Summer Fun on a Budget

by Art Gib http://www.hugamonkey.com./

Can't afford airfare, time off work, and other travel expenses? That's okay! You'd be surprised at how many fun summer activities are waiting right in your backyard. Checking with your city's website or chamber of commerce/tourism office can lead you in the right direction if you're not sure where to start. In the meantime, here's a list to get you started:

1. Mini-road trips. Whether it's the neighboring city, a wilderness spot a few hours away, or your city's chamber of commerce building, you can get the feeling of a vacation by traveling near or far to do something out of the ordinary.

2. Museums. They come in all shapes and sizes, fit for all ages. Look up local children's museums, natural history museums, art museums, or traditional city historical museums in your area. Many are free, and others either charge a small fee or encourage donations.

3. Farmer's markets. What's better than biting into the crisp, fresh taste of summer? Lots of farmer's markets are open on Saturdays, and more often during the warm-weather season. Shop for groceries or simply sample the fresh produce, often for a fraction of the cost of the grocery store. Sometimes the little fruit stands on the side of the road have the best locally-grown stuff!

4. Hiking or biking. Trails can be a great way to spend an hour, an afternoon, or a week. Consider your health, stamina, and how much time you've got, and chances are you'll be able to find a trail to match. If you can't get out of the city, explore local parks or appealing neighborhoods.