Keeping up with the Kimptons: A Photo Tour of Kimpton Hotels

advertisement

Chicago, Illinois
The hub of the Midwest is not only an affordable destination, but flights to its O’Hare and Midway airports are reasonable, too. Chicago is, at heart, a working-class town, where locals know how to have fun on a shoestring. It also has cheap public transit, and, since many of its trains are elevated, they allow for great and affordable neighborhood tours. Don’t miss trying the city’s famous deep-dish pizza, and remember: one slice of it is like two (or more) slices of a regular pie, saving you money, though not necessarily calories. Hot Tix sells discounted theater, comedy, and cabaret tickets, and cards such as CityPass or Go Chicago are worthwhile, flat-rate investments as they get you discounts and head-of-the-line perks at the SkyDeck in the 103-story Willis Tower, the Chicago Art Institute, and other attractions

Nashville, Tennessee
You don’t have to be a country-music buff to enjoy kicking up your heels in jovial Music City. It’s home to several legendary recording studios and live-music venues, including the Ryman Auditorium, where the acoustics are so good, it’s served as both. The Country Music Hall of Fame is definitely worth a visit, despite an $18 admission fee, if only to see Elvis Presley’s “solid gold” Cadillac, among a million other musical artifacts. A more eclectic and affordable homage to world history awaits, however, at Centennial Park. For just $6, you can see a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon and the 41-foot-tall statue of the goddess that’s Athena inside. Barbecue and fried chicken top many Nashville menus, so, for less than the cost of a pair of blue-suede shoes, you can eat like a king.