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25 Best U.S. Vacation Cities On the Cheap
Kayla Baxter, Alice Handley and Jill Hare | Excelle
June 11, 2009
#22: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a great city year-round, but it’s even better in the summer. When there’s no snow to shovel, the Chicago streets are fabulous for walking. Head to Millennium Park, a beautiful landscape sandwiched between skyscrapers and Lake Michigan. Take a blanket and sit on the huge lawn and enjoy many of the free concerts offered in the summer. Walk around and enjoy the outdoor art sculptures, including Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor, a 110-ton elliptical sculpture with a seamless series of highly polished stainless steel plates that reflect Chicago’s skyline.
If you get hot, head over to the Crown Fountain, pictured above. Designed by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, the Crown Fountain showcases images of Chicago’s residents while water flows out from their open mouths. If you want some adventure by the lake, walk down to Navy Pier and ride the Ferris Wheel or just sit on the dock and enjoy the spectacular view.Don’t Miss: Garfield Park Conservatory. There’s free parking and free admission, and you can waste hours with kids, a sweetheart, or with yourself in a blissfully beautiful nature experience. A great hidden gem!
DeHon
5 months ago
2 comments
Boston ? DC? for cheap vacations? That made me laugh! (And I've been to both as well as Dallas, Nashville and San Diego) However, as Teddy Kennedy is offering his "writing" of healthcare plan - it was just such a plan that broke the financial back of Massachusetts.... no kidding. So, it's probably going to be 'cheap' for awhile. As well as most other cities...
hpbayne
5 months ago
2 comments
Interesting articles - I would have thought that New York would make the list. There are inexpensive places to stay, lots to do without having to pay, incredible food and entertainment.
Account Removed
5 months ago
As a resident of Dallas, TX, I appreciate that it falls as #6 on the list. However one correction: the warehouse district which houses Club Clearview and Trees is called Deep Ellum (not Deep Elm)
FranLytle
5 months ago
4 comments
I've had the opportunity to visit Nashville twice in the past year for speaking engagements. Both times, I spoke at Gospel Music Week, mentoring Christian Radio Stations how to develop marketing initiatives that connect with women . . . since 80% of their listeners are women. Unfortunately, I didn't have as much time as I would have liked to be a tourist. But the time I did have convinced me it's a great getaway. It's definitely on the top of my list for a vacation . . . the food, the music, the people . . . a fun place.
bethanierose
5 months ago
680 comments
I'm not sure how Maui qualifies as a cheap US vacation...
Portland and Seattle are both dear to my heart, though.
And I am lucky enough to live next door to DC, with tons of free stuff to see and do every day of the year!
Excelle_Editor
5 months ago
546 comments
San Diego is, hands down, one of my favorite places to vacation in the whole country. Highly recommend it!