Touring our nation's capital doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some tips:
FOOD
Pauline Frommer, author of "Pauline Frommer's Washington, D.C.," loves the Ethiopian scene along the U Street corridor for frugal food, and points to the Dukem Restaurant (1114 U St. NW.), which offers a cultural show most evenings for only $1 more than the regular dining cost. For basic breakfast and lunch options for less than $5, and a bit of history, she recommends Ben's Chili Bowl (1213 U St. NW.), which has served Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole.
Andrea Poe, editor for Washington Times Communities, names happy hour as her strategy for enjoying great deals in D.C. Her top picks? The tapas and $4 house-made sangria at Jaleo (480 7th St. NW.), and the free sushi, shrimp tempura and other snacks at Buddha Bar's Monday through Thursday happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m. (455 Massachusetts Av. NW.).
LODGING
For affordable family accommodations, Poe picks the conveniently located Eldon Suites (www.eldonsuites.com). Summer rates are as low as $144.
For an old-fashioned inn experience, Frommer recommends the Kalorama Guest House at Woodley Park, with rooms starting at less than $80 (www.kaloramaguesthouse.com). She also loves the Taft Bridge Inn, which offers antique-decorated rooms with a full breakfast. Rooms with a shared bath start at $93 (www.taftbridgeinn.com).
FUN
Jan Schroder, managing editor of Travelgirl magazine (www.travel girlinc.com), recommends DC by Foot, which offers free walking tours (dcbyfoot.com).
Check out Destination, D.C. (Washington.org), a nonprofit tourism association that provides a list of 100 no-cost or low-cost activities. Freebies include the Sunday evening concert series at the National Gallery of Art.
