Close vacations in vogue for E.V. residents

Record gas prices, increasing grocery bills and soaring air fares and fees converting your summer vacation plans to wistful dreams?

You're not alone. A recent Rand McNally survey found two-thirds of Americans plan to shorten or cancel summer road trips this year.

"So far for this summer, I've done very little Disney, very little San Diego," says Felice Freed, owner of Mesa's Pepper Travel. "Those are usually big destinations for people in Phoenix; normally we do a few dozen by this time."

Cutbacks have prompted would-be travelers to turn to the "staycation," a vacation at or close to home. Some do it by picking out new patio cushions, grills and pool toys to make their own backyards more inviting, or visit hometown attractions they've never made time for. Others check into local resorts, living like tourists only a few miles from home. Summer rates mean you could get away - at least mentally - for less than you think. Here are some ideas to get you dreaming of an in-town getaway.

SCENIC AND CLOSE: The awe-inspiring Superstition Mountains are only one of the gorgeous natural features you’ll see on the Apache Trail, a historic scenic byway that wends its way past canyons and desert lakes. The part-dirt road makes a satisfying mini-road trip for East Valley residents itching to get away without splurging on a hotel room.

East Valley day trip

If you don't want to shell out for a bed when the comfort of home is only a few miles away, consider a short road trip. It may not rival the lengthy cross-country road trips of summers past, but the 46-mile Apache Trail between Apache Junction and Roosevelt Lake affords some of the best scenery in central Arizona. A route for adventurous drivers who don't get carsick easily, this scenic byway turns to graded dirt as it winds around the backside of the Superstition Mountain Wilderness, clinging to the sides of canyons and twisting along hairpin turns that might leave your upholstery with a few deep fingernail impressions. Most choose to follow the entire 85-mile loop: Take U.S. 60 east to Idaho Road, then follow the signs to state Route 88 (Apache Trail). Follow the trail to Globe, then take U.S. 60 west back to the East Valley.

Pit stops along the way

Goldfield Ghost Town: In the 1890s, Goldfield was a booming gold mining town. The re-created main street features Old West-style shops, restaurants and museums. Trinkets, mine tours, horseback rides and desert tours will cost you, but it's free to get out and walk around.

Canyon Lake: Steep rock walls tower over clear, cool water at this lake formed by damming the Salt River. If you've got money to spend, cruise the lake on Dolly Steamboat or rent a boat and grab a bite at the restaurant. If you're traveling on the cheap, pack a picnic and take a dip at the swimming beach; it's $10 weekdays and $15 weekends for a carload of six.

Tortilla Flat: Stop for dessert at this old stage stop with a population of six. Famous prickly pear cactus ice cream and a curio shop provide a nice break from the road.

Tonto National Monument: You can walk through this well-preserved two-story Sinagua Indian cliff dwelling from the 13th century. A hiking trail with gorgeous views of Roosevelt Lake leads to the ruins, but it closes to uphill travel at 4 p.m. Open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. $3 per adult; free for kids age 16 and younger. (928) 467-2241 or www.nps.gov/tont.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum: This outdoor preserve of live arid-land plants at the base of iceberg-shaped Picketpost Mountain just west of Superior features trails, gardens and a gift shop. Open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Admission $3-$7.50. (520) 689-2723 or www.btarboretum.org.

DESERT OASIS: Arizona Grand Resort's Oasis Water Park features seven acres of refreshing pools and water play areas. The park is a favorite of local families looking for a local vacation.

Tempe/Phoenix border

Arizona Grand Resort: 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway, Phoenix; (866) 267-1321 or www.arizonagrandresort.com

Arizona Grand Resort's palm-tree canvassed setting at the base of 17,000-acre South Mountain Preserve does indeed feel grand, helping you forget you're at Interstate 10 and Baseline Road. The former Pointe South Mountain Resort is known as a great place for families, primarily because of its seven-acre Oasis Water Park, a Travel Channel Top 10 pick that boasts an eight-story tower with three water slides, a wave pool and a lazy river. Grown-ups can keep busy with golf at the resort's own course and a spa with a large menu of services, including mini-packages for daughters tagging along with Mom. Other options: Arrange for a guided mountain bike or hiking tour of South Mountain Preserve; hit the stores or theaters at Arizona Mills mall; and head up the mountain for cowboy chow - including rattlesnake - at Rustler's Rooste, a Western-themed steakhouse with a general store, live country music nightly, spectacular views, an indoor waterfall and a slide into the dining room.

Deals

Regular rates start at $139 per night.

Summer Splash Staycation packages start at $229 per night and allow kids to eat free. They also include a $50 food and drink credit and 20 percent off golf and spa services.

