I have been known to take the newer Interstate 68 that starts Morgantown WV and ends at about Breezewood PA. BUT...it is mostly rural mountains and the weather can get messy. Also, the service stations that will be open will be iffy.I would suggest taking the PA Turnpike. As much as I hate that road (the fee they charge is a rip-off, they should pay us to drive on it), it s still the best bet in terms of being kept free of snow and having service stations open and emergency roadside assistance available.If you fill-up on the Turnpike around the Somerset PA rest stop, then that should be PLENTY of fuel to get you to Washington DC. If you re really worried, buy a 5 gallon plastic gas can at Kmart or Walmart and carry some spare fuel with you.I get 30 MPG on the highway with my American made midsized sedan. Most folks can to better than me...unless you re driving a minivan or an SUV.
pretty much every gas station will be open and because of the many ethnic groups in dc, it shouldn t be hard to find a restaurant with owners who don t celebrate christmas and therefore will be open.
I don t know about gas stations, but almost any Asian place will be open on Christmas. That s why there is the stereotype of Jews eating Chinese food on December 25.