Thumb Your Nose at the Pump

With spring here and summer approaching, the vacation heyday can be said to have officially commenced. Even so, getting away isn't as carefree as it once was. Much has been said of the vagaries of gas prices in recent months, and frustratingly enough, it's the time of year that costs are bumped up on hurricane fears and changeovers to cleaner, more efficient seasonal blends.

Be that as it may, relief is in sight. Even when budgets are tight, opportunities abound for time away. Although most folks stick to vacation standards, rushing for overrun beaches and perennial tourist traps, you'll find lots of amazing destinations within reasonable proximity of most major metropolitan areas, easily accessible on a single tank of gas. That's roughly 350 miles from your point of origin – far enough to make a sufficient breakaway and satisfying in that such a strategy allows you to spend more money on fun than on travel.

That said, here are some of America's best opportunities for summer vacation, close-in and wallet-friendly. No matter your interest – historical charm, natural beauty, family-oriented spot, secluded haven, busy getaway – options abound.

Sundance Resort, Provo, UT

Driveable from Salt Lake City

In Provo Canyon, not far from Salt Lake City, lies Robert Redford's fantastic resort, a place that honors its spectacular Wasatch Mountain setting and shows an active concern for the integrity of nature. Absent are towering, inappropriately scaled condo complexes in favor of smaller cabins and vernacular public buildings. Upscale but comfortable, Sundance promotes artistry, creativity, and serenity, making the resort a welcome retreat when you want exceptional dining, incomparable scenery, and rugged outdoor activities like hiking and fly fishing. Even the winter-busy chair lifts are employed, skimming couples over moonlit treetops during romantic, nighttime runs. Come for art and photography classes, for a family vacation, for a weekend with friends, or even for personal escape. You'll be catered to and rejuvenated as only Sundance can do.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs, CO

Driveable from Denver, Boulder, Durango, and Colorado Springs; and Cheyenne, WY

Built around what were originally called the Historic Fairy Caves, this park takes its name from an underground cavern that first opened to the public in 1895. In 1917, during WWI, the attraction closed and remained shut up for 82 years. These days, the once-neglected caves have been reclaimed as a local showpiece, and preservation efforts ensure that they continue to thrive. Standard tours, adventure tours, and wild tours let you participate in accessible walks or embark on extreme explorations (less-traveled places, more physicality, lots of crawling). After you emerge from the darkness, make a run for the park's thrill rides, which include the Alpine Rush, a downhill-whizzing chair lift that reaches speeds of 50mph, and the Swing Shot, whose elastic cable projects riders 1300 feet over the Colorado River. If you're not an adrenaline junky, pan for gems, hit the rock-climbing wall, head for the petting zoo, or saddle up for horseback rides.

Mackinac Island, MI

Driveable from Detroit, Flint, Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Grand Rapids

A veritable time capsule of history and architecture, this island between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas is a national historic landmark. As such, it's a beautiful, charming place to kick around in and absorb the ambience of days gone by. At just shy of four square miles, Mackinac is easily walkable, which is important since motorized vehicles aren't permitted (bikes and horses can be rented). If you're up for sightseeing, Fort Mackinac, a limestone structure built by the British in 1780, is now a museum, and the aptly named Grand Hotel, a gracious property with a never-ending porch, has hosted presidents and been the backdrop for a number of films. The award-winning property, although an expensive stay, is without compare should you crave a delicious taste of the genteel life. Other signs of Mackinac's seasonal allure are its creamy, signature fudge (it has its own August festival) and its fragrant, billowy lilacs (they too have a festival each June). High-speed ferry service transports many thousands of visitors during balmy, breezy days.