Top 10 Memorial Day getaways

By Editorial Staff

updated 8:50 p.m. ET May 21, 2008

Even though summer doesn’t officially start until a month or so after the Memorial Day weekend, most of us treat this three-day holiday as if it did mark the onset of the season. Of course, it helps that it’s the first warm long weekend in months, which means barbecues in the back yard, al fresco concerts, picnics in the park, hitting the links — you name it, so long as it’s outdoors! Our 10 best picks for a Memorial Day getaway won’t require extensive travel — or, an extensive budget, for that matter — but will definitely help you have a most memorable weekend.

1. Austin, Texas
Austin has made a name for itself that extends far outside of Texas. Largely enriched by the dynamic energy of the homegrown University of Texas, this up-and-coming city manages to offer not just the Lone Star State’s best cultural offerings, but also the finest in all of the Southwest. Indeed, the city has numerous galleries, museums, and music venues (more than 100 in all!) but maintains an appealing small-town feel. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, you could easily visit this Texan capital any time, but we particularly like it for a relaxed, cultural-filled, Memorial Day weekend away; what’s more, you’ll be able to see Austinites racing up and down historic Congress Avenue as part of the weekend’s annual Capital of Texas Triathlon.

2. Bermuda
While often touted as a Caribbean island, Bermuda is actually an Atlantic one, with a location that’s closer to Washington, D.C. than it is to points south. As a result, like much of the northern United States, this balmy British isle is only kicking into high-season now — while other islands of its ilk are becoming too hot to bear. With its fantastic golf, gorgeous bougainvillea, splendid pink-sand beaches, and endearing pastel-colored houses, Bermuda makes a terrific Memorial Day beach getaway — if you can afford the price tag. Indeed, it’s one of the priciest islands to visit, but, at a mere 2.5 hour plane ride from NYC, Bermuda is a quick-and-easy way to get a solid dollop of British culture (with some very unBritish beach time) without having to cross the pond to get it.

3. Charleston, S.C.
Where better to pay remembrance to fallen heroes and days gone by than in the history-rich capital of the Old South — Charleston, South Carolina? Saturated with history, this colorful city’s streets are lined with wonderfully preserved architectural remnants, like plantations and stately homes, hundreds of which were built prior to 1850 — 70 alone date back to the pre-Revolutionary War era. You can even hire a horse-and-carriage for a tour of the historic cityscape via the cobblestone streets! This unique feel of days of yore, coupled with the legendary hospitality of the South, makes Charleston a great bet for a Memorial Day getaway.

More from ShermansTravel.com Top 10 scenic drives in the U.S. Top 10 places to celebrate July 4 Bermuda spotlight Top 10 family beaches

4. Chicago, Ill.
Hold onto your hats — and head to the fast-paced and ultra-cool Windy City, where your first glimpse of the dramatic city skyline is just a harbinger of monumental buildings to come. Architectural gems abound in this lakefront city, housing renowned museums, dynamic theaters, first-rate restaurants, and bars and music venues that spill over with the sounds of blues and jazz. Enjoy the urban montage from under a spectacular display of Memorial Day fireworks at the Navy Pier, where an explosive festival of sound and color unfolds on Saturday night. By day, it’s also prime time to catch some action at famous Wrigley Field, the country’s second-oldest ballpark — the Cubs usually play at home over this long weekend.

5. Hilton Head, S.C.
May is an ideal time to visit Hilton Head Island, what with near-perfect weather, burgeoning apple blossoms, and an annual art and cultural festival, BRAVO, in full swing by month’s end. What’s more, this island off the coast of South Carolina is known for its splendorous natural beauty of unspoiled marshlands, pristine beaches, dense woodlands, and flowering meadows. While sun-worshipers can bask on warm shores, superb golf courses provide havens for golfers, and seafarers find solace in picturesque marinas and harbors. The island’s other charms include world-class resorts, historic plantations, succulent seafood, and upscale shops — making Hilton Head a hard-to-resist holiday getaway.

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