9 comfortable options within four hours of Long Island

Whether it’s the fresh air, the environment or the activities, there’s something invigorating about camping. Here are comfortable options within four hours of Long Island

Our tips for visiting the Irish city of culture, history and pubs won’t leave you broke.

In Colonial times, Charleston, S.C., was America’s wealthiest city. Three centuries later, it still has an upscale cachet with houses on its historic Battery fetching eight figures, and shopping and restaurants rivaling much larger cities.

Kamaka Hawaii, started in 1916, makes serious handmade ukuleles from the prized Hawaiian koa wood. Its world headquarters in Honolulu is the sort of building you pass without a second thought, but wooden wonders and sweet sounds await inside.

Ireland may bill itself as the land of “a hundred thousand welcomes.” Too often, tourists come away feeling like the “hundred thousand” refers to the exorbitant prices.

Many visitors to Maine associate the state with lobsters, coastal towns and Acadia National Park. But a new project called Maine Woods Discovery is hoping to promote tourism to the state’s lakes, woods, mountains and other inland areas. A new Web site (mainewoodsdiscov ery.com) offers seven moderately priced vacation packages to make outdoor, recreational and cultural experiences around the state more accessible. The packages are:

In Colonial times, Charleston, S.C., was America’s wealthiest city. Three centuries later, it still has an upscale cachet with houses on its historic Battery fetching eight figures, and shopping and restaurants rivaling much larger cities.

For two centuries, Governors Island, a 172-acre isle in New York Harbor, was a military base. Today, it’s a car-free day trip for history buffs, art lovers, mini-golfers and bikers. Free ferries depart from Maritime Battery Building (next to Staten Island Ferry terminal); govisland.com for schedules.

For two centuries, Governors Island, a 172-acre isle in New York Harbor, was a military base. Today, it’s a car-free day trip site for history buffs, art lovers, mini-golfers and bikers. Free ferries depart from Maritime Battery Building (next to Staten Island Ferry terminal); govisland.com for schedules.

Regardless of your team allegiance - or even if you’re new to the sport - a road trip to one of five major league baseball parks between Boston and Washington, D.C., can make for a fun summer trip. Ranging from historic to modern eco-friendly, they offer visitors a memorable setting in which to enjoy a game. You also can take a behind-the-scenes tour to see the stadiums as the players do. Get there two hours before game time to watch batting practice and maybe catch a souvenir fly ball.