Memorial Day

On the last Monday of May, Americans pause to observe Memorial Day, a national holiday that honors those that have died during their service in the United States’ armed forces. Decoration Day, as it was originally called, was founded in 1868, when family and friends of the dead would drape flowers over the graves of their loved ones whom they had lost in the American Civil War. But it wasn’t until 1971 that the observance of Memorial Day was established on a Monday. Now, as our country reflects, it also celebrates: the three-day weekend marks the glorious beginning of summer vacation season, when beaches and pools reopen to the public, amusement park rides creak back into service, and ever-patient employees planning their Memorial Day weekend getaways can finally cash in those summer Fridays. Where to GoAccording to the AAA, more than 36 million Americans travel during this weekend every year, bound for sunny escapes like South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, and Orlando, Florida. Food also plays a huge part in the festivities. Memorial Day travel has become synonymous with plates of corndogs, bowls of potato chips, and juicy burgers hot off the grill. Those in search of fried food can’t do better than brisket and barbecue in Austin or ribs in Memphis while listening to some rock ‘n roll blues, while many head to Kennebunkport, Maine, for endless clam chowder and lobster rolls before the summer crowds descend.Whether you’re planning a weekend trip with friends, a backyard barbecue with family, or just looking to get away, Travel + Leisure tracks the places to go, things to eat, and celebrations to see on Memorial Day to kick off the sunny season right. So break out the sandals and sun hats, slather on the sunscreen, and take advantage of three-day weekend and springtime sales—because summer is finally here.

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25 Memorial Day Quotes for Your Patriotic Instagram Posts

25 Memorial Day Quotes for Your Patriotic Instagram Posts

Remember those who have died serving the United States Armed Forces with these Memorial Day quotes and Instagram caption ideas.
How to Spend the Perfect Long Weekend in the Hamptons

How to Spend the Perfect Long Weekend in the Hamptons

The Best and Worst Times to Drive on Memorial Day Weekend (Video)

The Best and Worst Times to Drive on Memorial Day Weekend (Video)

11 Restaurants Where Veterans and Active Duty Military Can Eat for Free on Memorial Day

11 Restaurants Where Veterans and Active Duty Military Can Eat for Free on Memorial Day

Remember to bring your ID.
Thanks to Spring Snow, These Ski Areas Are Reopening for Memorial Day Weekend

Thanks to Spring Snow, These Ski Areas Are Reopening for Memorial Day Weekend

10 Memorial Day Destinations for People Who Still Don’t Have Plans (Video)

10 Memorial Day Destinations for People Who Still Don’t Have Plans (Video)

More Memorial Day

Nearly 38 Million Americans Expected to Clog Roads Over Memorial Day Weekend

Nearly 38 Million Americans Expected to Clog Roads Over Memorial Day Weekend

Free Memorial Day Events You Won’t Want to Miss This Year

Free Memorial Day Events You Won’t Want to Miss This Year

From walking tours and cooking demonstrations to festivals, museum exhibits, and firework displays, here are a range of free Memorial Day events that will make it easy to unofficially kick off summer in a budget-friendly way.
The Top Trending Memorial Day Weekend Destinations for 2019, According to Google

The Top Trending Memorial Day Weekend Destinations for 2019, According to Google

Lands’ End Is Having a One-day Sale With 50% Off Swimwear

Lands’ End Is Having a One-day Sale With 50% Off Swimwear

These Are the Hottest Memorial Day Weekend Destinations in the U.S.

These Are the Hottest Memorial Day Weekend Destinations in the U.S.

The Rosé Sale of the Year Is Coming Just in Time for Summer

The Rosé Sale of the Year Is Coming Just in Time for Summer

The real reason we now celebrate Memorial Day

The Memorial Day holiday was originally meant to be a day to honor those killed in battle. How did it become a day for celebration instead?

All Memorial Day

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Philadelphia

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Philadelphia

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Virginia Beach

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Virginia Beach

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in the Catskills

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in the Catskills

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Washington, D.C.

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Washington, D.C.

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Manchester, Vermont

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Manchester, Vermont

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend on Nantucket

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend on Nantucket

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in L.A.’s Beach Cities

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in L.A.’s Beach Cities

The Perfect Three-day Weekend in the Finger Lakes

The Perfect Three-day Weekend in the Finger Lakes

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Miami

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Miami

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Las Vegas

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Las Vegas

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in New Orleans

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in New Orleans

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Portland, Oregon

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Portland, Oregon

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Sonoma

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Sonoma

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Asheville

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Asheville

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Palm Springs

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Palm Springs

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Santa Barbara

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Santa Barbara

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in San Francisco

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in San Francisco

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Greenwich, Connecticut

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Greenwich, Connecticut

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Napa Valley

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Napa Valley

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Nashville

The Perfect Three-Day Weekend in Nashville

The 25 Most Instagrammed Summer Vacation Spots

The 25 Most Instagrammed Summer Vacation Spots

Our Town: A Travel Editor’s Guide to Bethany Beach, Delaware

Our Town: A Travel Editor’s Guide to Bethany Beach, Delaware

America's Happiest Seaside Towns

America's Happiest Seaside Towns

The Best Sunscreens for Every Type of Traveler

The Best Sunscreens for Every Type of Traveler

The Best Beaches in New Jersey

The Best Beaches in New Jersey

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