I wanted to update on this for anyone in the same east coast conundrum: we drove to Boston. We left the car at a friend's (couch surfing network) and we were out the gas money but it was a fun way to extend our vacation, visit another city and catch up on podcasts/audiobooks. The added benefit: a direct flight. No storm delays in hub points, which was a real concern traveling in January.
This will not be a viable option for most people. It worked for us - the gas for our car was much less expensive ($120), the taxes were a fraction for UA ($45/pp) & the assurance we wouldn't spend a storm night somewhere unexpected was worth it.
We went to SF to visit friends.