Photo Credit: Joey Gannon- http://www.flickr.com/photos/brunkfordbraun/113595395/

Going to Pittsburgh on a tight budget? The Steel City has plenty of options for budget travelers. You can watch movies, see concerts, explore nature and go on group bike rides, all without opening your wallet.

1- Frick Woods Nature Reserve and Environmental Center

The 151-acre Frick Woods Nature Reserve provide a beautiful alternative to urban Pittsburgh. The reserve is the entrance into many of the city’s natural trails, where you can spend a whole afternoon on foot or bike. In addition, the Frick Woods Nature Reserve provides educational nature programs year-round.

2- Allegheny County Summer Series

Every summer Allegheny County hosts a series of free concerts throughout the county’s public parks. Acts include jazz, classical and popular musicians, and this summer include Yo la Tengo, Rusted Root, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the Pittsburgh Opera.

3- Group Bike Rides

If you’ve brought a bike with you on your visit, Pittsburgh has a number of mass bike rides for you to enjoy. Like many cities, Pittsburgh hosts a Critical Mass bike ride on the last Friday of every month. Those looking for a slower, more polite ride should check out Flock of Cycles, held on the second to last Friday of every month. Finally, if you’re after a nighttime experience, join the Midnight Mass bike ride. These intense, fast paced rides begin at midnight on the first Friday of each month. Whatever experience you’re looking for, Pittsburgh has the urban biking experience for you!

4- Point State Park

Pittsburgh’s Point State Park lies at the convergence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. This beautiful area, right in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, was the location of Fort Duquesne and Pitt, built during the French and Indian War. Point State Park preserves their memory with the Fort Pitt Museum, which lies inside the Park. Spend a day at this historically and geographically significant spot!

5- Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park

Enjoy the outdoors and great films at the same time! Dollar Bank Cinema will be hosting free movie screenings at parks around Pittsburgh. This summer’s selection includes Up, How to Train Your Dragon, The Blind Side, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Screenings occur at different times for different parks. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy!

6- The Frick Art and Historical Center

If you’re interested in the art and history of the American Gilded Age, the Frick Center is a must-visit! The museum’s collection of art includes work from both late 19th century America and Renaissance Europe. In addition to its art exhibits the center houses a collection of the Frick family’s antique cars. The building itself is a beautiful architectural remnant of Gilded Age-America.

7- Pittsburgh Bansai Society

Discover the art of bonsai with the Pittsburgh Bansai Society: one of the oldest bansai centers in the United States. Visitors can come to meetings regular meetings and learn about subjects such as horticulture and stone appreciation. The society additionally holds meetings and seminar where beginners can learn rudimentary techniques and develop an appreciation for bansai.

8- Roberto Clemente Memorial Park

Named after the Pittsburgh Pirate Roberto Clemente, this Park features a statue of the famous right fielder as well as a large garden and a Vietnam War memorial. The park also contains The Sculpture Court at Allegheny Landing: an outdoor collection of modern art sculptures. With Pittsburgh’s three rivers as a backdrop, the Roberto Clemente Memorial Park is a great way to get outside and enjoy the nature and history of the city.

Ski Areas of New York (ISKINY) has teamed up with lodging properties to bring you three special ski & stay weekends this winterwhere if you ski and stay two nights you get a third one FREE! The special weekends are January 9th, February 6th, and March 6th. The third night lodging and day skiing can be used for a Thursday stay Friday day skiing/riding or Sunday stay Monday day skiing/riding.

McCurtain County Announces ‘Cozy Fireplace’ Discounted Winter Rates. Tourism is booming in Southeast Oklahoma, primarily due to North Texans. To say thank you and welcome back, most McCurtain County lodging operators have lowered their winter rates.

At the Viceroy Palm Springs, the “Breathe Easy” package offers 25% off all of your resort purchases. That includes your room, as well as spa services, meals, beverages and the resort fee.

$104 a night for Boston’s 4-Diamond Waterfront Hotel. This AAA 4-Diamond hotel is less than three miles from historic Back Bay, Faneuil Hall and Logan International Airport. The Westin Boston Waterfront features complimentary shuttle service to nearby attractions and a number of dining choices, including Sauciety restaurant, Starbucks and Birch Bar.

$89-$111 a night for an upscale Pittsburgh Riverfront Hotel. It’s hard to beat the Sheraton’s location, adjacent to Station Square, the city’s entertainment hub, filled with upscale restaurants, shops and nightlife. The Station Square Dock of the Gateway Clipper Fleet is also just a short walk from the hotel. This tourist highlight showcases a collection of the country’s premier riverboats, and is perfect for sightseeing, dining or even dancing cruises along Pittsburgh’s three rivers.

$149 a night at this South Beach All-Suite Hotel in Miami with private beach access and an On-Site Fitness Center.

$109 a night for a Riviera Maya 4-Star All-Inclusive Resort with all-suite accommodations, 12 swimming pools, and a family-friendly Kid’s Club.

$699 for a St. Lucia All-Inclusive 4 Nights special, with Airfare. Come experience Almond Resorts All-Inclusive Caribbean Vacation in Barbados and St. Lucia. Book now though, as this sale ends Monday!

West Hollywood Shopping Package. From now through January 10, this trendy hotel is offering a remarkable shopping package with rates starting at $295/night. In addition to the free valet parking, visitors will also receive $100 hotel credit, which can be applied to their room bill, or bar and restaurant tab.

San Francisco, CA (SFO) To Miami, FL (MIA) from $134 RT when you travel with Northwest Airlines. Saturday night minimum stay required, and there’s a 14 days advance purchase requirement.

And finally, remember that there are several travel-related charities and nonprofits that can use some help, no matter how little you can afford to give. One such organization was highlighted in today’s NY Times: Passports With Purpose, a two-year-old organization raising money to build, outfit and support a school in rural Cambodia, that has raised nearly $20k for AAfC and have enough money to build a school and provide safe drinking water and a school nurse.