Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Make The Most Out of Your Memorial Day Getaway


Looking for a fantastic place to spend Memorial Day this year?  From fun in the sun to off the beaten path places, here are a few ideas for a great holiday getaway!

Antigua
Antigua (pronounced An-tee'ga) is located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean, roughly 17 degrees north of the equator. Carlisle Bay, a family-friendly hotel, is uniquely nestled between the Caribbean Sea and tropical rainforest, on one of Antigua’s 300+ beaches (one for every day of the year!). In addition to resort activities, guests can take in Antigua’s rich history, explore the rainforest on hikes, cycle around the island, and enjoy limitless water sports.
Carlisle Bay will run its first inclusive offer, the Super Chill Out promotion, over the holiday weekend; kids up to 15 to stay free with parents and teens and young adults 16-21 to stay in an additional Ocean Suite at 50 percent off rates. Additionally, guests who book more than 60 days in advance are eligible for an Early Booking Discount for a further 15 percent off rates. Double occupancy rates start at about $590 with the early booking discount applied.  

The offer includes accommodations, beverages, daily full breakfast, one three-course lunch and one three-course dinner at any of the hotel’s three restaurants. Memorial Day guests also have access to the resort’s activities (water sports, jungle hikes, spa and total beachfront relaxation) and the Cool Kids Club (only available during school holidays), with specialized activities geared toward different age groups.  
Greenville, SC
If you are looking for a off-the-beaten path destination that has tons to do during the Memorial Day weekend, check out Greenville, SC.  There’s USA Pro-Cycling, the Freedom Weekend Aloft (hot air balloon event), and the Greenville Scottish Games.

But aside from special events- there’s always something exciting to do in Greenville- like catching The Greenville Drive, the Class A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox whose field is a mini replica of Boston's Fenway Park, or take a ride on the free trolley up and down Main Street, and a leisurely stroll through the 40 acre park that is in the center of Downtown Greenville. A visit to the Michelin Retail Store is a must- the only retail store of its kind featuring Michelin-inspired products- everything from coffee mugs to Christmas ornaments, stuffed toys to golf balls- all with the signature Michelin Man himself. Another must? The Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library (free) chronicles the life of one of America's greatest baseball legends in his childhood home.
And there are great places to stay, such as the Marriott Greenville-Memorial Day;  weekend special includes stay two nights (at $99/night), you get the third free.  Or the Phoenix Greenville's Inn’s Pub & Putt Package ($119/night) includes: Accommodations for one night, 9 holes of Golf at Crosswinds for two, $25 Gift Certificate to McKibbon's Pub and a full Southern breakfast
San Francisco, CA
Visit San Francisco to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge!  2012 marks the 75th anniversary of this iconic bridge, and the Golden Gate Festival, which will take place Memorial Day weekend, is the center point of the Bridge’s year-long 75th anniversary program. With the theme of “Bridging Us All,” the free community event seeks to honor this amazing landmark in a way that reflects the ingenuity, inclusiveness and creativity of the entire San Francisco Bay Area.   The festival will offer thousands of people the opportunity to reflect on the beauty of the Bridge, learn about its history, and be inspired through performances and exhibits.

Cavallo Point Lodge, a luxury hotel with the most picturesque view of the bridge, will host a number of events surrounding the anniversary, including a birthday BBQ and an art exhibit. Other bridge anniversary events will take place throughout the Bay Area, focused around Memorial Day weekend. You can find more information about these at http://www.goldengatebridge75.org/.



Ft Myers, FL
Ft. Myers’ Estero Island, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is a perfect getaway vacation with warm tropical breezes, exquisite dining and accommodations. There’s just something special about a Gulf-front island discovered by Spanish explorers and frequented by pirates that’s retained its heritage and charm and abounds with modern conveniences. When it comes to activities, Estero Island has it all—be it shopping, dining, watersports, fishing or just relaxing on the beach.
Via the “Sandals In The Sand” website, you can find information about the "Escape to Estero Island 1, 2, 3, Free!"(stay 3 nights; 4th night free) package for a relaxing getaway in one of Southwest Florida's favorite destinations overlooking the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This vacation package is the perfect match for couples and families who enjoy Florida's beaches on Fort Myers' Estero Island. This offer is available on SandalsInTheSand.com.
Offers include stays at all-suite resorts where you can enjoy private balconies, screened lanais, pet-friendly floors, picnic areas and private beaches.  Bask in the sun during the Memorial Day weekend as you bask in the warm tropical breezes and dine al fresco over spectacular sunsets.  Rates for the holiday weekend start at $900/week for a 2 bedroom unit that can sleep up to 6 people.

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