Wondering how you can escape for a weekend, but stay within budget -- especially with the rising cost of fuel? Worry not -- there are plenty of budget-friendly travel options around the country, and especially in the Midwest, where the attractions range from big city museums to small town beaches. Here are 10 Midwestern favorites you can visit for $250 a day, or less.

Up Next: Weekend for only $161.80

Dine: Pick up sandwiches ($4.75) at the Bad Dog Deli on the Mission Peninsula for a picnic on the beach; Head over to the Republic?s caf? -- entrees start at about $5. For a hearty breakfast, head over to Omelette Shoppe & Bakery on Front Street for huge omelettes ($6.95).
Stay: A room with a view of the Grand Traverse Bay at the centrally located Bayshore Resort, starts at $95.
Play: Hit the wine trail on the Mission Peninsula for stunning views and fruit wines; depending on the season, stop along the way at the roadside stands offering cherries and jams.

Up Next: Weekend for only $220.60

Dine: Try Blu Coral in Bucktown for sushi starting at $6, or the North Side Bar & Grill for burgers starting at $6.95. Toast, at 746 Webster in Lincoln Park, offers fruit and toast combinations starting at $6.95.
Stay: The Travelodge Downtown is just a stone's throw from the Art Institute and theatres, and offers rates starting at $119/night.
Play: Hit Millennium Park for people watching, marveling at the reflective 'bean' sculpture and cool breezes off Lake Michigan, then head over to Navy Pier for a ride on the Ferris wheel ($11), weather permitting.

Up Next: Weekend for only $226

Dine: From the cheap tacos at Taco Morelos ($3.75 for 3 tacos) to upscale American at Shakers ($15 an entree, average) -- there's something for everyone. For breakfast, try Lucia's Bakery; delicious baked goods are $3-5.
Stay: At the centrally located Doubletree Guest Suites, from $139/night.
Play: Be dazzled by all that is the Mall of America and its seemingly endless array of stores and restaurants.

Next Stop: Weekend for only $230.80

Dine: BBQ, baby -- try Arthur Bryant's for a bit of grit and plenty of great taste from $7.95; Jack Stack in the Crossroads is a totally different, white-tablecloth, upscale 'cue, from $10 for a barbecue sandwich.
Stay: Stay in the hopping Crown Center area, at the Fairfield Inn for $119/night, including breakfast.
Play: Browse the galleries in the Crossroads, then hit the boards at the College Basketball Experience for a lot less than a seat at an NCAA game will cost you -- just $10.

Up Next: Weekend for only $230.80

Dine: Start your day at the Bagel Beanery with a gourmet breakfast sandwich ($6). Hit San Chez for the great tapas lunch special ($7.95). And for dinner, try Bar Divani; with pastas starting around $10, there are no worries about blowing the budget.
Stay: The Courtyard by Marriott is smack in the middle of all the downtown action, with rates starting at $139/night.
Play: The new Grand Rapids Art Museum is a budget-friendly $8 must-see; and of course hit a beach on nearby Lake Michigan -- ours is Grand Haven State Park.

Up Next: Weekend for only $239.80

Dine: Grab a meal at Al Johnson's; the Swedish pancakes ($6.95) are to die for but it's the resident goats that live on the roof that steal the show. For dinner, try the fish boil at the White Gull Inn for fresh whitefish with all the fixings ($61 for four).
Stay: Watch the sun come up over Lake Michigan from your room at the Blacksmith Inn. Rates start at $135/night and include a hearty continental breakfast.
Play: In the water, of course; there are dozens of public beaches accessible any time of year. Off-beach, create your own masterpiece at the Hands On Art Studio ($8 and up).
Up Next: Weekend for only $239.80

Dine: It doesn't get any better than Charlie Gitto's: start with fried ravioli ($11) and split a plate of pasta ($16-20). Or head to Fitz's Rootbeer Factory; chow down on huge gourmet hamburgers for under $13 per person. And don't miss Uncle Bill's Pancake House for all kinds of yummy breakfast dishes ($5.95).Stay: The Hampton Inn Downtown is close to major attractions -- and at $129/night (Including a hot breakfast), it's a slam-dunk for exploring the city.
Play: The Missouri Botanical Garden($8) is a scenic way to spend the day. Day two, tour the Arch ($10) and walk along the river.

Up Next: Weekend for only $242

Dine: Try Miss Katie's 50's style diner for their famous ribs ($10) or, head to Lakefront Palm Garden for a taste of a traditional Milwaukee-style Friday night fish-fry ($10). For breakfast, hit the City Market Cafe for a fresh breakfast: a half a grapefruit, muffin and coffee will run you $4.50.
Stay: The historic Ambassador Hotel is a chic place to lay your head -- and prices start at just $135/night.
Play: The dramatic Milwaukee Art Museum is a lakefront treat, with lush gardens in addition to the masters, and admission is just $8.

Up Next: Weekend for only $242.92

Dine: On huge burritos ($5) at The Comet, while taking in the best in local bands; or try some truly Cincy food (chili) at Gold Star, the home-team favorite of the NFL Bengals ($5.99). Fill up on apple pancakes or crepes at the Original Pancake House ($5.99).
Stay: At the Millennium Hotel, with packages starting at $139/night.
Play: Wander in the footsteps of freedom-seekers at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center($12), then visit Newport on the Levee for riverfront shopping and dining.

Up Next: Weekend for only $248

Dine: Start your engines with homemade granola at Three Sister's Cafe ($3-7). For lunch, the exotic pizza toppings at Bazbeaux don't come with an exotic price tag at $7-21 per pie. Or dine on casual fare ($8-12) at the Brickyard Crossing.
Stay: Spend the night in historic Pullman train cars at the Crowne Plaza, right on the tracks at Union Station for $155/night.
Play: Wander through the City Market -- part farmer's market, part restaurant collection. Then race over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum ($3) to check out the Indy cars and history of the race!

Up Next: More Travel Deals

As you're thinking about how to spend this summer's vacation time, consider taking some time out from stressful travel (i.e. crowded airports, expensive plane tickets, & the like) and hit the open road! What better way to spend some quality time with your family? Take a trip with no time table, no mandatory stops, and see how relaxing exploring the good ol' U.S. of A can be. For more summer vacation ideas, check out:

• Top 10 Family Theme Parks
• 10 Undiscovered National Parks
• Mexico's Best Adventures

Up Next: More Travel Features

Find inspiration and get great getaway ideas on AOL Travel.

• Family Vacations Under $250


• Luxury Hotels Under $250


• Inexpensive Luxury Hotels


• How To Get Best Hotel Rate


• Upscale Budget Hotels


• Top 10 Budget Destinations in the USA


• Top 10 Bargain Countries

Subscribe to the weekly
AOL Travel Newsletter today!