Labor Day, the first Monday of September, was created as part of the labor movement as a holiday for hard workers so take this time and use it well by taking a fabulous vacation somewhere in the USA. Finish out the summer strong and enjoy America.
10 Best Labor Day Destinations In The U.S.
1. Washington D.C.
What better way to spend Labor Day weekend than where the labor movement started this holiday? Learn about the history of labor through the American Enterprise exhibit located in on the ground level of the National Museum of American History. The exhibit is an interactive display, which walks you through the evolution of innovation from agricultural to industry. Or take a tour at the U.S. Department of Interior Building where you can follow the 26 photographic and painted murals by American painters such as Ansel Adams depicting the history of labor. One of the best ways to spend Labor Day in the capital of America is spending it at the U.S. Capitol. Check out the National Symphony Orchestra’s Labor Day Concert on the west lawn of the U.S. Capital this free music event starts off the Kennedy Center’s performing arts season with American classics. Spend one day of your weekend vacation at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home and now museum. Choose from the many tours through the mansion, gardens, tombs and much more.
2. New York City, New York
As always New York City has an array of events to keep you entertained. The classic Labor Day Parade represents workers from various industries as they march through the streets of downtown. After the parade check out the West Indian-American Day Carnival as thousands of men and women celebrate Caribbean culture with brightly colored floats representing countries from the Caribbean and delicious jerk chicken. Dance the rest of summer away at the Electric Zoo Festival, the annual EDM three-day music and dance festival where the biggest names in electronic music DJ’s on the park’s four stages. Catch the US Open while you’re in town and relax as someone else runs around.
3. Atlanta, Georgia
Shopping, history, nature and more await you in Atlanta. Tour the Civil War museums and learn about the history of Georgia as a Confederate state. Enjoy Atlanta’s beautiful nature and take a walk through Piedmont Park or head to Stone Mountain Park. During Labor Day weekend the Mountain Park celebrates with the Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision and special fireworks displayed every night for Labor Day weekend. The largest independent book festival, AJC Decatur Book Festival, lines the streets of downtown Atlanta with book signings, reading, poetry slams, writing workshops and cooking demonstrations.
4. Denver, Colorado
Denver hosts A Taste of Colorado so over half a million people can enjoy four days over Labor Day weekend with over 50 food establishments, 275 vendors, six stages for entertainment with no admission cost. Or drive until you’re above the mass and enjoy the Top of the World along Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Enjoy the history of the region by exploring the culture of the west with Denver’s Labor Day Wild West Weekend. Before you leave Denver make sure to catch a baseball game at Coors Field.
5. Seattle, Washington
Thousands of people join Seattle in celebrating Labor Day weekend by heading to Bumbershoot, the unique and acclaimed contemporary festivals that brings together live music, comedy, theater, film, dance and more. Check out the free concerts at Ballard Locks or the Americana Festival at Waterfront Park to enjoy some more music in Seattle. Besides the music scene, Seattle is well known for its huge shopping district so enjoy the coffee shops as your take a break from perusing the stores.
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is known for its nightlife, live-music scene and well-known cuisine of French, African and American twists. Mardi Gras, the late-winter carnival is not the only festival you should visit for. Southern Decadence, known as Gay Mardi Gras, is filled with dancing, parades and costumes in the French Quarter during Labor Day weekend. If you prefer to enjoy the local delicacies spend the weekend at the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival where thousands celebrate delicious Cajun seafood at Louisiana's oldest chartered harvest festival.
7. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival is the great Chicago shopping experience with an abundance and variety of boutiques and stores to spark every interest, meet every need and delight every visitor. The shops on The Magnificent Mile are as diverse, chic and all in an easy stroll of each other. Keep up the pace by going for a stroll in Millennium Park and enjoy the evening performances. The Park presents a series of one-night-only performances to showcase opera, dance, Broadway hits, classical and more performed by some of Chicago’s best-loved cultural institutions. Take yourself out the ball game and watch some baseball at the famous Wrigley Field.
8. Miami, Florida
The international Ballet Festival will bring you film, art, literature and live performance. With bike shows, contests, vendors, food, photo exhibits and parties South Beach Bike week is great for everyone. Labor Day weekend also brings in Miami Spice where restaurants participate by showcasing their innovative meals at a great discount. The Eden Roc and SLS South Beach also offer discounts over Labor Day. Hyde Beach is celebrating with the White Out Labor Day party.
9. Detroit, Michigan
The Motor City celebrates with the 35th annual Jazz Festival, the largest free jazz festival in the world, at a park along Detroit’s downtown Riverfront. Just a few miles north of Detroit is the Arts, Beats & Eats festival in Royal Oak, which will showcase hundreds of musical performers on nine stages, a fine arts show, and lots of good food. Most of the proceeds go to charities throughout the country.
10. Boston, Massachusetts
Labor Day fireworks along with a music show over Boston Harbor brings in the end of summer. While fireworks launched from barges light up the sky over the Harbor, music will accompany each display. Red Sox Games on Labor Day Weekend are one of the best ways to celebrate in Boston. The USS Constitution Museum tells you what life was like at sea on the USS Constitution during the War of 1812 at this special Labors Day weekend family event at the USS Constitution Museum in the Charlestown Navy Yards. There are lots of hands-on activities for the entire family such as learning how to use rope on a ship.
This article was written by Melanie Whyte.