For Immediate Release:
July 27, 2010


                           It’s Not Too Late To Stay and Save in DC This Summer

Whether you come for the memorials, museums or festivals on America’s front yard, or the eclectic neighborhoods, funky events and insider hotspots that make up DC’s backyard, powerful memories and incredible values await in DC. And the city’s breathtaking vistas, inspiring monuments and memorials and numerous free attractions make it the perfect summer destination.

It’s not too late to score rates as low as $99/night with Destination DC’s Staying Power hotel packages, offering visitors the chance to save 30% on a three-night weekend stay (including a Thursday or Sunday night) when booking at Washington.org. Promotional rates will be available through Labor Day, and participating hotels include the family-friendly L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, the spacious Eldon Luxury Suites and  St. Gregory Hotel & Suites, the boutique-chic Topaz Hotel and more.

100 Free (and almost Free) Things to Do in DC
While in DC, visitors quickly learn that not only is it a city of powerful moments and rich history, but it’s also one offering monumental savings. It’s the capital of FREEdom, offering many free and affordable attractions and experiences. Consider seeing the giant pandas in action at the National Zoo, taking in breathtaking views of the city at the Old Post Office Pavilion or checking out DC’s longest running Salsa night at Lucky Bar with free lessons in Dupont Circle. Destination DC’s online list of “100 Free (and Almost Free) Things to Do in DC,” outlines these options, as well as many others, and can be found here.


Summer Events
Your late summer DC getaway won’t leave you at a loss for things to do. Consider any of these summer events to end your season on a high note:

Legg Mason Tennis Classic: July 31-August 8
William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park - Professional tennis action comes to the District in this annual tournament. Past winners include Andy Roddick, Mike and Bob Bryan, along with five-time champion Andre Agassi. Located in Rock Creek Park, the host facility is the William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center– a top-flight stadium with permanent seating for 7,500 spectators.

DanceDC Festival: August 20-22
Citywide—Discover DC’s dance scene in this 7th-annual festival, a three-day event that highlights local artists and ensembles performing live folk and traditional music and dance, with free family-friendly performances, workshops and more.

Shakespeare Free for All: August 27-September 12
Shakespeare Theatre - The name says it all—it’s Shakespeare, and even better, it’s free.  This year, “The Taming of the Shrew” will be performed at the new Sidney Harman Hall.  Make sure you get there early, though—tickets are handed out two hours before show time, and they go quickly.

Washington, DC Restaurant Week: August 16 – 22
Citywide - This bi-annual tradition encourages visitors and locals alike to sample some of the region’s top restaurants with special three-course, fixed-price meals. To correspond with the year, lunches are priced and $20.10 and dinners at $35.10.

DC Blues Festival: September 4
Carter Barron Amphitheater-The DC Blues Society’s free annual festival features live blues by outstanding local and national acts in a fun-filled outdoor setting in Rock Creek Park. (202) 962-0112.

Labor Day Weekend: September 4-6
Citywide – On Sunday, check out a free performance by the National Symphony Orchestra on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. Or, see star players hit it home at Nationals Ballpark. Sunday, Sept. 5 (and every Sunday during the regular season), is Family Fun Day featuring kid-themed activities and packages including a ticket, a hot dog, chips and a Coca-Cola or Dasani water for just $14. Or, catch Virginia Tech versus Boise State at Fedex Field on September 6th.