These days, trying to get away for a weekend seems either indulgent or impossible, given the state of the economy; the irony being, the bad news really makes you want to escape reality.

In reality, a one-night getaway doesn't have to break the bank. We've found ten destinations where you can spend $150 or less a day, and still feel like you're a world away from the harsh realities of everyday life.

One of the country's oldest cities is celebrating its history with hundreds of free events, from wine and jazz festivals to art exhibits and historic reenactments. Pensacola Beach's soft white sand and emerald waters are just the start of the outdoor experience, which includes free live beach concerts in the summer and the beach pier -- one of the longest in the world. Other freebies include the National Museum of Aviation, the Pensacola Art Museum and the historic lighthouse. The Coffee Cup is a delight for diners-on-a-dime, with huge and cheap breakfasts -- most platters under $5.99. For seafood lovers on a budget, there's no better stop than 25 cent oysters and $2 drafts at Atlas Oyster House on Sunday and Mondays, or try the $5.99 seafood po'boys at the Shrimp Basket on Perdido Key. After a day in the sun, sleep tight at the recently renovated Quality Inn Pensacola with rates starting at $55/night.

Hiking is an easy and inexpensive way to experience the grandeur of Albuquerque's landscape; drive to the top of Sandia Peak and head out on one of the trails there, or stroll under a canopy of cottonwoods along the Rio Grande in Rio Grande State Park. Old Town's historic charms include 18th century architecture complemented by shops filled with Native American jewelry and artwork; head to Petroglyph National Monument to view centuries-old rock drawings ($1 parking fee). Explore the history of hot air ballooning in ABQ at the International Balloon Museum ($4), and end the day with a happy-hour margarita and the world famous salsa at El Pinto; add a huge plate of nachos for under $10, it feeds a small crowd. Another cheap must-eat are the foot-longs at the Dog House Drive In, where you can fill up for under $5 -- cash only. There are loads of lodging options under $80/night throughout the city in every star rating.

This tiny peninsula is packed with inexpensive year-round fun. It all starts at the beaches on Lake Michigan; choose from the public beaches in Egg Harbor, Fish Creek and some of the other villages, or head to Cave Point County Park to hike the trails or explore the limestone sea caves. Festival season starts in May and continues throughout the summer, with free activities and concert; fishermen can cast a line in what's become one of the country's best locations for smallmouth bass. The small boutiques and unusual shops throughout Door County lure shoppers, and a handful of lighthouses are open to the public either for free or a small admission. The Door, as the area is called, is chock-full of B&Bs and small hotels and inns ranging from the elegant to the basic; try Journey's End ($60 -- $90/night, depending on the season) for a comfortable stay. Dining in the Door runs from famous fish boils to ultra-casual sandwich shops.

Knoxville is a destination full of free or nearly free activities. Learn about the city's contribution to country music through the Cradle of Country Music walking tour, a self-guided journey through the lives of Dolly Parton, Roy Acuff and others. Hit the downtown visitor's center just before lunch for the daily Blue Plate Special, a local radio show featuring some of the region's best musicians, and grab a bite to eat from the in-center cafe for under $7. Ijams Nature Center offers hiking trails of all lengths and difficulties, as well as guaranteed glimpses of wildlife. Head a bit out of town to America's Secret City -- Oak Ridge National Laboratory -- where the A-bomb was invented. Try Long's Drug Store for an authentic soda fountain experience -- and under-$6 burger and fries, or taste a bit of Mississippi at Mary's Tamales, where a dozen of the cornmeal-wrapped meat treats will run you about $4.

It's often overshadowed by its better-known neighbor -- Dallas --but < a target="_blank" href="http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/Fort+Worth-Texas-United+States:368354:Fort+Worth-destination-guide">Fort Worth is a must-visit, especially when budget is a consideration. Start with the twice-daily cattle drive through the Stockyards Historic District, and follow up that bit of cowboy culture by wandering through the area?s boutiques and funky shops. Move from cowboy to culture with visits to the Amon Carter, Kimball and Sid Richardson museums -- all offer free admission and stunning works of art, from the Kimball's all-encompassing collection to the Richardson's focus on the works of American greats Russell and Remington. Cheap eats are easy to come by in Fort Worth; try Joe T. Garcia's for an under-$10 huge plate of chicken fajitas that can be shared, or hit the Hunter Brothers' H3 Ranch inside the historic Stockyards hotel for a filling stack of flapjacks at $6.25.

