Under $100: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

The resort town of Coeur d’Alene is one of Idaho’s most fascinating destinations. The outdoor mecca boasts scenic lakes, mountain escapes and a small town charm that is hard to replicate. It’s also affordable!

Start out with a spaghetti breakfast at The Garnet Café for just less than $15. From there make your way to the Museum of North Idaho. It offers multimedia exhibits and artifacts covering CDA’s extensive logging history and details how the town came to be. Entrance is only $10.

Next make your way to Tubbs Hill. This scenic, natural space is near downtown and boasts some of the best views of the town and surrounding wildlife. It’s just a quick walk to the heart of the city, where you can spend some time mingling with locals or grabbing a coffee at any of the quaint shops along Sherman Avenue.

Head over to Best Sandwich Shack for lunch. Zagat dubbed its sandwiches the best in Idaho and one will only cost you $11.

Since CDA is best known for its stunning scenery, hop in the car and go for a spin on the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway. The Thompson Lake Birding Station and the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes are both popular stops along the way, and won’t cost you anything more than a little gas.

Once back in town take some time to check out the Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch. This delightful farm is teeming with alpacas and other animals you can interact with. It’s a great way to learn about farming, which plays a huge role in Idaho’s economy, while snuggling with adorable creatures. A tour costs $10.

Finally, end the day with a delicious meal at Cedar’s Floating Restaurant for terrific views right on the lake for roughly $30.