Attractions that Won't Break the Bank

With the economy concerning many Americans, travelers who long for a summer vacation need not despair. From Atlantic City to Salt Lake City, areas all around the country are offering a variety of no-charge events, festivals, and cultural attractions that won't break the bank.

Here are some fun, free ways to explore the U.S. on a budget.

I Love New York

With 11 distinct vacation regions and a rich cultural history New York State (www.iloveny.com) offers a diverse range of activities for travelers of all ages and interests.

• Alive at Five (June 4 - Aug 13) – This free summer concert series has kept downtown Albany's spirits high on Thursdays for 19 years. The stage comes alive with a different genre of music from national, regional and local artists; www.albanyevents.org
• Syracuse Jazz Festival (June 26 and 27) – Onondaga Community College is home to the 27th Annual Syracuse Jazz Fest, the largest free festival of its kind in the northeast. This year, pop star Kenny G. will headline on Saturday, June 27; www.syracusejazzfest.com

Virginia is for Lovers

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the "Virginia is for Lovers" tourism campaign, the state has compiled a list of 40 free things to do on vacation in Virginia. A selection appears below, visit www.virginia.org for the complete list.

• Burke's Garden – This mountain-ringed bowl 10 miles in diameter holds some of the state’s most fertile farmland. The Tazewell County region is worth exploring by foot, bike or car; www.tazewellcounty.org/tourism/broch8.html
• Foamhenge at Natural Bridge – Enchanted Castle Studios has created a full-size foam replica of Stonehenge. Travelers are invited to bring their camera to try and fool their friends back home; www.naturalbridgeva.com/foamhenge.html
• Virginia Beach Boardwalk – America's longest commercial beach boasts a three-mile boardwalk bustling with family friendly recreational facilities and a premier selection of restaurants and shops. In summer, three oceanfront stages offer nightly entertainment; www.vbfun.com

Palm Beach County

From distinctive attractions and top notch festivals to an assortment of cultural venues, Palm Beach County’s sub-tropical paradise offers the perfect setting for any vacation; www.palmbeachfl.com.

• Clematis by Night (Thursdays) – Every Thursday night from 6-9 p.m. Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach is home to the award-winning Fountainside Concert Series, featuring rock, R&B, reggae, blues, soul and swing music.
• TurtleFest 2009 (April 25) – This free, family friendly event takes place at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, one of the most heavily nested sea turtle beaches in the world. Visitors will enjoy live entertainment on two stages, educational workshops, enviro-friendly vendors, arts & crafts, kids’ games, marine-themed merchandise, sea turtle viewing and more; www.marinelife.org.
• Sunset Celebration & Art Show (Thursdays) – This free weekly art show features over 35 artists, live local musicians and great food and drink hosted by Sailfish Marina, Resort and Restaurant on Singer Island.

Utah

In the heart of the American West is a rare place where nature takes center stage and there are more trees than buildings and more wide open spaces than highways. A few of Utah's free, "don't miss" happenings include:

• Mountain Town Stages, Park City – Every summer, Mountain Town Stages organizes free outdoor concerts on Wednesday nights at Deer Valley Resort. They also partner with The Canyons Resort to host a Saturday summer concert series which will run from July 18 through and August 29; www.mountaintownstages.com
• MoTab Choir, Salt Lake City – The ever-popular Mormon Tabernacle Choir offers visitors the chance to watch and listen to free rehearsal concerts on Thursday evenings. Music lovers are also welcome to join the free world broadcast performances each Sunday morning; www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/events

Providence

Rhode Island's capital Providence is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends urban sophistication with graceful, small-town charm, complemented by internationally acclaimed restaurants and a thriving arts scene; www.goprovidence.com

• WaterFire (early May through the end of October) – Returning for its 14th year, this award-winning art installation created by Barnaby Evans consists of more than 100 bonfires blazing through the three rivers of downtown Providence. The flickering firelight is complimented by the movement of the crowd and beat of international music; www.waterfire.org
• Rhode Island School of Design Museum (last Saturday of each month) – For 2009 the museum will offer "Free-for-All Saturday" where visitors can enjoy free admission and access to activities, including hands-on workshops, performances, and presentations and videos by special gallery quests; www.risdmuseum.org or 401-454-6674

Charleston

Cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved antebellum architecture are juxtaposed with modern amenities in Charleston, S.C. Summertime is ideal for visitors to get out and explore its museums, festivals and variety of attractions; www.charlestoncvb.com

• Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center – Located at Liberty Square, the education center is a free, open, green space dedicated to those who have sacrificed in the name of liberty. Historic artifacts, museum exhibits and interpretive programs set the stage for a visit to Fort Sumter; www.nps.gov/fosu
• Avery Institute Center, College of Charleston – The Avery was established in 1985 to tell the story of African American history. The center's galleries and other public spaces house permanent displays and installations and are sites for workshops and lectures, poetry readings, book signings, receptions, jazz performances and art exhibitions; www.cofc.edu/avery
• Folly Beach on James Island – Affectionately known as the "Edge of America," Folly Beach is one of the best surfing destinations on the East Coast and is home to the Wahine contest in May. Its famed fishing pier, which extends more than 1,045 feet into the Atlantic, hosts fishing tournaments and amateur anglers alike; www.follybeach.com

Atlantic City

The New Jersey seaside resort that made its reputation 150 years ago on hype and hospitality is now a modern, energetic destination providing an ever-growing mix of attractions; www.atlanticcitynj.com

• Seventh Annual Airshow (Aug 19) – The destination's signature summer event will include performances and demonstrations by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights. Past airshows have included demonstrations and flybys by the Coast Guard, Navy and Air National Guard.