Summer travel ‘09: Freebies across the USA

“Even in hard times, everyone deserves fun in the sun. To kick off the summer travel season, USA TODAY’s Travel staff tracked down free events and attractions in every state (and the District of Columbia).

Here a sample.  Click link below for each state and more

Arizona
The Sonoran Desert skies are among the best for stargazing — which is why the world’s largest collection of optical research telescopes is housed at Kitt Peak National Observatory, 56 miles southwest of Tucson on the Tohono O’odham Reservation. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the visitor center has self-guided walking tours and downloadable audio tours. 520-318-8726, noao.edu/kpno— Chris Gray Faust

Arkansas
Who knew Arkansas had its own wine country? For that matter, who knew Arkansas had a Paris? Both lie in the bucolic Arkansas River Valley, northwest of Little Rock, where four wineries on Highway 186 South — Mount Bethel, Post Familie Winery, Wiederkehr Wine Cellars and Chateau Aux Arc — offer free tours and tastings. Nearby in Paris, Cowie Wine Cellars harbors the Arkansas Historic Wine Museum. 800-628-8725, arkansas.com— Jayne Clark

California
Nothing says endless summer more than a concert on the beach. From June 19-Sept. 4, Santa Cruz will host Free Friday Night Bands on the Beach at the bandstand near the boardwalk. The lineup is heavy on the ’80s, with acts such as The Fixx, Loverboy and Scandal on tap. Two shows nightly. 831-423-5590, beachboardwalk.com— Chris Gray Faust

Florida

Unleash your inner Top Gun at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. The world’s largest naval aviation museum sports 150 restored military aircraft. Free options include guided museum tours, outdoor trolley tours and the chance to get your hands on the controls (via the cockpit trainers) of an F-14 Tomcat, A-6 Intruder and more. Plus, the Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron rehearses here most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. 850-452-3604, navalaviationmuseum.org— Jayne Clark

Georgia
They may be turning 25 this year, but the Cabbage Patch Kids haven’t aged a day since creating a frenzy at toy stores nationwide when they were first mass-marketed in 1983-84. About 120 million “adoptions” later, a new BabyLand General Hospital in Cleveland, 1½ hours north of Atlanta, is due this fall. (Meanwhile, the original birthing center nearby remains open.) The tours may be free, but the kids aren’t. Some of the original soft-sculpture babes have been “re-adopted” for up to $50,000. 706-865-2171,cabbagepatchkids.com.— Jayne Clark

Hawaii
Honolulu’s revitalized Chinatown not only provides a glimpse into Oahu’s multi-culti heritage, it’s a hotbed of hip galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Check out the scene at the neighborhood’s First Friday, when artists open their doors from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and musicians often play. firstfridayhawaii.com— Chris Gray Faust

Maine

Even if the lousy economy puts a crimp on sales of L.L. Bean kayaks and sailing gear this summer, cash-strapped shoppers at the company’s flagship store in Freeport can tune in to local and national artists at the 11th annual Summer Concert Series. This year’s lineup includes Patty Loveless and Asleep at the Wheel; shows start at 7:30 on Saturday nights from June 27-Sept. 6. 877-755-2326; llbean.com/events— Laura Bly ” (via usatoday.com)

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