Just to put it in perspective, it is closer to drive to Baltimore from DC, or from Baltimore to DC, than it is to and from Frederick, MD.

<, a little more than that and the government, including museums shut down.>
Not all museums. And tourists who can walk well are not as affected. I can tell you that tromping around in a bit of snow, seeing the sights, can be magical!

Thank you so much to everyone for the information!! I think I'm going to get a guidebook, as there are SO many websites filled with information that is a little hard to sort out when I've never been there. I'm also going to check with my friend about staying one night in DC, we should be able to do that since we're saving so much by staying with her mother.

I really appreciate the input on weather, that's what I was mostly worried about. I can deal with any weather, just had no idea what to expect. Looks like I'll be checking a large bag!

Good to know some of the museums have great little cafes! Will save time and heartache trying to find a place for lunch.

Thanks again to everyone that took time to share their experiences.

When you spend the night in DC, you can go to the hotel early and ask them to hold your bags until you can check in. The less you carry around the better as your bags/purses will be examined at the entrance to many places. I hope you have a great time. Wear non-slippery shoes or boots because you might be dealing with more ice than snow.

February may be one of the worst months for weather in DC (also January, of course). It is the coldest and there can be one-two big snowfalls. Snow mainly only falls in January-February, although there are random storms in March, of course.

What's your idea of too cold, anyway? It's definitely colder than Seattle from what I've heard (isn't that a moderate climate)? But with global warming it isn't as bad as it was a couple decades ago when it seemed to be 0-10 about all month.

I live in DC, and don't think you should get the impression it is mild in February. "feet" of snow are always unlikely in the sense that this only happens a couple times a year, of course. It is the dead of winter.

First week in March is better, of course it will be a bit warmer on avg than February. I don't think you realize how far away Frederick is and tons of people commute from Frederick so the traffic is terrible on weekdays during commuting hours.

I lived in the Washington area for more than 40 years. Apparently some of the people above forgot all about those monster storms which actually happened as late as APRIL so heed the notion that it can snow ANYTIME during the Winter.

FORGET Frederick, OK?

The OP has free lodging in Frederick--or was your hissy fit so intense and sudden that it precluded you from reading carefully, Dukey? She has said she will try to swing an overnight in DC. No one can predict the weather, though some find it fun to pretend they can.

I think that about covers it, no?

"'feet' of snow are always unlikely in the sense that this only happens a couple times a year, of course."

Do you mean every couple of years? I really don't think DC area gets snowfalls with feets of snow every year.

"First week in March is better, of course it will be a bit warmer on avg than February."

Is that a guarantee?

Monster storms in April? You are jesting, right? http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...70da_blog.html

February is DC's worst month generally. But we do have nice breaks of a few days here and there. If you are prepared with boots, and hats and gloves, you'll be fine. Enjoy DC

<<Do you mean every couple of years? I really don't think DC area gets snowfalls with feets of snow every year.>>

Well, I live here and it seems to me there have been a couple per year for a while now. I could be wrong, but that's what I remember. Basically, I meant significant snow a couple times of year rather than 2 feet of snow each time, though, you are right on that. 2 ft of snow isn't common.

No one can guarantee you weather, what do you mean. BUt of course you know first week in March isn't going to be that different from last week in February.

exhibit A: Last winter, including March, was pretty darn snowy

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...on-statistics/

The Diplomatic Reception Rooms are a relatively unknown gem, located in the State Department building. Tours need to be arranged in advance and are more than worth the effort. Allow plenty of lead time.

Info is here:
https://diplomaticrooms.state.gov/Pages/Tours.aspx

The contents of the rooms, nearly all donations or permanent loans, are not roped off--you can stand right next to Thomas Jefferson's desk, for example. Tour guides--when we were there last they were from the FBI (or was it the Secret Service?) are very knowledgable.

Thanks so much for that, Underhill! I think we may try to do that on our next trip, sounds very interesting. Excellent tip!