Under $100: Phoenix

Always sunny and warm year-round with a picturesque desert setting, Phoenix can be a great getaway.

The Monte Cristo Breakfast Sandwich at Morning Glory Cafe, Phoenix, Arizona © Brad greenlee | Flickr

Begin your day at The Farm at South Mountain at the Morning Glory Café, an outdoor-dining experience that welcomes the whole family, pets included. The menu includes local and organic ingredients, including house-made pastries, breakfast sausages and veggies. Breakfast offerings start at $8 and include tasty offerings such as homemade granola and fruit and their farm Monte Cristo.

Glass Art by Dale Chihuly in the Desert Botanical Garden © Thomas Vieth | Dreamstime

The Desert Botanical Garden makes an excellent spot for a mid-morning walk. They frequently have interesting exhibits and events occurring, and you can easily lose your sense of time wandering about the 140 acres of more than 50,000 plant displays. Adult admission is $22, but you can get in for free on every second Tuesday of the month.

Barrio Cafe © Johanna | Flickr

For a fun and authentically Mexican lunch, stop by the Barrio Café. They have live music on Sundays starting at noon and lots of margaritas to choose from. Their menu begins at $15, including everything from seared duck breast to chorizo-filled crepes, and proudly instructs their diners to “conserve water — drink tequila.”

Cactus Leage Baseball, Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres at Salt River Fields © Daniel Raustadt | Dreamstime

If you’re visiting during the spring, you can catch a spring training baseball game for as little as $5 per ticket. Fifteen MLB teams practice in the Phoenix area and there are multiple games a day, giving you lots of options.

When dinner rolls around, the award-winning, Zagat-rated Liberty Market has a huge menu of tempting items all for affordable prices, with quite a few vegetarian and gluten free. From burgers to salads to pizza, everyone will find something they’ll enjoy. Dinner choices begin at $8.