8
Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania
Many assume Philadelphia
is the capital of Pennsylvania, but
Harrisburg actually lays claim to that
title. Most visitors head to Harrisburg
to indulge all their Willy Wonka
dreams at nearby Hersheypark, a
chocolate-themed amusement park
founded in 1906. However, visitors can
also enjoy outdoor activities, both
on and off the Susquehanna River,
as well as historical and cultural
enrichment at the National Civil War
Museum, the Brew Barons Beer Trail,
the Beaux-Arts Pennsylvania State
Capitol Complex, and the
Susquehanna Art Museum,
which is housed in a former
bank. Riverfront Park and
City Island are worth a
stroll — and totally free —
and the massive Midtown
Scholar Bookstore, a
renovated 1920s theater,
is perfect for hunting used
book bargains.
9
Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City can get pretty pricey,
but stick to its outskirts and you'll find
great deals. Book a hotel in the suburbs and
you can easily ride the L into the city for just
a few dollars. Chicago also has a ton of free
things to do: You can stroll Navy Pier, snap a
mirrored selfie at the Bean in Millennium Park,
attend an event beneath the world's largest
Tiffany dome at the Chicago Cultural Center,
hit the scenic Lakefront Trail, stroll the Chicago
Riverwalk, and visit the Lincoln Park Zoo — all
without cracking open your wallet. Pro tip: A
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza will set you back
less than $20, but it easily feeds a group (or
makes for great leftovers).
