High gas prices, shorter summer trips? Save Email Print
Posted: 6:04 PM May 12, 2008
Last Updated: 6:04 PM May 12, 2008
Reporter: Sarah Platt
Email Address: sarah.platt@wndu.com

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The national average for a gallon of gasoline has hit another high. On Monday it was $3.71. Most of Michiana has already seen gas prices well over that amount. And with prices climbing, economists expect more folks to stay closer to home this summer and forget about long road trips.

Because the numbers are going so high on the gas pumps, economists predict that the number of miles vacationers are driving are expected to shrink this summer. Economists predict more people will be looking at local destinations for summer fun. Newscenter 16 caught up with some shoppers and business owners in Three Oaks, Michigan on Monday.

The owner of Froehlich's, a popular eatery and shop, expects the gas crunch to actually help her business. Colleen Froehlich is hoping more locals take time to explore the communities in Harbor Country, in southwest Michigan.

Meantime, city and county parks are expected to see more activity than usual this summer season. St. Patrick's County Park is free to residents during the week. They have everything from trails, to playgrounds, even canoeing on the St. Joseph River. “I think already people are staying closer to home. If there is any nice weather, people come out, I don't think they're travelling near as far if gas was cheap and weather was nice," says Colleen Froehlich.

"I'm going to have a garden this year, going to do things I normally haven't done. Maybe the gas crunch is good, have good effect on families staying closer together," says Diana Ashcraft. Ashcraft says she’s already cut back her driving.

“And with more research showing kids should spend time outside, the parks have more interpretative programs, and everything from kites to throwing boomerangs," adds Evie Kirkwood, Director of St. Joseph County Parks.

Boaters will also be affected by the high gas prices, making canoeing or kayaking even more affordable options for water-lovers.

Looking for an idea on a local destination? Local visitor's bureaus and tourist magazines have plenty of free brochures and magazines.

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Posted by: From NY on Jun 6, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Boy oh boy you people in south bend can't write for your lives. Stop worrying about GAS and work on your grammar.

Posted by: mark henderson Location: falling waters, wv on May 24, 2008 at 10:47 PM
gas prices suck, but it is alot of companies that will suffer, and also motels and hotels will get alot of cancellations because of gas prices people will not be able to travel. not our problem. the government. thank you so much.

Posted by: Reasoning Location: Mishawaka on May 13, 2008 at 02:19 PM
I live by a bus route, and have rode it to work numerous times when the month was longer than the money. Some have no choice, but to drive. Making ends meet require sacrifice in choices. Will you brown bag it, will you NOT go out to eat anymore, will you wait until the movie hits the $1.00 theater. Will you have chicken instead of steak. Will you forfeit going out clubbin and grabbin a beer? Some will, some won't. We still have the cheapest gas in the World, will we change when it hits $5.00 a gallon. Doubt it. I changed when it hit $3.00

Posted by: wow Location: mish on May 13, 2008 at 12:52 PM
I think we should all stop useing oil from over seas and use are own oil. bring back the USA make all the things we need here!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: DB Location: NE Indiana on May 13, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Ditto that, Bill from Bristol. To and from work and groceries on the way home from work once a week. I am just as happy being home as anywhere else and that money stays in MY pocket. I don't care if we ALL saw this coming, I don't have to like it.

Posted by: DB Location: NE Indiana on May 13, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Longer trips heck...we aren't driving anywhere unless it's neccessary. I don't care if we ALL saw this coming, I am not giving any more money than I have to for gas. To and from work and grocery shopping on the way home from work once a week. Other than that, forget it. I am just as happy being home as anywhere and that money stays in my pocket.

Posted by: Connie Location: Warsaw on May 13, 2008 at 11:44 AM
I'm in a similar position as Anonymous. We exist. I know in some people's silk-lined, cotton-padded worlds, no one really suffers, they just "whine" about things. And, for the record, I've only been on one short vacation in my life- when we drove to Tulsa to visit my dying grandmother and stopped at a tourist attraction on the way back. We don't have cable/satellite, and the internet connection earns money or it wouldn't be here. It wasn't always so tight, but times are tough. My kids use the school bus, and I pinch, scrimp & save, so when one expense increases, there is little room to give. I can't reduce electricity unless I unplug the fridge. With the thermostat at 64 all winter, I can't reduce the gas unless we start eating our chicken raw. I can't budget in emergencies like my son breaking his arm or my daughter getting an infection, but I'm supposed to budget in rising gas prices? I'm glad it's so easy for some people, but give the judgement a rest already.

Posted by: Anonymous on May 13, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Nick and Travis: First off, I have to wear suites (dresses or skirts) to work everyday, otherwise I would have no problem riding a bike. At $15.00 hourly,(hard to find jobs that pay more than that with a high school diploma & 3 years college) that covers $140.00 nipsco bill, $120.00 Electric bill, $210.00 (family coverage) medical insurance, $170.00 monthly auto insurance (18 year old in house) $50.00 phone bill (basic thru AT & T), $950.00 mortage (taxes, homeowners in that payment). As you can see, there is hardly no money left for food, let alone gas. Quarterly trash bill & medications. Tried to find a second job, and it's really hard to find any jobs at all when your over 40.(most employers do discrimate)

Posted by: me on May 13, 2008 at 10:02 AM
To Travis Some people have kids. How are we supposed to take the kids to school on a bike. Get a clue!

Posted by: GassyGeorge Location: GOP/DNC Headquarters on May 13, 2008 at 10:01 AM
doesnt matter who gets in to office, prices are going to stay high for the long run....next big increase is natural gas for home heating this fall, just hold on until about august and watch the reports start rolling in on the shortage of natural gas for heating......The nice thing about the increased cost of gas and natural gas is that the State of Indiana is reaping huge benefits by collecting even more sales tax on the inflated prices....Mitch Daniels doesnt need to raise any taxes, its a built in self feeding animal..........

Posted by: Travis Location: Chicago on May 13, 2008 at 09:09 AM
I struggle to understand people that complain about the rise of gas prices, as if this was an unforeseen apocalyptic ramification. These price hikes were nothing but inevitable, as anyone should have realized years prior. People who complain that they can barely afford to get to work anymore… please. You said it yourself, you live but 6 miles from your place of employment, try riding a bike! Not only will it save you money, but it will put you in better shape and eliminate 1 more harmful car from our streets. Gas prices will only continue to rise from here, so make your life changes now and save yourself the complaining later.

Posted by: Nick Location: Niles on May 13, 2008 at 08:28 AM
If you can barely afford to drive 6 miles back and forth to work then gas prices should be the least of your concerns. Maybe finding a real job might help. How many more stories do they think they need to run just to try to depress people. Ever heard of a self fulfilling prophecy?

Posted by: Anonymous on May 13, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Can't afford to make short trips either. Can barely afford to drive back & forth to work now. (it's only 6 miles)

Posted by: bill Location: bristol on May 13, 2008 at 07:25 AM
Heck we aren't even going to make any short trips. We are staying HOME.

Posted by: dh Location: sb on May 13, 2008 at 06:07 AM
i think people will still go places just not as much or it will take longer to save up the money

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