One of America’s great walking cities, Milwaukee has views of Lake Michigan that are as majestic as Chicago’s but without the Windy City’s high prices. First, visit the opulent 1892 Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion (414-931-0808; pabstmansion.com). Next, admire more grand turn-of-the-20th-century mansions along Lake Drive. The hog-packed Harley-Davidson Museum (414-287-2789; www.harley-davidson.com) is also worth a visit. Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport — the “secret” alternative to Chicago’s O’Hare, 80-some miles south — is serviced by low-cost carriers and much easier to navigate. — Photo courtesy of minnowimages/Aurora