Under $100: Ann Arbor, Mich.

With its refined cultural offerings, renowned natural beauty and diverse culinary scene, Ann Arbor is regularly rated one of the top places to live in the United States and an equally great destination to visit.

Ann Arbor, also known as the Great Lake State, is situated on the Huron River, offering several affordable outdoor activities from kayaking and canoeing to riverside walks and picnics. Nicknamed Tree Town, Ann Arbor boasts more than 50,000 trees along its picturesque streets and even more in its parks. Nature lovers can visit the Matthaei Botanical Gardens or Nichols Arboretum, a 123-acre arboretum containing hundreds of plant and tree species. Admission is free for both exhibits.

Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor offers several world-class research centers, theaters and museums dedicated to art, archaeology, natural history and the sciences. Find the Fairy Doors, installation artwork throughout the downtown area, or stop by the historic State Theater for an offbeat independent film for as little as $8. For a true taste of the American Midwest, see a show at the iconic Purple Rose Theater founded by actor and musician Jeff Daniels in the city’s old town of Chelsea. Visitors in July can catch the Ann Arbor Art Fair, or visit in March for the Ann Arbor Film Festival.

Along with its rich cultural offerings, Ann Arbor distinguished itself in recent years as a popular culinary and craft beer destination. Grab a drink at Bill’s Beer Garden, an outdoor hotspot offering local wine and beer in a laid-back atmosphere complete with fire pits, and popular local Mark Carts, where you can grab a bite to bring into the beer garden.

For one of the best cappuccinos in the city, stop into Comet Coffee in Nickels Arcade, a covered shopping district. For great pizza, visit Neo Papalis, an affordable spot offering custom pizzas and unique flavors like the chicken curry pizza, as well as large fresh salads. The Lunch Room offers creative vegetarian and vegan dishes and organic wines, and Krazy Jim’s Blimpyburger is known for its burgers, freshly ground daily. End a day in Ann Arbor with a classic handcrafted cocktail from Goodnight Gracie Martini & Jazz Bar.

Getting around the city is easy and affordable with the zero-fare bus service within and between the University of Michigan campuses, ideal for getting to the museums, and several bus services throughout the city that offer daily passes for $4.50.