy.

- Bill Reed, Travel editor

1. Ocean City, N.J.

65 miles from Center City

Colorful beach umbrellas. Dolphins. Long walks together. Boardwalk. Music Pier. Family & friends. The week that could go on forever.

- Elaine Lamping, Philadelphia

Web: www.oceancitychamber.com
Phone: 1-800-232-2465

2. St. Michaels, Md.

Eastern Shore, 124 miles from Center City

A fantastic view of the Chesapeake from our lanai; the best crab cakes on the Eastern Shore; golf; fishing; great shopping; a 2 1/2-hour drive.

- Judy Lochetto, Lower Gwynedd, Pa.

Web: www.tourtalbot.org
Phone: 410-770-8000

3. Knoebels Amusement Resort

Elysburg, Pa., 148 miles from Center City

Free parking and admission, surrounded by a forest. 1947 roller coaster. Immense pool. Picnic groves. Campground. Cottages. Pioneer Train Ride. Anthracite Museum of Mining.

- Marianne Trovato, Bensalem

Web: www.knoebels.com
Phone: 1-800-487-4386

4. Ocean City, Md.

150 miles from Center City

Pristine beaches, enduring sunsets, crashing waves, 4th of July fireworks, seagulls, horseshoe crabs, serenity, delightful seafood, fun for eveyone, boardwalks, stores, simply lovely.

- Debra A Williams, Blackwood

Web: www.ococean.com
Phone: 1-800-626-2326