• Where: Cherry Springs State Park near Galeton, Potter County, in northcentral Pennsylvania.

• How far: More than 200 miles or 4¹/₂ hours.

• How much: Free, except for gas.

• Why: Atop a 2,300-foot mountain in the middle of the 262,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest, Cherry Springs provides one of the best places on the Eastern Seaboard for stargazing. It was declared the first "Dark Sky Park" by the state. Next weekend (Aug. 30-31) comes the first Cherry Springs Astronomy Festival, 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. both nights. There will be rides on the Lego Mars Rover, astronomy talks, geocaching, launching of bottle rockets, and, of course, stargazing. Details: www.dcnr.state.pa.us/Calendar/list.asp (search under Cherry Springs); 1-814-435-5010. Also, white light is banned in the park. You must cover flashlights and other lights with red filter or brown paper bags.

• Fun Factor: 10, for the spectacular 360-degree view. Even if you know your constellations you'll have a tough time finding them amid all the stars.

-- Virginia Linn