Let's face it, taking a vacation is tough these days. Everyone's tightening their belts these days, and airfare alone to get far from Wisconsin might be more than you've budgeted for a getaway. But the time-honored road trip may be just what you need this summer -- a fun escape on just a tank or two of gas. Fortunately, we've come up with a few car trips that won't break the bank. Pack a lunch and get going.

Marinette County (approximate round-trip mileage from Milwaukee: 350)

Wisconsin really has two versions of "Up North." There's central Wisconsin, with pristine Eagle River and Minoqua, and there's northeastern Wisconsin: Peshtigo, Marinette and points north. Nothing against heading straight up Highway 39 or 151, but that's a long, long drive. Marinette County, on the other hand, takes less than three hours, and you might find the destination much more approachable and affordable.

With recently completed upgrades on Highways 41 and 141, it's an easy drive to Marinette County, the waterfall capital of Wisconsin. Just bear right as you pass through Green Bay, and you'll be up there in about an hour.

Marinette County is huge, the size of Rhode Island, and that means there are different things to do in different parts of the area. If you like the small-town Main Street feel, swing east to Peshtigo, Marinette and into Michigan's Upper Peninsula at Menominee. If you want to go rural, where the activities range from supper clubs to tiny taverns to lake activities, then head to north to Crivitz, Wausaukee and Amberg.

Either way, you'll be in a completely different world than Milwaukee, where the air is clean and the stars are clear and bright. Lets take a look at your options:

Water sports: The area is loaded with rivers (304) and lakes (444) with ample public boat landings. Lake Noquebay in Crivitz is the big boy, some 2,409 acres around, and offers full recreational possibilities. Or you can discover some of the smaller lakes or chains, like High Falls Reservoir, which have personalities of their own.

Nature: If you're not a water sports person, you can avail yourself of zillions of snowmobile and ATV routes. The county literally sports 500 miles of snowmobile trails and 220 miles of ATV trails. Obviously, hunting is huge up here, too. But even better are Marinette County's 12 beautiful waterfalls. Part of the county park system, you can hike through these scenic formations. Dave's Falls in Amberg and 12 Foot Falls in are two of the best.

Dining: Variety isn't the name of the game up here, but the supper club scene is thriving. Marinette County has dozens, but some of the best are Athlestane's Nimrod Inn (N12808 County Rd. A), Wausaukee's Newingham's (722 Main St.)and Crivitz's Renee's Supper Club (W11581 County Rd. X). These are all meat and potato places, and while they're not cheap, they certainly cost much, much less than steakhouses in Milwaukee. And dressing up isn't necessary here. You'd look out of place if you didn't wear jeans.

Nightlife: If you think Milwaukee is a hard-drinking down, then belly up to the bar Up North and prepare to be put to shame. This is an area that still serves $1 tappers and Bloody Marys. Obviously, it's a fairly homogeneous scene of country music and locals, but many of these bars are a great time. Check out The Chippewa in Wausaukee (803 Main St.) and Caldron Falls Bar and Grill in Crivitz (W12326 Parkway Rd.), home of the annual pig wrestling competition each summer).

Shopping: Shopping is a little hit and miss Up North, and each tiny town might have one or two places worth stopping. You'll find lots of antique and crafts shops spread through this huge county, but Peshtigo and Marinette will offer the most options.

Lodging: Camp for $10 (Wausuakee), visit a friend's cabin or go upscale at the Four Seasons Resort in Pembine. The most you'll spend will be at the Four Seasons, where rooms start at about $170 per night. But tons of mom and pop motels abound. And if you go off-season, the motels get much, much cheaper.

More: Just go Up North to relax. Sit around a campfire. Linger around at the little shops and bars. Catch a Crivitz Ski Cats waterskiing show. Learn about America's most tragic fire at the Peshtigo Fire Musem, or visit during the Marinette County Fair (Aug. 27-30, 2009) and experience an awesome event with a demolition derby that residents take very seriously.