If Memorial Day plans have eluded you, join one of these towns for some unique events—and their casts of characters, ranging from Harley riders to mule riders and berry dancers to belly dancers. You’ll have big plans by the time you’re done reading this post.
Charleston, SC: Spoleto Festival
erin :: the olive notes says: “When we first visited Charleston, we didn't expect to get a taste of Italy, but with the Spoleto Festival in town, that's exactly what we got...and it was delicious! Even if you aren't able to go to a specific event while you visit, just being in the city during the festival is an experience in itself.”
Check In: The Governor’s House Inn
Check Out: Fort Sumter National Monument
Washington, D.C.: Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally
nicole_a_g says: “About 400,000 Harley-riding veterans can't be wrong—D.C. is an appropriate place to spend Memorial Day.”
Check In: Grand Hyatt Washington
Check Out: National World War II Memorial
Boulder, CO: Bolder Boulder Road Race
funnyvalentine says: “The Bolder Boulder is run every Memorial Day and is for both the very competitive and the relaxed runner/walker. People run in clown suits, everyone does the chicken dance, and thousands of singers, belly dancers, bands, and citizens with hoses line up along the streets of downtown Boulder.”
Check In: Boulder Inn
Check Out: Pearl Street Mall
Virginia Beach, VA: Pungo Strawberry Festival
tj_vegas05 says: “If you like strawberries, you'll love the down-home, country-style Pungo Strawberry Festival. There are plenty of the red berries to pick, eat, and drink (have you ever had a strawberry taco?). Pig races, dancing, music, and a parade are highlights of this festival, held each Memorial Day weekend.”
Check In: Sheraton Oceanfront Hotel
Check Out: First Landing State Park
Bishop, CA: Mule Days
Bruce says: “Why anyone would want to celebrate the existence of the Death Valley Mule is beyond me, but every year on Memorial Day weekend in Bishop, that's exactly what they do. This long-running local event has been signaling the near arrival of summer here since 1939. This celebration is packed with things to do and virtually the whole town gets into the act.”
Check In: Creekside Inn
Check Out: Schat’s Bakery
New York, NY: Fleet Week
Ishtar says: “Fleet Week brought sailors to the capital of the world, and we saw some of them put on a rock-n-roll show that shook booties and tails alike till the earth underneath trembled.”
Check In: Belvedere Hotel
Check Out: Central Park
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