Here near Sacramento, Calif., we are lucky enough to be the location of our state's fair. In the spirit of saving some dough, my friends and I visited the fair instead of taking longer vacations, and found the savings well worth it. Not only did the fair have more fried food then you can shake a stick at (a guilty pleasure at fair time), but this year's theme of "Hollywood" had exhibits with costumes and props from some of our favorite movies (Talladega Nights, Batman Begins), and the DeLoren from Back to the Future. Us city girls got to see baby pigs, sheep, cows and quail, see the horse that played Seabiscuit, and pet chinchillas. The fair had art shows, car shows, floriculture and forestry exhibits, free concerts and of course the Midway rides for adults and kids. There was even one kiddie ride powered by cow methane. We did have to deal with sweltering heat, but we're used to it being natives of the Golden State.

All in all, we each paid about $20 for entry fees, parking, gas and some food. Rides would have cost us more, and if you have kids most likely you won't escape the fair without at least letting them ride the tilt-a-whirl. Had we gone away, say to the Calif. coast we would have had to pay for a hotel, filling up the gas tank at least twice, food for multiple days not to mention attractions or entrance fees. $20 could easily have become $100 (or more).

Take some time to use the Internet and find out what kinds of fun attractions are nearby. There could be historic places, parks, hiking, rivers or lakes. You can save money by getting a group of friends or family together at a local park for a BBQ and picnic. You will save on gas, lodging, and food expenses and still be able to enjoy that last free weekend before the school bell rings.