One of the inalienable rights in the Bill of Rights is the right to vacation. I'm not sure if it's before or after "free press." Everyone needs at least one vacation a year. I prescribe two annually, taken near a body of water.

You deserve a great vacation, and it doesn't have to be expensive.

New England is special. We've never tired of going to Maine. It has lakes, ocean, rivers, islands, deserts, cities, mountains and small towns. It's a wonderful place for a family vacation, but a single traveler can find serenity and peace just about anywhere.

I've found some very affordable lodging in Maine and Massachusetts for this issue. They are not four star, there are no jacuzzi, but you will not be paying four star prices. I've picked these places first for location, then cleanliness, affordability and the congeniality of the innkeepers. What more could you want?

I hope you will pick one or two of these lodgings for your vacation. Come on just do it.

Highland Lake in Bridgton, Maine is a quiet lake 50 minutes from Portland on Rt. 302. It's perfect for fishing, swimming, canoeing and boating. The town, a clean, typical Maine town, has an excellent bakery, two grocery stores, movie, post office and some small boutiques and a laundromat.

Now I have to admit, for those who are on a tight travel budget, Grady's West Shore Motel is just about the best buy I have seen anywhere. Only four rooms, the owners bring personalized service to their clientele. These efficiencies are set back from the road, have two double beds, everything you need for light housekeeping, cable TV and individually controlled heat. Rowboats, canoe and paddle boats are included, and there is a nice, safe beach.

Located only 50 minutes from Portland and 20 minutes from North Conway, NH, you can fish in the morning and shop till you drop in the afternoon.

Like Crosby's, Grady's also has two nicely furnished cottages available except for July and August. Grady's is open year round. For the ski crowd, it's only five miles to Shawnee Peak, Me., 30 miles to Cranmore, N.H. A small ski group could have the motel all to themselves. Maine is also beautiful in the winter. Don't forget to bring your ice skates; there is ice skating on the lake. It's a real Currier and Ives scene.

This is a great location for a fall foliage trip. It's a short drive to the mountains and it's absolutely the best place for fall colors. Crisp autumn air and vivid reds and purples make you feel like you've stepped back in time.

Or call Bill 207-647-2284