SHOW US: Where Did You Go This Summer?

This summer we were going to venture out on a 25-city, four-week tour of Europe, but we just felt like the whole spending-money-like-a-rap-star thing was really played out. 

OK, so the 2012 summer budget really only allowed for sitting in front of the AC eating a pint of ice cream. 

Turns out we are in the minority, because AAA travel club reports that the number of Americans traveling has been on a slow and steady increase for the last two years. AAA's travel data from July 4 of this year showed a 4.9 increase from last year for people trekking more than 50 miles from home to celebrate.

"Americans are still in love with their vacations and they are finding ways to finance those vacations despite the slow-growing economy," said Cynthia Brough, director of public relations for AAA's national office. Brough said that travelers these days are looking for value and economy, however they personally define it.

Labor Day weekend is a super time for a day trip or staycation. An excellent stop in Parsippany would be the , which offers a step back in time to enjoy the arts. It's educational, it's fascinating, it's fun—and it's not far from home.

Another great spot: Lake Parsippany. If you're a member (and duly licensed), you can enjoy fishing, boating and swimming fun. Get info from the .

Need some exercise? Take a hike through Parsippany's , which abuts Morris County's Central Park and the Greystone Hospital complex. The orange and blue trails give you the opportunity to be among the flora. And there is a great playground for the kids. 

Or enjoy the peaceful beauty of , cited by Forbes Magazine as one of "The Most Beautiful Gardens in America." The two-acre garden at 2387 Watnong Terrace, tended by Helen Donn, is filled with gorgeous exotic plants, statues, blissful serenity and more—if you're on an ice-cream-and-AC budget, this will be the perfect day trip, because it's free to visit. If you happen to encounter Mrs. Donn, be sure to say hello and thank her for her generosity.

Now we know you probably can't top our pint of ice cream experience, but on the off chance you actually traveled outside your kitchen this summer, we'd love to see the photos and live vicariously through them. Maybe you went to the beach, or the mountains, or our personal fave, a cross-country tour of our finest frozen dessert factories.

No matter where you went, inside or outside Par-Troy, share your photos here so we can get inspired for next year.