(Lancaster, PA)  A familiar scene plays out countless times at homes in and around Lancaster County each summer. Out-of-town family or friends come to visit and say, "Let's go to such-and-such this afternoon. I hear it's a lot of fun." The reply: "Oh yeah, I've been meaning to check that out." or "Great idea! I haven't been there in years."

It's easy to take a world-class destination for granted when you live among or near its wonderful offerings. This summer, the member properties of the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau are changing this dynamic, however, with special promotions and great prices that make a "staycation" in Lancaster County the choice for fun and value!

"Everyone in this area is looking to take a break now and then, even if the family budget has been trimmed back a bit this year," noted Chris Barrett, president & CEO of the PA Dutch CVB. "Living in or near Lancaster County gives them a financial head-start on a great 'staycation' because some of the nation's best attractions, lodgings, dining, and shopping are in their own backyard. Their leisure dollars will go farthest right here, close to home."

The optimal "staycation" gets folks out of the house for a few nights at an area property, whether it's just around the corner or a few miles down the road. With rooms starting at only $99, there's no better time for area residents to experience Lancaster County in a whole new way from the fresh and friendly vantage point of a local B&B, hotel, family resort, or campground.

Combine this low-cost getaway feeling with all the promotions and discounts currently running at area attractions, restaurants, and shops - and you've got a deal on a holiday break that's already a great deal, particularly in the current economic climate.

"We're a leading destination with an excellent reputation for great service, and most of us can think of 5 or 10 local places we'd like to visit but just haven't gotten 'round to, so why travel hundreds of miles for amazing food, shopping, and attractions when you can experience all that, at a better value, right here in Lancaster County," Barrett remarked.

The "staycation" initiative is backed by a TV, radio (see download at right), and web campaign that begins today and will run through the balance of the summer season in Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, Hershey, Lebanon, and Reading.

The Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau is dedicated to promoting Lancaster County as an ideal vacation destination, with its Amish heritage, scenic back roads, opportunities for family fun, and all that make the area a special and memorable place to stay. For more information, visit www.discoverlancasterpa.com.

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