Girls Grand Getaway packages include four 50-minute spa treatments, a complimentary in-suite movie with snacks, and margaritas, chips and salsa delivered to your room. Rates start at $519 per night, but split four ways it's cheaper than a girls' summer road trip.

The resort also offers build-your-own packages, allowing you to select each day's perks.

Tempe downtown

Three lodging options at different price points:

Best Western Inn of Tempe: 650 N. Scottsdale Road; (480) 784-2233 or www.innoftempe.com; Rates start at $62.99 for weekday stays; discounts are available under the Specials & Packages link on its Web site.

Courtyard by Marriott Tempe Downtown: 601 S. Ash Ave.; (480) 966-2800 or marriott.com/property/propertypage/phxte; Rates start around $99 but are based on availability; call the hotel for up-to-the-minute deals.

Tempe Mission Palms: 60 E. Fifth St.; (480) 894-1400 or www.missionpalms.com; spring and summer stays at downtown's premiere property will run you more than $200 a night, but summer often brings deals in the $99-$150 range. Rates vary based on availability, so call for the latest pricing. Mission Palms occasionally runs specials on its Web site; click the Promotions & Packages link.

This college town's Mill Avenue district may just pack the biggest bang for your buck, since there's plenty to do within walking distance (and you can hop the city's free FLASH bus if you don't feel like hoofing it). With one of Arizona's most concentrated collections of shops, restaurants, breweries, bars and dance clubs, there's no shortage of things to do.

How to spend your time if you ever tire of your hotel's pool

Dress up for dinner, then a show at Arizona State University's Gammage Auditorium. "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," "My Fair Lady" and "Disney's High School Musical" are slated for June; tickets are $19.75-$68. (480) 965-3434 or www.asugammage.com.

Climb A Mountain.

Hang out at Tempe Town Lake. Kids can have a ball at Splash Playground, a free water playground. You can also rent a kayak or pedal boat, fish (wget an urban fishing license first), or skate or cycle the lakeside path. Once the sun goes down, local bands play free concerts 7 p.m. the first four Sundays in June, and the first 100 people at each concert get a free squirt gun. Bringing your own squirt guns is encouraged. Tickets go on sale Wednesday for the Tempe 4th Town Lake Festival; plan now and you could simply walk over from your hotel and skip snarled traffic. (480) 350-8625 and www.tempe.gov/lake.

Catch the show at the underground Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar at Fifth Street and Mill Avenue. The raucous, interactive show is sure to get you singing, laughing and dancing, and if you get there early enough, you'll avoid the $3-$6 cover. Drink specials change as rapidly as the moods of the performers, who call out the latest deal at the bar, and you can bring in your own food since there's no kitchen on site. (480) 557-5595 or www.thebigbangbarstore.com.

If you must get back in your car, Arizona Mills mall, Big Surf Water Park, the Scottsdale 6 Drive In, Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden are minutes away.

For itinerary ideas, contact the Tempe Convention & Visitors Bureau at (480) 894-8158 or www.tempecvb.com.

GROWN-UP GETAWAY: Hotel Valley Ho may just be the East Valley’s perfect adult escape. With sleek midcentury design, luxurious amenities and a lighthearted ambience, the downtown Scottsdale resort bills itself as “an homage to cool.” The city’s art district, with all its restaurants, galleries and shops, are within walking distance.

Scottsdale Downtown

Hotel Valley Ho: 6850 E. Main St.; (480) 248-2000 or www.hotelvalleyho.com

Originally a late 1950s hideaway for Hollywood's elite, Scottsdale's renovated Hotel Valley Ho touts itself as "the hub of hip," and it caters to a pretty cool crowd.

With all-glass walls opening to airy patios, sleek, bright décor and a prime location within walking distance to downtown, it's an East Valley best.

The hotel offers daily summer events, from classic movies at the pool on Fridays and poolside DJ and drinks on Saturday to weekly specials at its posh VH Spa. (A full schedule is available online.) You can also reserve your own poolside cabana; the $99 to $199 charge includes your choice of three food, beverage and game options.

Deals

Reserve today and you can get weekday rates starting at $109, weekends starting at $129; rates go up $129 weekdays and $149 weekends beginning Sunday.

Specials are available starting at $149 and feature a variety of freebies and other options.

Phoenix Downtown

Hotel San Carlos: 202 N. Central Ave.; (866) 253-4121 or hotelsancarlos.com

Arizona's first high-rise hotel, Hotel San Carlos, blends late-1920s glamour with modern amenities, thanks to a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2003. You could spend all your time at the rooftop pool or exploring the heart of downtown, but the hotel offers two packages that include dinner and passes to either Ballet Arizona at the Orpheum Theater or the Phoenix Art Museum. Transportation to your location of choice is included. Packages start at $149; regular rates start at $119.