Mini vacations bring the wallets

DEERFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - While Memorial Day is about honoring American service members, many families took advantage of the day off to take mini-vacations.

It brought lots of visitors to Franklin County attractions, many from outside the state, who said their vacation habits have changed.

Shorter road trips are bringing people, and their wallets.

22NEWS found some of these visitors stopping by Yankee Candle in Deerfield.

Some made a day out of it.

"A day trip is great, the economy is a little tough," said Tonya Perron of Chicopee.

Many of the cars in front of Franklin County attractions were not from Massachusetts.

"We take the smaller vacations now, we just go out for the weekends," says Lenny Varrato of Connecticut.

These visitors say they're planning things a little closer to home.

For Melissa Sheldon of Cape Cod, the big trips are out.

"Traveling in air planes is much more expensive these days. Those day-trips by car, are much more economical," said Sheldon.

It can be great for local businesses as well.

Dino Fernicola said making it a day-trip means venturing beyond their main destination.

"We'll get some lunch and see what other shops are around in the area," said Fernicola. "We'll explore."

Some businesses expected more travel in the area than last year.

While people are watching what they spend, gas is much cheaper than it was last year, when it topped $4 a gallon.