Photo courtesy Granby Ranch
By Maryann Hammers
Planning your summer vacation? A little short on cash? We’ve rounded up our best-of-the-best offers, ranging from fun, free outdoor adventures to luxury resorts for half off.
Granby Ranch, Colo.
Just two hours from Denver, Granby Ranch is a four-season mountain getaway famous for mountain biking, thanks to lift-serviced downhill riding and cross-country trails that accommodate riders of every level. For the second consecutive year, the resort hosts a freetwo-day summer biking program exclusively for veterans. Participating veterans receive expert instruction from Devon Nesselroth, who served with the U.S. Marine Corps in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The program is scheduled to run every other Wednesday and Thursday: July 6-7, July 20-21, Aug. 3-4, Aug. 17-18, and Aug. 31–Sept. 1. For veterans who prefer to use their own gear, Granby Ranch will offer Expert Veteran Coaching Days July 16, July 30, Aug. 13, Aug. 27 and Sept. 10.
Rentals and kits, plus camping accommodations, for up to six veterans (based on skill level) are included. You just have to provide your own transportation to the resort and money for food. For additional information, call (888) 850-4615.
Fayetteville, W.Va.
West Virginia Adventures (owned by a former Army servicemember) offers active duty military members free guided raft trips. There’s a catch: You need to bring along a buddy who pays the full $129 for a whitewater trip, including lunch, on the Lower New River. For each paying participant, one active duty servicemember gets a free trip. Or bring along your military buddies: If it is an all-active duty group, you each get 50-percent off and free camping. Valid on any trip, any date (season runs March through November). Call (800) 292-0880.
Newport, R.I.
Hotel Viking, a classic luxury hotel that opened in 1926, has hosted President and Mrs. John F. Kennedy, the Astors, and the Vanderbilts. Now it’s your turn: The Salute to Heroes welcomes active duty servicemembers and reservists with 50-percent off the best available rate. You’ll also get a 25-percent discount on spa services, a complimentary infrared sauna session with a booked spa appointment, and one complimentary appetizer per purchased entrée. Call (800) 556-7126 for information or reservations and mention the Salute to Heroes discount. The offer is valid any day of the week through Dec. 30, 2016.
Knoxville, Tenn.
Whitestone Country Inn in Kingston (near Knoxville) is a four-diamond bed-and-breakfast farmhouse resort on more than 600 acres. Active duty servicemembers get a 50-percent discount off the nightly rates, which regularly start at $165. (Retired servicemembers get a 25-percent discount.) Call (865) 376-0113, and ask for the military discount. The offer is valid Sunday through Thursday.
Kohler, Wis.
Destination Kohler, a five-star, five-diamond resort, offers luxury lodging, a famous spa, a dozen dining options ranging from a historic tavern to an intimate four-star restaurant, and four world-class golf courses. A 500-acre wildlife preserve offers hiking, horseback riding, and kayaking. Active duty and retired military members get a 50-percent off the best available rate — plus 50-percent off 50-minute spa services on these dates: Memorial Day holiday (May 27-30, 2016), Independence Day holiday (June 28–July 7, 2016) and Labor Day holiday (Sept. 4-5, 2016). Military members also get 25-percent off the best available rate for Veterans Day (Nov. 10-13, 2016). The military discount applies to military personnel and up to three guests; golf cart included. A military ID is required at check in. Call (855) 444-2838 for information.
Nationwide
Veterans and active duty and retired servicemembers get half off the daily rate at more than 50 Carefree RV resorts in California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, and Ontario, Canada. “From hiking and fishing to relaxing by the pool and playing shuffleboard, we have a park to suit every walk of life,” says Michelle Smith, the company's marketing coordinator. Rates vary by park, and the offer is valid Sunday through Thursday only. Carefree also has teamed up with Tents for Troops to offer two free nights of RV and tent camping in the U.S. and Canada to all active duty military members. Find participating locations and more information here. Call individual resorts for rates, information, or reservations.
More Half-Off Deals
We previously told you about these big military discounts at luxury hotels. Some of these offers might have expired, but most still are valid (and it never hurts to ask!).