Cheapskate alert
Need to squeeze the most out of your travel dollar? Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine has deemed these the best 10 cities for cheapskates. They all have plenty of free or affordable entertainment and cultural offerings, low housing costs and lots of dollar stores for the price-conscious shopper. St. Louis’ rich assortment of free museums propelled it into the top position.
1. St. Louis
2. El Paso, Texas
3. Springfield, Ill.
4. Kalamazoo, Mich.
5. Spokane, Wash.
6. San Antonio
7. Eau Claire, Wis.
8. South Bend, Ind.
9. Jonesboro, Ark.
10. Wichita, Kan.
A bang-up Fourth
If budget cuts spelled the end of your local Independence Day fireworks, you may be looking to spend the Fourth elsewhere. Some options:
Lake Tahoe: The July 4 fireworks display at South Lake Tahoe has been called “breathtaking” by no less than the American Pyrotechnics Association. Details: http://tahoesouth.com. At North Tahoe, look for fireworks July 3 at Kings Beach and July 4 in Tahoe City and in Truckee. Details: www.gotahoenorth.com.
Orange County: Huntington Beach’s 108th annual Fourth of July celebration will feature a morning parade and fireworks over the ocean at the city pier. Details: www.hb4thofjuly.org.
San Diego: Count on this military-heavy area for a fabulous Fourth. Coronado boasts a huge daytime parade. At night, half a million people flock to the waterfront for fireworks over San Diego Bay. Details: www.ecoronado.com/4th; www.sandiego.org.
Mendocino County: Two hometown parades, two fireworks shows. Fort Bragg will celebrate July 4; Point Arena’s events will take place July 7-8. Details: www.mendocino.com/july4th.html.
