Bargain Seattle

My husband, Jim, works too hard, so I decided to whisk himaway for a quick three-day pick-him-up. Caffeine is his favoritevice, so I knew Seattle was the perfect destination.

But Jim’s not keen on profligate spending, so we set out toenjoy a winter weekend in the rainy city for less than $350. Ourstrategies: We went in the off-season, when rates are low, andfound a well-priced shared-bath hotel. We embraced drizzly weatheras quintessentially Seattle and, to warm up, hit many of the city’slively and inexpensive coffee shops.

SHOPPING AND ATTRACTIONS

Antique Importers. 620 Alaskan Way; (206) 628-8905.

Asian Style. 915 Western Ave.; (206) 628-3099.

Bainbridge Island ferry. $5.40 round trip per person. www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferriesor (206) 464-6400.

Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour. $10. Pioneer Square, 608First Ave.; www.undergroundtour.comor (206) 682-4646.

De Medici Ming Fine Paper. Closed Sun. 1222 First; (206)624-1983.

Myrtle Edwards Park. Northwest end of Elliott Ave.

Seattle Art Museum. 10-5 Tue-Sun (until 9 Thu); $7. 100University St.; www.seattleartmuseum.orgor (206) 654-3100.

DINING

Café Nola. $$-$$$; call for hours. 101 Winslow Way,Winslow; (206) 842-3822.

Capitol Club. 414 E. Pine St.; (206) 325-2149.

Le Pichet. $$. 1933 First; (206) 256-1499.

Macrina Bakery and Cafe. $; call for hours. 2408 First;(206) 448-4032.

Maximilien in the Market. $$$$; closed Mon. 81A Pike St.;(206) 682-7270.

The Spanish Table. $. 1427 Western; (206) 682-2827.

Starbucks. 1912 Pike Place; (206) 448-8762.

Tully’s Coffee. 99 Yesler Ave.; (206) 748-0604.

Wild Ginger. $$. 1401 Third Ave.; (206) 623-4450.

World Spice Merchants. 1509 Western; (206) 682-7274.

LODGING

Ace Hotel. From $65. www.acehotel.com or (206)448-4721.

Paramount Hotel. From $139. www.paramounthotelseattle.comor (206) 292-9500.