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Washington D.C. Road Trip: Into the Snow

Submitted by Laurie Peterson, December 20, 2009

I don’t know if I have ever been so glad to hand my car keys to a hotel valet parking guy as I was a few hours ago here in Washington D.C.

The attendant at the Omni Shoreham was friendly and upbeat for a guy who had probably been stuck there since the “Blizzard of ‘09” (as the local media is calling it) started Friday night. When I began planning this road trip to D.C. from Florida a couple months ago, one of the big questions the kids (Lindsey, 14 and Dane, 9) asked hopefully was “Will there be snow?” No, I replied, it seldom snows in Washington in December.  Mom missed on that one.

I wasn’t caught totally unaware, of course, the record snow had been predicted before our departure, and the extra clothes and borrowed snow boots were in the van. We made it to North Carolina without incident on Saturday and this morning watched the news reports – and travel advisories. (While AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner includes construction and road closure advisories, changeable weather-related road conditions are best monitored on local websites like this one.)
Washington Dc street
The roads looked drivable enough on the Virginia DOT webcams and we took off under beautiful blue winter skies. All was well until about 100 miles south of D.C. on I-95 when still-in-progress snow removal and minor fender benders caused delays. Those last 100 miles took 4 hours. DVD players and snacks worked for the kids, a few deep breaths (and coffee) helped me. The scenery was mesmerizing to us Floridians, white-dusted trees against the blue sky, fields of pristine snow and odd sights like huge shelves of snow atop vehicles. (The kids have seen snow before in northern cities and at ski resorts but never this much natural accumulation - officlal DC record total, 16.4")

We drove over the Potomac and into the city with a golden late-afternoon sun lighting up the mounds of white powder, as well as the Washington Monument and the Capitol. Streets were plowed, for the most part, only a few more tricky steering moments and we were there.

Omni Shoreham poolOur sixth-floor suite at the Omni Shoreham (a Four Diamond property with a lot of history and one of our Inspectors Picks for a 'haunted hideaway') is spacious with a view of snowy Washington and a snow-surrounded pool. We pulled on the winter gear and headed out again to throw some powder around (it’s not really good snowball-making stuff yet, maybe tomorrow) and to hit a nearby pizza place.

Our plans are to go the National Mall area tomorrow, the Metro is running, though we’re being flexible as many attractions may still be closed. Ironically, Congress is still in session when they normally would be in recess, trying to work out the health care bill. We have a tour of the Capitol tomorrow scheduled by our Congressman’s office, should be interesting. Read Part Two

Just glad to be safely here.  The kids, of course, are on the balcony, trying to hit the pool with a snowball.
AAA.com's Washington D.C. Travel Guide provides detailed information about the Washington area including things to see and do in and around the city. It provides a destination overview, suggested activities, restaurants, attractions and nightlife, and top picks and recommendations from AAA's professional travel editors.
[Travel Stories], [Travel With Kids], [Washington DC]
See all posts by this author | Permalink | Comments (4)

About the Author

  • Image Laurie Peterson Laurie Peterson is the community manager for AAATravelViews, based in the AAA National Office in Central Florida. Childhood travel and a love of the written word combined for the family saying...

Comments (4)

Submitted by Fern Philpot, December 21. 2009 10:57
As a fellow Floridian, I can relate to your white-knuckled driving as the kids whoop with joy. Enjoy the wonders of D.C. ... including great public transportation!

Submitted by Sheldon, December 21. 2009 11:58
Great pictures I would love to see the snow although wet feet and bad roads are hard for me to take - looks like it's worth the trip. Have a great time.

Submitted by Matt Lyle, December 22. 2009 11:38
Laurie:

Now I know why we got the snowstrom of the century last weekend.. the Peterson's arrived from FL.

What a great time to be in Washington. I've lived here 33 years and the holidays are the best time to visit the museums and monuments.

You can watch the dignity of the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns and walk to the Arlington House where you get the panoramic view of Washington. It's even more amazing with snow because the marble monuments look like giant snow castles and forts.

When you get hungry check out the Old Ebbitt Grill, around the corner from the White House or try the hambergers at a local Five Guys. You can go Irish at the Dubliner Pub in the Phoenix Park Hotel near Union Station and the Capitol.

Be sure to visit the National Zoo.. since our young panda, Tai Shan will be moving back to China this winter. His next job is to increase the panda population in China.

Have a great time in Washington and please take the snow with you when you head home.

Submitted by Laurie Peterson, December 22. 2009 18:09
Thanks, Matt, working on getting to your great suggestions - and the next blog. We have done pretty well despite all the weather- related closings. Snow removal I can't promise Smile

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