From Teresa Plowright,
Your Guide to Family Vacations.
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--When is Memorial Day weekend? Friday May 23 to Monday May 26 2008 --

The long weekend with the last Monday in May is unofficially the start of summer. Below are some ideas to start the season right. (And for a look at the significance of Memorial Day-- first widely observed as "Decoration Day" in 1868 after the Civil War- see Memorial Day - history.)

Memorial Day Weekend ideas - Friday May 23 to Monday May 26 2008

-- you may also be interested in Fourth of July celebrations--

• New York City
  During Fleet Week, families can tour ships, watch ships parade in the harbor, see competitions and musical performances by sailors; Memorial Day service is a highlight. Other events in the Big Apple, too.

• Queens, NY: Memorial Day Parade: The Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade is billed as the largest Memorial Day Parade in the nation.

• Washington DC: Special events include a National Memorial Day parade.

• Chicago: one of the largest parades in the country starts with a wreath-laying ceremony.

• Southeast US
  Dozens of events, such as free outdoor concert and fireworks in Vienna, in northern Virginia; affordable Freedom Weekend Aloft in South Carolina, with 100 hot-air balloons, amusement rides and games; lots more.

• Atlanta GA: Memorial Day Weekend Activities: patriotic laser and fireworks show at Stone Mountain Park; outdoor festival, and more.

• Milwaukee, WI: Parade: the 143rdd consecutive Memorial Day Parade, Monday May 26 2008.

• Texas: Memorial Day Activities: Folk Festival, Polka Festival, Crawfish Festival, and more.

• Seattle, WA: Northwest Folk Festival: held every Memorial Day weekend at the Seattle Center; free (but donations appreciated.)

• San Francisco
  Typical of San Francisco, events come in all flavors. For the traditional spirit of Memorial Day: a Parade at the Presidio, and formal ceremony, on the Monday of the weekend. At SF's WWII submarine, the USS Pampanito (at popular tourist spot Fisherman's Wharf): a ceremony to remember veterans and boats lost at war, with bell tolls and bagpipes; free, and open to the public. On the USS Hornet, a memorial ceremony, and tours of the ship are available. Also during the weekend: free opera in Dolores Park; Civil War battles and encampment; and Caribbean-themed Carnaval San Francisco Festival and Grand Parade.

Assorted Family Packages

Many resorts and hotels cook up special weekend packages for Memorial Day. Here are a few:

New England: Memorial Day Packages
These family resorts put on special events and packages to start their summer season on Memorial Day Weekend.

Sandestin Resort: this 2400-acre resort in northwest Florida has miles of white-sand beach, a bay-side with kayaking, sailing, etc., and a picture-perfect village of shops and restaurants. Check Memorial Day Weekend packages.

TX: Barton Creek Resort & Spa: 4000 acres in rolling hills near Austin; a pick of Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast; top-rated golf; kids' club, family movie night, arts and craft center, junior and teens night. See Memorial Day Weekend package.

CO: YMCA of the Rockies: this great destination has so many activities for families. Check what's offered for Snow Mountain Ranch for Memorial Day Weekend 2008: low price includes two nights in a lodge, five meals, activities. YMCA of the Rockies is a top "family camp".

To find more getaways:
Start with a destination city; Hotels.com has a whole list of places with Memorial Day rates. Also: Site59.com is all about last-minute trips; once the clock's ticked far enough into May, check Site59 for suggestions for Memorial Day Weekend.

-- Continue to p. 2 for New England Memorial Day weekend packages