Winter in D.C.

Yes, it's cold in Washington. It's January, you kind of have to expect that... But now the inauguration is over, there is one VERY positive part about living in Washington from now until Cherry Blossom time... almost no tourists. If you've lived in the area for longer than a year, think about the last time you were down on the mall, at the monuments and in the museums. For many of us it's been months... for some, years. And hey, if you saw this stuff a few years back, no need to take an entire day on each place, just hit the highlights of what is new and great. So take this opportunity to get reacquainted with some of the best America has to offer while there are no lines. Here are my suggestions for what you may have recently missed -

The American History Museum: Remodeled for almost two years, this museum reopened last fall with a bright new atrium, shops, and Star Spangeled Banner display. Yes, many of the old favorites are still here, but there is a Lincoln Exhibit set to open in February that will also be fresh.

Archives: this place is IMPOSSIBLE to get into during peak season, but during the winter? Walk right in. They remodeled maybe 3 years ago, and there is a nice exhibit area that can be seen pretty quickly (say, after you passed through American History). Plus they have an awesome gift shop.

Capitol: The feds spent more than $600 million of your tax dollars construction the new Capitol Visitors Center, you might as well go see it. The intention of the visitors center isn't to be as much of a museum as a more pleasant, secure, and efficient way of moving visitors in and out. What it has done for you is make the entire process much easier - go online, reserve your time, and show up for your tour of the Capitol.

Newseum - I've never heard a bad thing about the Newseum (except from the attendees of our company holiday party, and that wasn't their fault). Yes, its a $20 admission, but this is a LARGE museum packed with good exhibits. And hey, might as well hit up The Source downstairs for lunch.