Take It Easy in New Orleans on Labor Day
If you are looking for the perfect destination to take it easy for the upcoming Labor Day weekend, New Orleans, Louisiana is an excellent choice. A long weekend is the perfect amount of time to experience a taste of what New Orleans is all about.
Much of New Orleans’ culture and history comes from its location on the swamp. Dr. Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tour will take you on a boat ride through Honey Island Swamp, which is one of the largest preserved swamps in the country. The swamp is home to many types of native wildlife, including alligators, Florida cougars, exotic birds, and a range of amphibians. Foliage seen on the tour includes old cypress trees and native Louisiana azalea bushes. A New Orleans hotel transfer may be added onto the swamp tour, and the ride to the swamp tour includes a narrated drive.
Another classic way to enjoy New Orleans’ culture and way of life is by sampling some of the local cuisine. Court of Two Sisters is one of the oldest and best-known restaurants in the city. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the site of this restaurant has a long history in New Orleans, stretching back over two centuries. There are two dining options for the Court of Two Sisters: a traditional gourmet Creole dinner and a brunch buffet with live jazz. Each meal option contains classic Creole and Cajun cuisine, including shrimp and grits, jambalaya, and pecan pie. A trip to New Orleans is just not complete without sampling some of the local fare.
A city tour of New Orleans will be the perfect activity to complete your weekend. On a guided tour, you will be able to learn about the fascinating history and culture of the area. The New Orleans Combo City Tour takes tour groups around New Orleans to many historical sites and places of interest. Sights on the tour include the French Quarter, St. Louis Cemetery, Lake Ponchartrain, St. Charles Avenue, Garden District, and downtown New Orleans. The tour is fully guided and features narration throughout the tour about the various stops and sights you will be seeing.
Celebrate Past Presidents at Mount Rushmore
For this upcoming Labor Day weekend, you can plan a trip to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota and celebrate the lives of our past presidents by visiting the area museums and monuments.
National Presidential Wax Museum
One of the most unique attractions in the area is the National Presidential Wax Museum. You can see life-size figurines of past presidents, including Abraham Lincoln, Richard Nixon, and Theodore Roosevelt. The life-like figures are set in realistic scenes from events during their presidency. A highlight of the wax museum is the gift shop that offers an extensive array of memorabilia, collectibles, and souvenirs. This attraction is a perfect activity for families as kids of all ages will enjoy taking a look back into the past.
President’s Park in Lead, SD
For a larger-than-life look at the presidents, visit the President’s Park in Lead, South Dakota. This attraction features 20-foot-tall busts of the 42 former presidents. Each bust also features biographical information and state flags from the state where the president lived. Self-guided tours are available here. All of the sculptures are the work of artist David Adickes. A cafe is available on site for meals and snacks.
Mount Rushmore Guided Tour
Of course, no visit to Mount Rushmore would be complete without visiting the monument featuring Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson. The monument also features a gift shop and other attractions. The guided tour at Mount Rushmore includes stops at the Crazy Horse Memorial site, Big Thunder Gold Mine, Sylvan Lake, Iron Mountain Road, Harney Peak, and Custer State Park. In total, the tour lasts approximately nine hours and features knowledgeable guides and narration of the different sites.
Spend Labor Day Weekend in the Chattanooga Outdoors
Labor Day weekend provides the ideal time to visit Chattanooga, Tennessee. Use this last opportunity to take advantage of warm summer temperatures and plan an outdoor adventure in Chattanooga.
Journeying to the top of Lookout Mountain is an activity that will please visitors looking for a romantic escape as well as families planning a fun day in the Smoky Mountains. Lookout Mountain provides an unforgettable viewpoint from which you can see seven states! Other fun attractions are also found on Lookout Mountain. Ruby Falls is located in Ruby Falls Cave and is a 145-foot cascade of water. Rock City contains unique rock formations and offers a trail that includes caves, flora, fauna, and a 200-foot-long bridge. One of the most unique features of Lookout Mountain is the Incline Railway, which features a 73% incline, making it one of the world’s steepest passenger railways. Lookout Mountain also has restaurants, gift shops, and snack bars for your convenience.
To enjoy a night dancing under the stars in the balmy summer weather, be sure to head out to Coolidge Park to join in Swingfest on Sept. 5. The event begins at 5:30 p.m., and you can receive free swing dance lessons. The event features several swing orchestras that will be providing the music for the evening. A total of three orchestras will be performing. Food and merchant vendors will be on hand, and shops along River Street will also be open.
A popular Chattanooga destination to spend the day or afternoon is the Chattanooga Nature Center. You can bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy a day in the sun as you explore the trails of the Nature Center or the boardwalk that goes through gardens and the forest. A highlight of the Nature Center is the many gardens it has on hand, including a Frangrance Garden, a Winter Garden, and the Spring Courtyard Garden. There are also plenty of activities available for kids, as well. Everyone will enjoy looking for native wildlife and exploring what the center has to offer.
Enjoy Music and More in Memphis During Labor Day
If you are looking for the perfect destination to spend a relaxing and fun Labor Day Weekend, check out what Memphis, Tennessee has to offer. From the excitement of Beale Street to taking in the beauty of the river on a riverboat cruise, your Labor Day weekend can be full of great activities.
