ROAD TRIP: Last-Minute Memorial Day Getaways
It’s not too late to hop in the car and save this Memorial Day weekend - stay 3 nights or more at any Wingate by Wyndham or Ramada hotels and receive 20% off your stay.
1. Washington, D.C.
National Memorial Parade. Washington D.C.What better place to be patriotic than the nation’s capital? Events in the area include the National Memorial Day Concert and the National Memorial Day Parade.
Perfect for last-minute trips from: Baltimore; Boston; Charleston, S.C.; Columbus, Ohio; Hartford, C.T.; Louisville, K.Y.; Nashville; New York City; Providence.
2. Atlanta, GA
Playing at Olympic Park, Atlanta, GA by Trey Ratcliff via Flickr CCL
Take a trip over to one of the nation’s largest free festivals: the Atlanta Jazz Festival, then head to nearby Stone Mountain Park to celebrate with fireworks and hiking any family or outdoor enthusiast is sure to love.
Perfect for last-minute trips from: Savannah; Charleston, S.C.; New Orleans; Nashville; Charlotte, N.C.; Orlando.
3. Palm Springs, CA
Vintage car, Palm Springs. Photo by Randy Heinitz via Flickr CCL
If you’re looking for a beautiful landscape with warm temperatures this holiday, nothing can beat Palm Springs! Joshua Tree National Park offers hiking and rock climbing. After exploring the desert splendor and stargazing, stick around for the Memorial Day Flower Drop & Air Fair at the Palm Springs Air Museum to commemorate our fallen troops.
Perfect for last-minute trips from: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Las Vegas.
4. Denver, CO
Big blue bear, Denver, CO. Photo by Daniel Hoherd via Flickr CCL
The Downtown Denver Arts Festival showcases over 135 local artists during Memorial Day Weekend. Take a trip over to the Denver Day of Rock to enjoy some free music from over 20 bands.
Perfect for last-minute trips from: Salt Lake City; Albuquerque; Las Vegas; Kansas City, M.O.; Phoenix; Dallas; Minneapolis.
5. Chicago, IL
The Bean, Chicago, IL. Photo by Bill Dickinson via Flickr CCL
The Windy City offers everything you could want for Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy the Memorial Day Parade along State Street Saturday afternoon, and take in the fireworks at Navy Pier that night. If you want to incorporate some fitness into your weekend, take part in Bike The Drive on Sunday morning, when Lake Shore Drive will be open to bicyclists only.
Perfect for last-minute trips from: Indianapolis; Milwaukee; Detroit; Louisville, K.Y.; Saint Louis; Minneapolis.
Source: Wyndham Hotel Group.
About Ellen Barone: Consumer travel journalist Ellen Barone is the founder and publisher of TravelUpdatesbyEllenBarone.com and YourLifeIsATrip.com. She’s currently at work on her first book - I COULD LIVE HERE.