Virginia

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

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We're all sick of hearing the depressing news about the economy, so why not take a vacation? It may sound like the last feasible thing to do as we're all trying to cut down on spending. But with many travel destinations slashing prices and offering added value to their lodging, a quick getaway might be just the ticket to relax and recharge. Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Deer Creek Resort and Conference Center in Ohio, Lake Quinault Lodge in Washington and Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado are destinations offering great specials this spring:

Shenandoah National Park Lodging's "Early Bird Special" offers $104 room rate – more than 30 percent in savings – on traditional lodging at Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge on Mondays through Thursdays and includes breakfast for two. Everyone comes to Shenandoah for the fall foliage, but locals in the area say spring – with the abundant wildflowers and no crowds – is the best time to visit this park.

And one of the best ways to visit Shenandoah National Park is with friends. For women, taking a trip with the girls can be the perfect way to escape the stresses of everyday life and come back feeling ready to take on the world again. This season, Shenandoah National Park Lodging is inviting women to grab a girlfriend, leave their Blackberries behind (okay, maybe not, but at least turn off work email!) and explore the serene panoramic views and unique wildlife that the park has to offer with the Girlfriend Getaway package. Read more