Under $100: Cleveland

Cleveland is the quietly confident middle child of the United States. It has undergone a lot of hardship over the last half century, but in spite of economic challenges, crippling pollution and a brief stint as the bombing capital of the United States in 1976, it maintained its creative, upbeat and down-to-earth spirit. This town has a heart at its core, but she’s nobody’s fool either and while the country passed on this place, calling it the mistake on the lake, Cleveland was quietly and confidently laying the groundwork for a comeback.

A day in Cleveland can take many forms. When in doubt begin in the city center and radiate from there. Cleveland does have a bus and rapid transit system. These are reliable for navigating the downtown area, but if you have access to a car, this will allow you to take the most advantage of the city.

Start your day with a hike through the emerald necklace, a valley park system that surrounds the city on its east, west and southern sides ($0). From there head to the Westside Market. Grab a pastry and walk around this beautiful old building and window shop ($10). Head east and take a spin through Public Square, check out the architecture of Terminal Tower and the Old Arcade ($0), then grab a bite to eat ($20) down by the river at Collision Brewery. During lunch you can decide which museum you are going to tackle: the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ($23.50) or the Cleveland Museum of Art ($0)? Spend your afternoon at one of these and then go to the Coventry neighborhood for a coffee ($5).

In the evening head back to the west side for dinner at Spice Kitchen and Bar. This restaurant is located in the historic arts district of Gordon Square. Enjoy a multicourse meal ($50) and then take in a show or peruse the galleries of this pleasantly industrial part of town.