When It's Cold Outside...

...the U.S. Botanic Garden (or your local botanic garden) is the place to be. It's warm (or hot depending on each garden) and it's free! What more could you want in the absolute dead of winter (or a cheap date idea)?  I went this weekend to catch a break from the cold. It wasn't as warm as usual due to damage from the blizzards, but it was much warmer than outdoors. Check it out (to see larger images, just click on the slideshow. It will open in a new window).