Memorial Day Weekend Trip Ideas

This Memorial Day on Sunday, the 24th of May, when you're out enjoying the brilliant sunshine and the warm sandy beaches, spare a moment to pay your respects to the brave men and women in these cold graves at the Arlington National Cemetery (DoD photo by Master Sgt. Jim Varhegyi, U.S. Air Force, public domain).

This is the day of remembrance for their service to the nation. is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. While the birthplace of this tradition is a bit hazy, the first official Memorial Day was observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery, based on a proclamation by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic.

However, the purpose of this hub is to suggest trip ideas for the Memorial Day weekend from Friday May 22 to Monday May 25, 2009. Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of May, the designated first day of summer, and as such, listed below are a few destinations which are summer vacation hot-spots and also have sizzling Memorial Day events scheduled.

Not surprisingly, this is kindof a bigger day in the Northeast - as in larger gatherings, knockout parades and sizzling shows. Two of the biggest attractions in New York during this period, which bring in people from all over, are NYC Fleet Week and the Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade.

The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade (www.memorialdayparade.org/) in Queens, NYC is widely acknowledged as the nation's largest Memorial Day Parade, and it's snowballing - The publicity as the biggest parade brings more and more attendees every year. There's also a gala and stuff to go with the parade, but the details haven't been announced yet. I'll update this hub as and when more information is forthcoming. Photo by Bob, Bruce & Janet Bishop, courtesy Little Neck Douglaston Memorial Day Parade.

And the other main attraction in New York is Fleet Week (May 20-27). I mean, when and where else would you get to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness first hand the latest capabilities of today's Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Team. Also included are dozens of awesome military demonstrations and displays throughout the week, as well as public visitation of many of the participating ships.

You get to see Navy seals in action - these are the guys who rescued Capt. Phillips of the Maersk Alabama from the evil clutches of the dastardly Somali pirates, by firing 3 shots off a bobbing ship in choppy waters to take out 3 pirates - At the same time.

And, of course, there's the other part of it - summer vacation fun on the New York beaches. Best place is Brooklyn, with Coney Island and all it's wonderful attractions - including the beach, the amusement park, the carnival and the New York Aquarium.

Here's a nice list of major events and activities in New York City for the Memorial Day weekend.

Another great location for Memorial Day weekend trip is Outer Banks, North Carolina - Magnificent beaches, great getaway hideouts and vacation rentals right on the oceanfront. But it gets better, with the annual Outer Banks Beach Music Festival.

This annual festival celebrates Beach Music and the coming summer season. Big crowds gather on the spacious lawn of the Pavilion at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo, NC. The best Beach Music Bands take the stage and play all day long. Kick off your shoes and dance on the lawn. Bring plenty of sunscreen and blankets or folding chairs. Food and beverages, including beer and wine are available.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate on the day of the event (May 24). This is a family event, so children 12 and under are free.

Other places you might want to consider include Chicago, which puts up a great parade.

Or the Fall Creek Vineyards on the northwest shores of beautiful Lake Buchanan at Tow, Texas, in the Hill Country, where you have wine tastings with Flags, Family and Friends, BBQ & Music.

If Texas Hill Country sounds like a good idea, then you want to take a look at the Fredricksburg Crawfish Festival, with great music and hot Cajun cuisine. Mouth-watering fare at the Crawfish Festival include red beans and rice, boudin, gumbo, and - of course - crawfish. Other Cajun delicacies are also available for everyone to enjoy.

And for those who don't like crawfish, the festival will offer hamburgers, corndogs, and plenty of German sausage - what Fredericksburg is known for.

You might also want to book yourself a weekend stay at one of the Kerrville TX motels. The Kerrville Folk Festival is held annually at the Quiet Valley Ranch, 9 miles south of Kerrville on Texas Hwy 16. Starting on the Thursday before Memorial Day at the end of May, the music continues for 18 days with performances by more than 100 singer songwriters and their bands.

Lots to eat, from bbq to vegetarian selections at the food service pavilion during main stage performance nights. Beer, wine, smoothies, soft drinks and gourmet coffee drinks are also available.More details here.

Hope you have a nice Memorial Day Weekend, and I wish you a long happy summer with lazy hot days spent on the beach doing absolutely nothing.