The Tri-State celebrates Memorial Day

NEW YORK (WABC) -- With the long Memorial Day weekend coming to an end, it's time for the mad rush home.

An estimated 32 million Americans were expected to hit the road. Sun and sand worshippers hit Jones Beach on Long Island. But for some, the weather was a little cool for the swim suits. They went for a pleasant walk instead.

A lot of people enjoyed the weather in Sea Bright on the Jersey shore. CLICK HERE to watch Toni Yates report from the beaches of the Garden State.

Others turned out for parades and other celebrations. CLICK HERE to watch Michelle Charlesworth's report from the festivities in Glen Rock.

There was an emotional scene in New Jersey as soldiers returned home to their families. CLICK HERE to see sister station WPVI's Amy Buckman, who was there when the reunion happened..

Also, CLICK HERE to monitor traffic conditions for the trip home.

Unfortunately, the recession is keeping many people closer to home during the holidays. And for that, we have more info on some other "staycation" ideas to help you from breaking the bank.

At the 777-acre Muscoot Farm in Somers, the unofficial kick-off to the summer of 2009 is off to a rousing start. Attendance is up 25 percent and a big reason why is that the poor economy has many families replacing their summer vacation with a summer staycation.

"We had a nice picnic here with the family," Mahopac resident Jennifer Munch said. "And we're just enjoying the day. We're not spending tons of money."

"We have a camp program in the summer, and that filled immediately," Muscoot Farm's Sue Moga said. "I had a lot more scholarships this year, which is indicative of the economy."

Not far away, at a Memorial Day antique fair at Lasdon Park in Amawalk, Barbara Lingenberger said a recent job loss means the annual summer trip to Massachusetts is on hold. So she's staying close to home.

"We are trying to stick to something that's well within driving distance," she said.

Parade watchers in Chappaqua said the kids will have to enjoy local attractions this year, while mom and dad pocket the expense of a summer getaway.

"We're planning to stick around a lot more and make use of the swim clubs," Chappaqua resident Andrew Mannarino said. "We're trying to be smart with our money and save."

"Stephanie's going to go to camp," resident Elissa Novick said, while holding her daughter. "And we're going to stay home and do some work on the house."

"And if we do travel, it will be local," husband Jason Novick said. "Anywhere we can go to in the car."

Unfortunately, that's just the fiscal reality for many families this summer.

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WEB PRODUCED BY: Bill King

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