Perhaps there will be some good shows on TV.

I haven't been to DC since I was 15. I don't know why, I absolutely LOVED DC when I was there. I would love to spend the days wandering the Smithsonians.

This is a dream of mine. If I were stuck in conferences I would make sure to have at least one weekend to visit the Smithsonian, after visiting all the monuments on weeknights, of course.

This season's Top Chef is in DC. Tamesha Warren, a contestant (she's out but she was good), is the sous chef at The Oval Room. I also happened to notice that Spike Mendelsohn, a major contender from another season, has an upscale burger place called Good Stuff Eatery, if you're in the mood for that.

Other the other hand, we've been up to our keisters in snow as early as Veterans Day so you should probably check before packing....

As of last month, the Elephant house was closed for renovations, It might be back open by now, I can check on it for you if monochromatic pachyderms are your thing.

You could always head to Dupont Circle and get freaky with a closeted Republican.

Seriously tho you should tack on a few extra days to sightsee, and you don't even need a car. Arlington Cemetary, the Vietnam and WWII memorial, the capitol building, supreme court, white house, etc. can all be seen in a day or two, and you don't need a car due to the awesome metro system.

This all reminds me of how much fun Bill and I had when we were there last year. I'd love to go back; there's so much we missed!

Just stay off the green and yellow lines! ;)

€uro, is there any chance you can stay on for the weekend following your conference? You really have to get a gander at some stuff around town.

You can do that while I learn about software

If you visit the National Museum of the American Indian on the Mall, you can look for the names of hubbo and myself on the Honor Wall. Much more interesting, you can have one of the nicest cafeteria meals anywhere in their restaurant.