One great reason to visit Memphis during the weekend is to enjoy the music and culture of the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival, which is an annual Labor Day event. This year’s event is taking place Sept. 5-6 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. This event has drawn over 30,000 people to Memphis to enjoy the music. The festival takes place on Main Street near Peabody Place and Gayoso. Admission is free to the public.
The festival features five different stages, both inside and out. Different musical genres including blues, jazz, and gospel will be featured. Another special feature of the festival will be the regional cooking displays featuring regional and Southern favorites. In addition, storytelling and dancing exhibits will be going on. There will also be arts and crafts and songwriting workshops. The headline performers of this year’s event are Mike Darby and the House of Cards Band.
To round out the musical weekend, visit Sun Studio with the Sun Studio Guided Tour, which offers a guided tour of the Sun Studios. The studio opened in 1950 and became an important launching pad for blues and rock artists. Notable performers like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, B.B. King, and Jerry Lee Lewis got their start at Sun Studios. The guided tour takes you through the studio and allows you to see many artifacts and rock memorabilia. Items include one of Elvis’ microphones and historic records. Also available on site is a gift shop and old-fashioned soda shop to complete your experience.
Spend the Last Days of Summer in Charleston, SC
Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching, which means that the time to take advantage of warm summer days spend by Charleston Harbor is vanishing. Before the kids go back to school and the chilly temperatures of fall and winter begin, make plans to enjoy the end of summer in Charleston, South Carolina.
One exciting and unique activity for the long weekend is the Blue Crabbing Clinic. The Carolinas are famous for their fresh crabs, and you can fish like a local during this clinic. You will be taught by local guides how to catch the delicious blue crabs. This experience offers the total crabbing package. You will learn to catch them, clean them, and cook them. After the fishing trip is done, you and the group will enjoy a crab boil on the beach. In addition to catching crabs, you will also learn ecological information about the area.
If you are bringing the kids along for one last summer hurrah, be sure to stop by the South Carolina Aquarium. The aquarium features special exhibits like the Secrets of the Amazon and the Mountain Forest Gallery in addition to the year round attractions and animals found in the aquarium. One highlight of the aquarium is the Discovery Lab, which gives you and your family the opportunity to interact with different marine creatures in a hands-on experience. The newest exhibit is Penguin Planet, which features Magellanic penguins. The aquarium also features exhibits on local marine wildlife found along the Carolina coast and the salt marshes, including turtles, rattlesnakes, and alligators.
If you are looking for a relaxing activity to celebrate Labor Day, consider the Old South Carriage Tour. This tour lasts approximately one hour and provides a scenic and relaxing drive around Charleston in a horse-drawn carriage. Sights you will see on this tour include Civil War-era mansions, historic churches, and historic landmarks. Whether wanting a romantic evening for two or a fun event for your family, you will find that this tour provides a fascinating look at Charleston history.
Take a Break in Boston to Celebrate Labor Day
As summer days begin coming to a close and cooler temperatures start rolling in, Labor Day provides the perfect time to enjoy a relaxing weekend in Boston. Although Boston has great attractions to visit year round, Labor Day weekend features several great events, making it the perfect time to plan a trip to Boston.
The Gloucester Schooner Festival is an annual racing event that is celebrating its 25th year this year. The Schooner Festival will be taking place Sept. 4-7, and the ships begin arriving on Sept. 4, when they will be welcomed with a Mayor’s Reception. The weekend’s events include a festival crew party, Coast Guard demonstrations, a sailing Parade of Lights, and a fireworks show in Gloucester Harbor following the parade. The highlight of the weekend is the Mayor’s Race, which begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday and is followed by an awards ceremony and reception later that night.
A sightseeing tour is a great addition to Labor Day weekend. A tour will provide a relaxing afternoon or morning exploring Boston and the surrounding area. With trolley tours and cruise tours available, Vacations Made Easy has the perfect tour option for you. If you wish to combine a trolley and cruise, the Beantown Trolley and Harbor Cruise is an excellent choice. This tour provides you the ability to hop on and off the trolley at 20 different Boston sites, including Bunker Hill Pavilion, Newbury Street, and Fanueil Hall. In addition to the trolley tour, you can also enjoy a 45-minute cruise in Boston Harbor. An uninterrupted trolley tour takes approximately two hours to complete.
Don’t forget to book your lodging of the weekend early! Rooms are bound to fill up quickly, so plan ahead and book online with us. We offer a great selection of hotels in Boston and the surrounding area. To make the most of your time in Boston, a downtown hotel is a great choice due to its proximity to a range of attractions and sightseeing options.
Grand Ole Opry Schedule of Performers for August 14, 15, and 18
Please Note: The Grand Ole Opry does not release final lineups until the Wednesday prior to each performance. This list will be updated weekly as new performers are confirmed and added to the lineup.
