Could someone please recommend a good day spa- we are staying at the Hay-Adams. Thank you

Laurelee - seems stange to see your question just after a long weekend in DC and visiting the National Cathedral on Monday. And more specifically observing tulip and/or crocus plants just poking about 4" above the ground with nothing yet that resembles a bud. It's pretty windy up there on the hill, maybe warmer down in Alexandria where MLT lives. I'd guess a few more weeks into April before nice tulips.

I've been to DC towards the end of March, and early April, 3 times during the parade weekend of Cherry Blossom Festival. I've had no problem getting reasonably priced hotels just slightly outside DC. It is a busier season, especially on parade day, but it's usually (not always) nicer than many other northern cities. I tend to agree with Travdis and state that you'll probably enjoy a visit around Apr 25-May 10 a lot more. The cherry blossoms in bloom are beautiful, but I enjoy the varied colors of many different flowers more - and they much more likely warmer weather.

going,

Here's a very recent DC spa thread:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34581882

Thank you bardo1!

laurelee -- I don't recommend Mazza Gallery if you're staying downtown and are not interested in upscale clothes shopping. Georgetown is a neighborhood and has a commercial district organized around 2 main streets -- Wisconsin Ave. and M St.

It would be a more unique shopping experience with more of the smaller gift shops you're looking for (although it also has its fair share of clothing boutiques, chain stores, and even an indoor mall right on one of the main drags). It also has many restaurants.

I definitely agree with the rec to visit some of the gardens in GT. Dumbarton Oaks is my favorite, and has a nice section of cherry blossom trees.

rb_traveler -- I doubt it's much warmer in Alexandria than in downtown D.C., as it's usually warmer in the city than on the outskirts. I am no expert on horticulture, and can only attribute my blooming daffodils to the fact that my house faces south and has great sun exposure. Our neihgboor's yard across the street is pretty bare.

Well, the plane ticket was bought a long time ago so we are coming in April for the blossoms-with warm clothes. There is lots to see that my mom has never seen so we will be okay if we dress appropriately. We are heading to Charleston and Savannah from there so there is hope for spring on the trip.

It looks very rainy in DC....anything look like spring? Daffodils or swelling cherry blossoms?

It is rainy today and is supposed to be all weekend....chilly too, not getting much higher than the low 50s. Have seen some Daffodils in bloom, but no cherry blossoms. They are calling for April 4-9 to be the peak.

It's trying and failing to reach 50 today. Wet and cold. I've had crocuses up in the yard for two weeks, but otherwise little signs of life except for some daffodil stalks and forcithia (sp?) buds getting close.

The good news is that extended forecast calls for low 70s sometime next week. That might jump start spring.

Oh, good...my mother and I are due there April 2-5 and it would sure make things more pleasant if we had nice weather. Keep your fingers crossed for us!