Save Some Capital After Visiting Capitol

Ever the ultimate value destination where else can you visit so many free museums and major monuments? the nation’s capital keeps adding new deals.

Here are some of this year’s.

Visitors to Washington, D.C., can enjoy a free concert every night at the Kennedy Center via its new “Performing Arts for Everyone” program.

It includes daily 6 p.m. performances on the new Millennium Stage in the center’s Grand Foyer.

Artists will range from school choirs to household names. Pay-what-you-can tickets also are available for a variety of other Kennedy Center shows through the program. Call (202) 467-4600.

After a successful trial period, tickets timed at half-hour intervals will now be required to visit the Washington Monument year-round. Entry is still free, but the ticket system helps reduce the wait in line at this popular site.

Tickets are distributed daily at the 15th Street ticket booth on a first-come basis. Tickets also can be reserved in advance for a $1.50 fee via TicketMaster at (800) 505-5040.

Travelers can save varying amounts off standard rates at many hotels in the Washington area by booking through services such as Capitol Reservations at (800) VISIT-DC and Quikbook at (800) 789-9887 or http:/ /www.Quikbook.com.

But Washington hotels often offer weekend specials that represent savings of as much as half off their weekday prices.

For a tourist guide, including area attractions and lodgings, call the Washington Convention and Visitors Association, (202) 789-7000.