TRENTON, N.J.-With summer's official beginning only days away, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes is reminding residents that they don't need to go far to enjoy festive, fun, and inexpensive weekend activities this summer. "Gas prices are at record highs and Mercer County residents -- and visitors from beyond our borders -- should take advantage of the incredibly diverse sites in our beautiful county," Hughes said. Mercer County's new Park Commission handbook, which can be fully viewed at the county web site, can get people started, but that list is certainly not exhaustive, said Hughes. Mercer County has hundreds of interesting sites, from historic destinations to museums to parks. All it takes is a short trip to see some amazing places. Listed below are just a few. Mercer County encourages residents to submit their favorite Mercer County destinations to gschultz@mercercounty.org.

The following are suggestions for affordable and fun trips to take in Mercer County.

OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

• Learn about our nation's history at Old Barracks Museum
  
• Visit the Trent House
  
• Visit the Trenton City Museum at Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park
  
• Tour the State Museum or State Library on West State Street
  
• Cheer on the home team at a Trenton Thunder game
  
• Go fishing along the Delaware River or the Assunpink Creek
  
• Visit South River Walk Park off Lamberton Street for great views of the Delaware River
  
• Garden a plot with Isles Community Garden
  

• Stroll the grounds at the world renowned Grounds for Sculpture
  
• Beat the heat with indoor ice-skating at Iceland rink
  
• Go back in time at historic Kuser Mansion
  
• Take to the water in a canoe or kayak via the boat launch in Groveville
  
• View a breathtaking array of flora at Sayen Gardens
  
• Get active! Visit the dog park, play sports, walk or bike at Veterans Park
  
• Learn about the historic Abbott House in Veterans Park
  
• Bird watch at the Hamilton-Trenton Marsh
  

• Rent a paddleboat at the marina on Lake Mercer at Mercer County Park
  
• Hone your golf game at the County's Mercer Oaks East, Mercer Oaks West or Princeton County Club championship golf courses
  
• Attend a play at the Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College
  
• Go to the Ron Rogers Arboretum to see majestic trees and the township's September 11 memorial
  
• Take a child - or act like one - at the WaterWorks Aquatic Center
  
• Play tennis at Mercer County Park's renowned tennis center or under the lights at Hendrickson Drive Tennis Complex
  
• Check out the skateboard and BMX park in West Windsor Community Park off Route 571
  

• Bring your own popcorn to a free "Movie in the Park" at Rosedale Park
  
• Connect with nature at Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association
  
• Catch a trout  -- but bring a picnic to Rosedale Park
  
• Step back into Mercer County's history by visiting the Howell Living History Farm
  
• See a play under the stars at Washington Crossing Open Air Theater
  
• Hike the newly renovated trails at Baldpate Mountain, Mercer County's highest point
  
• Bike the towpath
  
• Stroll the Borough's shops
  
• Pedal along the Lawrence Hopewell bike trail
  

• Visit the historic borough's free museum on East Broad Street
  
• Stroll the antique shops and stop for a cappuccino
  

• Hit the links at Mountain View Golf Course
  
• Stroll the beautiful grounds of The College of New Jersey
  

• Bring a blanket for concerts under the gazebo on Main Street
  
• Pick your own fresh fruit at Terhune Orchards
  
• Go back in time at the Historic Brearley House and take the short walk to the Delaware and Raritan Canal
  
• Meander through the beech tree forest at Drexel Woods and visit the Nature Center
  
• Canoe the Delaware & Raritan Canal
  

• Tour elegant Drumthwacket, the New Jersey Governor's mansion, every Wednesday except July 4
  
• Eat, shop, and people-watch in downtown Princeton
  
• Grab some binoculars and go eagle watching at Carnegie Lake
  
• Tour Princeton University's art and history museums
  
• Fly a kite in Princeton's Battlefield Park
  
• Take a tour of Morven Museum & Garden, a Revolution-era estate
  
• Explore the quiet beauty of Herrontown Woods Arboretum
  

• Stroll around Peddie Lake
  
• See a summer concert at Etra Lake Park
  

• Visit the local farm stands for fresh picked produce
  
• Try your hand at bocce at the senior center court