Friday, August 14, 2009 – Order Tickets
7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
John Conlee
Jeannie Seely
Mike Snider
Justin McBride
7:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Jimmy Dickens
Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Rodney Atkins
8:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Ricky Skaggs
Jim Ed Brown
Riders In The Sky
The Whites
8:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Bill Anderson
Connie Smith
Vince Gill
Saturday, August 15, 2009 – Order Tickets
7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Jimmy Dickens
Jimmy C. Newman
The Infamous Stringdusters
7:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Vince Gill
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Jack Greene
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
8:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Mel Tillis
Stonewall Jackson
The Whites
Opry Square Dancers
8:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Mike Snider
Connie Smith
Jim Ed Brown
Josh Turner
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 – Order Tickets
7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
John Conlee
Chris Young
7:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Jimmy C. Newman
8:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Riders In The Sky
Hal Ketchum
8:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Jimmy Dickens
Restless Heart
Make Labor Day Plans in the Grand Canyon
Although summer will soon be drawing to a close, you still have time to visit one of the United States’ most well-known natural wonders—the Grand Canyon! Labor Day weekend is a great time to visit this national landmark, and the long weekend will provide you just enough time to fully experience the Grand Canyon. Labor Day falls on Sept. 7 this year, and the weekend dates are Sept. 5-7.
Although the Grand Canyon in itself is enough to entertain visitors, the Williams Labor Day PRCA Rodeo is worth checking out for a day of classic western fun. The rodeo kicks off with a parade on Saturday morning and features events throughout the weekend, including barrel racing and a junior rodeo. Guests can expect classic rodeo events, including bull riding and calf roping. The rodeo takes place at the Williams Rodeo Grounds.
The Grand Canyon Railway Vacation Package is a great choice for a weekend away in the Grand Canyon. This package include two nights of lodging either inside of Grand Canyon National Park or outside in a town like Williams, AZ, and tickets to the Grand Canyon Railway Budd Coach tour. The railway tour departs from the Williams Depot and features a two hour scenic ride in a classic steam engine built in the style of the 30s and 40s. The nostalgic coach was built by the Budd Manufacturing Company. Upon arrival in the Grand Canyon, you will have ample time to explore the national park and go hiking, take pictures, and do anything else you want. Upon arrival in Williams, you can enjoy a classic meal on Route 66 at the Grand Depot Café.
If you would just like a hotel close to the park for the weekend so that you can explore at your leisure, there are many options. The Grand Hotel offers a deluxe stay just a mile from the national park entrance and a short drive away from the South Rim. This hotel features an on-site restaurant, on-site Starbucks coffee, a boutique gift shop, and rooms with a range of amenities for a comfortable stay. The Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn is another option close to the national park. From this hotel, you will be close to a variety of Grand Canyon attractions, including the IMAX theater and Colorado River water activities. This hotel also includes two on-site restaurants, a fitness center, a continental breakfast, and an outdoor pool.
Grand Ole Opry Schedule of Performers for August 7, 8, and 11
Grand Ole Opry
Please Note: The Grand Ole Opry does not release final lineups until the Wednesday prior to each performance. This list will be updated weekly as new performers are confirmed and added to the lineup.
Friday, August, 7, 2009 – Order Tickets
7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Jeannie Seely
Jimmy C. Newman
Darryl Worley
7:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Jimmy Dickens
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Jim Lauderdale
8:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Jim Ed Brown w/ Helen Cornelius
Stonewall Jackson
George Hamilton IV
Mark Wills
8:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Charley Pride
Connie Smith
Saturday, Ausust 8, 2009 – Order Tickets
7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Jimmy Dickens
Jeannie Seely
David Nail
7:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Hal Ketchum
Stonewall Jackson
Jack Greene
Jean Shepard
8:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Bill Anderson
Jan Howard
Sunny Sweeney
Opry Square Dancers
8:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Charley Pride
Jim Ed Brown
The Whites
Tuesday, August 11, 2009 – Order Tickets
7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
The Whites
Love & Theft
7:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Dailey & Vincent
Bucky Covington
8:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Jean Shepard
Jason Michael Carroll
8:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Jimmy Dickens
Keith Anderson
Grand Ole Opry Performers for July 31, August 1, and August 4
Grand Ole Opry
Please Note: The Grand Ole Opry does not release final lineups until the Wednesday prior to each performance. This list will be updated weekly as new performers are confirmed and added to the lineup.
Friday, July 31, 2009 – Order Tickets
7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
John Conlee
Jimmy C. Newman
Jonathan Singleton & The Grove
7:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Jimmy Dickens
Ray Pillow
8:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Bill Anderson
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
8:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Riders In The Sky
Jamie O’Neal
Saturday, August 1, 2009 – Order Tickets
7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Jimmy Dickens
Jimmy C. Newman
Trent Tomlinson
7:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Jeannie Seely
Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Ashton Shepherd
8:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Jim Ed Brown
Jan Howard
Jason Crabb
Opry Square Dancers
8:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Riders In The Sky
Charlie Louvin
George Hamilton IV w/ Live Issue
Restless Heart
Tuesday, August 4, 2009 – Order Tickets
7:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Jeannie Seely
The Grascals
7:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Jack Greene
Eric Church
8:00 to 8:30 p.m.
John Conlee
8:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Jimmy Dickens
Diamond Rio
