On our first morning in our nation’s capital, I quickly figured out that there was no monument or museum that was better (to a couple of Florida kids) than a big slope of fresh snow.

The ‘Blizzard of 09’ had hit over the last couple days, dumping over 16 inches of perfect powder on Washington. Getting here had been a challenge, but they were ready to play and the traditional planned itinerary went out the window to make time for snow.

I was really glad I chose the Omni Shoreham for our base, not only for its impressive beauty and history (more on that later), convenient location in a neat neighborhood with plenty of casual restaurants and nearby Metro station (and great rates on AAA.com) but also for the natural area behind the hotel.

It was the perfect snow play area, a slope overlooking the Nash Bridge and locals and tourists had the same idea. Makeshift ‘sleds’ were everywhere, shared garbage can lids, cushions and boxes covered with garbage bags. I tell you, a flattened box covered with a garbage bag (using the drawstring handles for steering) makes a great sled.  Paid for it later with aches in muscles I didn’t know I had. We joined in (peaceable) snowball fights, made ‘snow angels’ and had a great time.

Finally ready to see the sights, we took the Metro to the Capitol. The Metro is easy, just remember each person has to have a fare card, it’s your choice to buy a reloadable SmartCard, an one-day pass or choose a dollar amount from the machine. It’s clean, safe and can take you just about anywhere you want to go. The trolley and Tourmobile were not running yet due to road conditions, so they weren’t an option for us.

The tour of the Capitol was interesting from a historical and artistic point of view -- it is an amazing building, especially the interior view of the Rotunda. My 14-year-old daughter probably got the most out of it, due to recent history classes, my 9-year-old son wasn’t into it as much, but hung in there well. The place is full of marble and bronze statues, each state can have two, representing their choice of their state’s significant figures. One of Florida’s is, appropriately, Dr. John Gorrie who invented one of the first forms of air conditioning.

I paused outside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office, hoping for a sighting but it was not to be. The members of Congress have been working some late nights lately working on the health care bill.

We exited to explore more of the National Mall area and, naturally, I got my directions reversed and we walked the wrong way. I can get us hundreds of miles without a wrong turn, but hold a city map upside down once…..  It was cold and snowy and the walking was challenging – hopping over mounds of snow and slush. Crankiness set in until I corrected our course and we found ourselves at the U.S. Botanic Garden.

The warmth and higher humidity inside was the perfect antidote (Floridian fix?), and we liked the charming train exhibits that run through plants and trees. They have replicas of Washington landmarks made of plant materials and nice holiday decor -  I can see why this was one of our Inspectors’ Picks for Places To Find Holiday Spirit. We also enjoyed the area that features a ‘sniffable’ array of familiar things made from plants, labeled with their name and likely association (example:  Sage – Thanksgiving Stuffing). We did ‘educational aromatherapy’ – a great exhibit for kids.

We decided to return to the hotel and take a break and it gave us a chance to explore the lobby and the banners and displays that document the hotel’s history. Built in 1930, the Four Diamond Omni Shoreham has held an inaugural ball after every election since (in 1993, Clinton played the sax), hosted entertainers from Rudy Vallee to Frank Sinatra to the Beatles (who stayed there in their famous first Washington visit in 1964 – the hotel had to seal off their floor - and a set list written by Paul on hotel stationery is part of a lobby display.)  Countless dignitaries have stayed here, including President Obama during the campaign. Mark Russell, political satirist, performed here from 1961-1981, the Washington Redskins stayed here before home games in the 30s and 40s and numerous scenes for movies (including The Pelican Brief) were filmed here.

I felt a little self-conscious traipsing us though the chandelier-accented lobby in snow-flecked clothes and boots, but got nothing but smiles from staff.