Here we sit, one week away from Memorial Day. If you haven't made travel plans, you are likely facing that conundrum of what to do for the holiday. Do you party it up on Saturday night and relax away the remaining long weekend? Or, do you host a pool party on Sunday afternoon? Brunch on Monday? Take your dog for a run and then play it by ear?We're here to provide some alternate suggestions--a few traditional, a few oddballs.
1) Drive-in Movie:
The drive-in movie theatre is a dying breed; however, quite a few remain around the country. If you've never been, you should check one out! Most allow you to bring in your own food, so grab a few friends, a bottle of wine, and catch a double-feature.
2) Adult Pic-nic
It troubles me when people go to a fast food joint, grab a burger, and then sit down in a park and call it a pic-nic. A pic-nic requires a little more thought than that. We fully endorse amping it up a notch or two beyond bologna and PB&J's. For instance, go by your local market or deli and get a 1/4 lb. of prosciutto, a few slices of outstanding salami, and a honeydew melon. Other winning bets include cucumber slices, hummus, and crusty bread. Ice down your favorite warm weather beverage (iced tea, beer, soda, whatever) and have one of those lazy, low-key holidays.
3) Volunteer
Find your local homeless shelter, join a 5-K charity run, or offer to help clean up a nearby park. We often say that we wish we had more time for volunteer work. Well, a day-off qualifies!
4) Pub Crawl (for the wild ones out there)
Pick a neighborhood with lots of bars and clubs. Next, select a rendez-vous for your friends and have a drink there. When that drink is done, move on to the next closest place. This is particularly fun when you try out new neighborhoods and bars you might not typically visit. Plus, its a great way to break out of that rut you've been stuck in where you frequent the same three places repeatedly.
Pick a neighborhood with lots of bars and clubs. Next, select a rendez-vous for your friends and have a drink there. When that drink is done, move on to the next closest place. This is particularly fun when you try out new neighborhoods and bars you might not typically visit. Plus, its a great way to break out of that rut you've been stuck in where you frequent the same three places repeatedly.
5) Adventure tour
Almost all major cities have companies that plan excursions. Go for a hike, a bike ride, kayaking, or base jumping... whatever floats your boat. Other options: skydiving, frisbee golf, walking tour of the city.
6) Block/Building Party
Talk to your neighbors and see which of them are sticking around for the holiday weekend. Plan a potluck dinner and tell everyone to bring some folding chairs and candles and mingle with your neighbors. Its a great way to socialize with the people in your building or your neighbors down the street.
Think outside the box, try something new, experiment, spread your wings... Whatever you end up doing, be sure to enjoy yourself, be safe, leave it better than you found it, and, most importantly, be thankful for your friends, family, and those who've lost their lives protecting and defending.
Best wishes for a fun and fabulous Memorial Day,
Eight at Eight Dinner Club
