News & Politics

Splashy Savings

Good bargains on weekend fun—from a crab shack to wild water rides to a museum

The waterpark’s fine—so is the price—at Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, thanks to a deal exclusive to Washingtonian readers. Photograph courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge

Williamsburg Water Fun

The start of school doesn’t mean the fun’s over. Head for Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg (549 E. Rochambeau Dr.; 800-551-9653; greatwolf.com) to get soaked in this ultimate indoor waterpark; calm-seeking adults can go on a tubing water ride or sneak off to the spa or gym.

With this deal, exclusive to The Washingtonian, only your swimsuit gets soaked. September 7 through October 31, use the code WMag to get a family suite—it sleeps six, with a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker—plus four waterpark wristbands for $159 Sunday through Thursday, $209 Friday and Saturday (extra wristbands $40 each). This rate, a savings of 15 percent or more, doesn’t apply October 9 through 11; the waterpark is closed for maintenance September 13 through 17.

Crabs and a Sail

The best way to see the Chesapeake Bay is now a bargain thanks to Captain Ed Farley and his H.M. Krentz (410-745-6080; oystercatcher.com). The 70-foot skipjack sets sail through St. Michaels harbor from the Crab Claw Restaurant for two hours of seeing osprey and historic towns and dredging a few oysters.

Before or after, enjoy a crab feast and brews at the down-home, 44-year-old Crab Claw overlooking the water (Rt. 33 W./Navy Point; 410-745-2900; thecrabclaw.com).

The code WashDeal gets you 20 percent off a sail (usually $35 adults, $18 under age 12) and 10 percent off your food bill—no groups of 12 or more, please, at the restaurant—September 8 through October 31. No credit cards for either the boat or the restaurant.

Hot Times in the City

Spend a weekend exploring DC from the Embassy Circle Guest House or the Woodley Park Guest House. At either B&B this month, with the code DCinns, Washingtonian readers get 15 percent off a stay plus two free tickets to the Newseum, normally $20 apiece.

The Embassy Circle (2224 R St., NW; 202-232-7744; dcinns.com; $195 to $290)—a former embassy whose 11 rooms are named for their Persian carpets—offers king- and queen-size beds and a happy hour with wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres. Breakfast may include salmon with cream cheese and capers, organic breads, and a 12-fruit salad.

The Woodley Park (2647 Woodley Rd., NW; 202-667-0218; dcinns.com; $130 to $230) is walking distance to the National Zoo, Adams Morgan restaurants and nightlife, and Dupont Circle galleries. Most of the 16 cheery rooms have a private bath. Over pastry, eggs, and fruit, you might meet the owner’s father, a former Smithsonian meteorite curator.

This article first appeared in the September 2009 issue of The Washingtonian. For more articles from that issue, click here.

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