The Newseum saw that I had blogged about them and provided a link to the den on their site… http://www.newseum.org/press_info/newseum_news/about.aspx?item=BLOG090115&style=a

I always enjoy strangers coming into the den especially if I can provide them with helpful tips.

Never ever pay for room service food or anything like that. In DC as in many other large cities there are plenty of drug stores (in DC it was CVS) on every corner. We picked up a box of cereal bars that we would take with us for breakfast. Also I brought along a water bottle which I would fill up in the fitness center a couple of times a day (if you are picky about taste of tap water). Also many hotels provide complimentary fresh fruit either in the lobby or in the fitness center. These go great with cereal bars.

Using the metro is cheap and easy, but sometimes your fare card will get down to .35 cents or something. Then you can add money to it but weren’t able to find out how to combine fare cards. It all worked out OK though we just did some calculating and added a dollar here or a dollar there. Also the fare card has printed on it how much value is left so you don’t need to find a machine to tell you. And when you are traveling between the hours of (I think) 9:30AM and 3:00PM virtually everywhere you want to go is just 1.35 for a one way trip.

They had another thing called smart card but I didn’t think I was smart enough to figure it out.

Oh and you can buy a full day’s pass for 7 bucks but I don’t think it’s possible to really use that. We spent a grand total of 40 bucks during the 5 nights we stayed there and we used the Metro ALOT. You can get a week pass for 40 bucks or one with limitations for 26.50 (But if you are doing a tour bus I don’t think either of these are worth it).

I can’t think of any other cheapskate tips but If I do I’ll let you know.

I loved this entry. It was enjoyable and educational reading. If I ever make it to DC (and I really hope to) I will be sure to bring your insider tips with me. Thank you for sharing.

I loved Athena’s pics also and was very impressed that you gave me multiple shots of Cher Ami.

-ab-

Also, my dad is the one who tipped us off on stopping by Duncan Hunter’s office. He gave us the address, and even phone number! Seeing the Congressional Chamber was by far one of my favorite parts of the trip. It’s funny because you’ve seen it a million times on tv, so it’s all too familiar, but it’s weird to experience it in real life.

You can see pictures on my facebook page. I had to make 3 albums because I took so many pictures: 446 to be exact. But don’t worry, I didn’t upload all 446 photos.

which Athena really liked because there was a view of the Gap.

LOL

I’m not exactly an art lover but I did appreciate a couple of different pieces.

Glad you guys had such a good time. I’m coming to you for the list of must-dos if Dave and I ever get a chance to go.