Just days away, the unofficial end of summer will arrive. If you’re still undecided about your plans, check out these last minute Labor Day weekend getaways for some ideas.
Sanibel Island, Florida
White-sand palm-fringed beaches, blue skies, abundant seashells and stellar sunsets await on the island beaches of Sanibel. Less crowds and more nature are the themes on Florida’s southwest coast. Relish the “old Florida” ambience at local eateries like the Island Cow—a family-friendly spot with live music, outdoor games and delicious Florida-style comfort food.
Check out the J. N.“Ding” Darling Wildlife Preserve. This 6400-acre pristine mangrove estuary provides sanctuary to dolphins, manatees, countless reptiles, and more than 252 species of birds. Walk, bike or drive the four-mile wildlife drive or get out on the water in a kayak or canoe. There are also boardwalk trails through the mangrove forests with interpretive displays along the way. Be sure to stop by the visitor and education center which includes information on the park’s namesake, cartoonist Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling.
Asbury Park, New Jersey
Handle Labor Day weekend like a boss with a visit to Bruce Springsteen’s summer seaside getaway. Making a big comeback in recent years, Asbury Park now has its first five-star luxury boutique property. Rising 17-stories above the Atlantic, The Asbury Ocean Club Hotel offers wrap-around terraces and stunning ocean views. Pamper yourself with an in-room massage or focus on wellness with yoga and pilates classes.
Be sure to catch a show at The Stone Pony made famous by hometown rockers, Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi. Reconnect with your inner pinball wizard at the Silverball Museum where over 600 games make up the Pinball Hall of Fame.
Park City, Utah
Done with the beaches and looking forward to autumn? Head to Park City, Utah where fall foliage makes an appearance in late August thanks to the higher altitude. On Labor Day, join the old-time celebration of the city’s mining history at the 123rd annual Miner’s Day event. Start the day with a hearty $5 pancake breakfast at the City Park. Don your best costume and join the Funky 5K Run to work off those flapjacks.
The human race is followed by the Running of the Balls as thousands of numbered golf balls roll down Main Street into a chute, thanks to a nudge from gravity. Winning balls yield prizes for sponsors including season passes at ski resorts and vacation stays in local hotels.
South Dakota
Known for the iconic Mount Rushmore, South Dakota’s towering mountains, lush forests and quaint towns make for an ideal weekend road trip escape. Spend a day exploring the Badlands outside of Rapid City before heading east. Be sure to keep an eye out for dazzling sunflower fields along the route from Pierre to Sioux Falls. Approximately 875 million pounds of sunflowers are produced each year providing the landscape with a glorious golden display beyond corn.
Speaking of corn, South Dakota has found a use for corn that reaches far beyond popcorn, corn on the cob and cornbread. In 1892, the small town of Mitchell gave us the world’s only Corn Palace. Constructed as a tribute to the state’s agricultural industry, the Corn Palace sees half a million visitors each year. It also serves as a venue for events including concerts, basketball games and even high school proms and graduations. The outside of the palace displays 12 murals made from an estimated 275,000 ears of corn split in half. Corn in 13 shades of red, brown, blue, black, calico, green and yellow (a favorite of the birds) are blended with wheat and sour dock to complete the murals.
While you’re road-tripping, take some time out to experience the 134th South Dakota State Fair. Held in Huron (125 miles outside of Sioux Falls), the events kick off on August 29th and include concerts, a beer garden, wine pavilion and the oh-so-fun midway of rides.
New York City
With the majority of New Yorkers escaping the city for the last summer weekend, there will be plenty of room for you. Take a stroll on the High Line alongside the Hudson River. Built on a historic freight rail line, the High Line stretches from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street along Manhattan’s west side. There are plenty of highlights along the way including the Chelsea Thicket—a two block section of the pathway that meanders through a miniature forest of dogwoods, bottlebrush buckeye, roses and various other trees and shrubs. Original railroad tracks are embedded into the walkway as a nod to the path’s original identity. Between 14th and 15th Streets the walkway is lined with lounge chairs filled with sunbathers during the day and those looking for the best seat in town to catch a sunset over the Hudson River.
When you’re ready to rest your feet, head to a rooftop bar for views of the cityscape. You’ll find our list of favorites here. Tennis fans can catch a match or two at the U. S. Open Championship in Queens. Or celebrate music at the Metropolitan Opera’s free Summer HD Festival for screenings of opera productions every night through Labor Day. Celebrate Caribbean culture in the lively Caribbean Carnival Parade. Attracting spectators from around the world, the parade features dancers in vibrant costumes along with reggae and calypso music. The parade takes place on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn.
Wherever you choose to celebrate Labor Day, endeavor to make it a spectacular ending to a long, hot summer.