Memorial Day is right around the corner and it’s kind of a way to kick-off the summer; even though it’s not officially summer until June 21. Regardless, we are prepared to soak in the sun and enjoy this long weekend. We are also not going to forget what the purpose of Memorial Day is – on Memorial Day we honor the men and women who sacrificed their lives serving in the US military. It originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official Federal Holiday in 1971. In New York specifically there are two big parades that honor the brave veterans – the Little Neck-Douglaston in Queens and the Brooklyn Memorial Day parade. Alongside the parades we normally start opening up pools and beaches. So here are four fun ways to spend Memorial Day:
Beach Day
Memorial Day weekend is around the time all eight New York City beaches open up and The Jersey Shore. Make your way to the beach and just start getting your tan on. I really need to even out my tan from Hawaii so this might not be what I do this weekend but it is definitely something I NEED to do this summer.
Attend a parade
As mentioned above there are two main parades in New York that take place during this long weekend – the Little Neck-Douglaston in Queens and the Brooklyn Memorial Day parade. So if any of these peak your interest make sure to check it out.
Picnic at Central Park
This can be as fancy or as relaxed as you would like. Simply pack yourself and someone of your choice some sandwiches, drinks, and snacks and make your way to Central Park for a picnic. You can couple this with some sunbathing/tanning if that is your thing as well.
Rooftop events
There is no shortage of rooftops in New York City so make sure to check out some of the rooftops. I have a guide on my Instagram of some of cute rooftop bars.
This probably could have been a fifth option but I will just put this here – shopping! A lot of stores do great Memorial Day sales and if there is something missing in your wardrobe this is definitely the time to check out the sales. Personally, I am in need of a new pair of white shoes. I have been wearing my Nike Air Force Ones for about a little over two years now and I think I may need to retire them. They are starting to come apart inside the shoe so I think it’s time. I am looking into getting a pair of Reebok sneakers, which is quite a throwback but I am all for it!
I hope you enjoyed this short read on some fun ways to spend Memorial Day weekend. Let me know in the comments what you all have planned for this Memorial Day weekend. Leave a comment below!