FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 6, 2008

100 FREE (AND ALMOST FREE) THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON, DC

It's no secret that economic woes are causing Americans to stretch their dollars further and further. And Destination DC is always looking for ways to make a trip to Washington, DC easy on the wallet, most recently by creating a list of 100 Free (and Almost Free) Things to Do in Washington, DC. From pandas at the National Zoo and stars at Rock Creek Park's planetarium, to soul food at Oohhs and Aahhs and historic landmarks like Arlington National Cemetery, DC offers activities for free and on the cheap for any visitor. Below are a few of our favorite free activities and cheap eats, but click here to see the complete list.

Free Activities

• Feel the beat of a local tradition: head to Meridian Hill Park on Sundays (weather-permitting) between 3pm and 9pm to hear the famous drum circle, a fixture in the park for more than 40 years that brings people together from all different backgrounds to hear drum beats and watch African dancing. For a hands-on experience, bring your own drum to join in.
  
• See the stars in Rock Creek Park at the only planetarium operated by the National Park Service.
  
• Head to Gravelly Point, a park area off the George Washington Memorial Parkway, to watch the planes take off from Reagan National Airport.
  
• Dance your way to The Lucky Bar in Dupont Circle on Monday nights, where free salsa lessons are offered at 8pm. Then practice the moves with your partner until last call.
  
• Get a behind-the-scenes look at the preservation of art in the Lunder Conservation Center. It's the first art conservation facility allowing the public permanent access to views of essential conservation work. There you'll see staff from the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum hard at work through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Cheap Eats

• The hand-written sign above the register inside Ben's Chili Bowl says that loyal supporter Bill Cosby is the only customer who can eat for free. But you can still eat for cheap at this city staple, where the famous chili half smoke is just $4.95.
  
• PS 7's doesn't cut corners when it comes to after-work specials. The fine dining restaurant offers its beer of the day for $2.50, its red, white and sparkling wine of the day for just $4/glass and many small plates in the lounge for under $10.
  
• Head over to Julia's Empanadas, where a variety of hand-made, freshly-baked empanadas are served for less than $5.

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About Destination DC: Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 1,000 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. Destinationdc.com.