St. Louis may just be the best city in the country for freebies, with dozens fee-free attractions including the Saint Louis Zoo, Grant's Farm, the Saint Louis Science Center and Saint Louis Art Museum. The Gateway Arch & Museum is an inexpensive way to experience history ($7 for tram ticket; museum entry is free); The world class Missouri Botanical Garden ($8) is a serene and scenic way to while away a day. Foodies will love the inexpensive eats, from a hot dog and root beer at Fitz?s Root beer Factory at under $5, to a no-frills but filling breakfast at Uncle Bill's Pancake House from $5.95 and up. A few downtown hotels offer rates of $108 and less during off-season times, including the Hilton at the Ballpark and the Crown Plaza Riverfront, while the Red Roof Inn near Forest Park is a wallet-pleasing $80 -- $85 most of the year.

There has never been a better time to try your luck in Vegas with hotels offering screaming deals to lure gamblers; rates well under $100 are found at such names as Circus Circus, The Sahara and The Riviera. While playing in the casinos at the slots and tables will cost you, drinks are usually free, and there is plenty of non-gaming fun to be found at an inexpensive price or absolutely free. Most themed casinos have free attractions -- circus performers at Circus Circus, a flamingo habitat at the Flamingo, the sexy sirens at Treasure Island. Then there's the shopping -- M&M's World, the Forum Shops at Cesar's Palace, the meandering canal-front boutiques at The Venetian. The Southern Nevada Center for the Arts is a combination of gallery space and hands-on fun, while the Freemont Street Experience offers nightly performances and light shows.

Boston's history is on display everywhere one goes. Wander along the Freedom Trail -- just follow the colored bricks from the Commons all the way to the North End, where the Old North Church and its historic graveyard await, or climb aboard the U.S.S. Constitution, better known as Old Ironsides. Hike up the 294 steps to the Bunker Hill monument and some of the city's best views; head to the waterfront for some seriously cheap but standout seafood at No Name, the only wharf-front restaurant that's seriously no-frills that opened in 1917. A bowl of filling chowder runs $4.95, or fill up on one of the huge seafood plates for $11.95 and up. Spend a day in Cambridge, home to tony Harvard University, and dine on the cheap at Greek Corner, where Gyros are just $5.95. Lay your head at the John Hancock Hotel in the Back Bay area; it's convenient to all parts of town with rates starting some weekends at $103 / night.

The beautiful coastal city boasts plenty of inexpensive ways to while away the time. Walk along Benefit Street for a glimpse into 18th and 19th century life; it boasts 200 original Colonial buildings. The Athenaeum -- a historic library filled with rare books and manuscripts is a delight, while the Arcade -- the country's first indoor shopping mall -- is a must-see for its abundance of granite. From April through Labor Day, be a swan for a day in a swan-shaped paddle boat at Roger Williams Park ($5), followed by a stroll through the park's beautiful grounds. Man-made beauties come to light at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, a worthwhile splurge at $10 for the amazing collections housed here. Try the all-American cuisine at Handy Lunch for a quick and inexpensive breakfast or lunch, the Chez Pascal hot dog cart in Lippitt Park serves up gourmet dogs for under $5 from spring through early fall.

California and free aren't often found in the same paragraph -- but San Diego has a few freebies that bend that rule. The Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village and the Embarcadero -- the waterfront -- are all areas which feature restaurants and shopping -- plus beautiful views of cruise ships and the bay. Beaches are abundant, so find one that's near other attractions or piques your interest -- some are great surfing beaches. A Go San Diego Card ($27/day for mult-day pass) offers access to more than 50 attractions including the famous zoo and Legoland and is a worthwhile investment. Great and inexpensive eats -- from $3 tacos to $4 slices of pizza and more -- can be found at the ultra-casual eateries in the Seaport Village; try VG Donuts & Bakery for fresh-from the-oven, inexpensive donuts. The Sheraton San Diego offers rooms for just under $100/night.

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