Patch Picks: Staycations

Cross-country road trip: $4 per gallon x thousands of miles of driving
Plane tickets: Hundreds of dollars (and don't forget bag fees)
Week-long stay at a resort: Arm and a leg
Staying in and around Commack on your vacation? Well, not priceless, but certainly more affordable than changing zip codes or time zones. Here are some nearby places to keep in mind:

Who says you have to head to Napa Valley to enjoy delicious wine? Long Island has more wineries than you can shake a vine-covered stick at, and Martha Clara Vineyards is a great example. Depending on when you head East, consider bringing a picnic basket, or a camera for the winery's hay rides.

Tanger Outlets At The Arches
When is shopping a vacation? When you take a break from paying full retail price and hit the outlets in Deer Park. With so many stores you'll need a map to navigate the area, restaurants and a movie theater, making a day of the outlets is as simple as hopping in a car.

The near-freezing temperatures and arctic winds may have you thinking otherwise, but rest assured warm weather is coming. And when it does, forget flying somewhere to hit the beach and head South to Jones Beach State Park. The boardwalk, waves, and sun (which is coming, remember) are only a bridge away.

Yes, Gurney's Inn is a little bit of a drive. But if you really need another reason to head to Montauk, the spa facilities and prospect of ultimate relaxation at the hands of the expert masseuses at Gurney's is it. Pack your bags and stay a night or seven.

A list of ammenities at the ideal getaway spot probably includes golf, outdoor activities and gorgeous scenery. Sunken Meadow State Park has all of the above, including 27 holes and a driving range, and softball fields, basketball courts and horseback riding.