Our Guide To Summer

You might be wondering why, in the week that the NATO summit has arrived in all its diplomatic, paranoia-inducing, protester-luring glory, we at the Reader have devoted so much ink to the topic of travel.

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In fantasizing about where we might go this weekend if we could leave—and keeping that fantasy in check, meaning within a reasonable budget—we compiled three itineraries for $100, $200, and $300, along with a wildcard one. Of course, feel free to take us up on these trips all summer long. And feel free to take us with you.

May your summer—or at least your options for enjoying it—be endless. —Mara Shalhoup

Road trip: Spiritual guidance, and bourbon, in Louisville ($100)

Camp in the hills, catch Shakespeare in the park, ride the Bluegrass Parkway—and don’t forget to come back for Lebowski Fest

Road trip: Living the castle life in southern Illinois ($200)

Sleep in style, explore the Little Grand Canyon, tour some wineries—then sober up at a ghost town

Road trip: Bourgie on a budget in Lake Forest ($300)

How to fake your way into the northern suburbs’ upper echelon

Wildcard road trip: Being a loser in northwest Indiana (wildcard)

How to spend 24 hours and $2,000 at Ameristar casino

Calendar: 110 things to do this summer

A summery thing to do every day, from now until Labor Day

Our guide to reaping the harvest of farmers markets

Where to support local farmers and buy groceries that taste like actual food

Starving for sunshine? Feast on these 21 restaurant patios

A few of our favorite spots if you’re starving for sunshine