Penny Pincher: Stroll where Spirit of '76 lives on: Take a 'daycation' at Valley Forge

With family "staycations" replacing vacations this recession-riddled summer, Penny Pincher has a one-day getaway that will recharge your batteries without draining your fuel tank: Valley Forge National Park.

Like native New Yorkers who never visit the Statue of Liberty, Penny lived here for years before discovering this 3,500-acre hiking, biking, picnicking, dog-walking, bird-watching, spirit-lifting jewel of a nearby wonderland.

Admission and parking are as free as the herds of white-tailed deer that roam the rolling fields where George Washington and his soldiers spent the deadly winter of 1777-78.

Penny has spent many peaceful days hiking those miles of deer trails with joyful Portuguese water-dog pup, Gracie, leading the way (on a leash, park rules!).

We also hike the wooded trails of Mount Misery, always pausing to watch dozens of pterodactyl-like turkey vultures riding the thermals and roosting in two towering trees near the trail entrance, silhouetted against the sky.

Other hikes: Mount Joy, Valley Creek and a paved trail that connects the famous historical sites.

You can get to this fine family "daycation," open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, by SEPTA 125 bus or by I-76 to Exit 328A; right-merge onto 422 West; take Valley Forge exit to 23 West; turn left at exit ramp; straight to park entrance. *

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