Great last-minute Memorial Day staycation hotspots!
theGRIO REPORT - This year, you wont have to go too far or spend too much to make it a blissful and rewarding vacation when you make it a staycation...
More staycation ideas!
East
New York City, NY: Parks, Parades and a free concert for good times
– Perfect for Staycation travelers between Boston and Baltimore –
Much like the diversity of the Big Apple, you can expect a wide array of unique events happening around town for the Memorial Day holiday. The Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade has been a neighborhood tradition since the 1800s, with many veterans often in attendance. The parade runs along Third Avenue towards Marine Avenue and continues to Fourth Avenue before making its way to John Paul Jones Park. Queens and Manhattan also have their own spectacular parades, so depending on which is closer, check them out. If you’re looking to have your three-day weekend vacation soar to even higher heights, then be sure to visit the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. Enjoy several free Memorial Day weekend events, including a flight deck screening of the award-winning 1980s film Top Gun, exclusive musical performances, a commemoration ceremony Monday morning, and a discussion about African-Americans who served in WWII. Last but not least, you can also enjoy a free concert by The New York Philharmonic at Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine.
 Washington, D.C.: Unique commemorations
– Perfect for Staycation travelers between Hartford and Virginia –
How great would it be to be in the heart of the D.C. during the Memorial Day weekend? Everyone in town anticipates the National Memorial Day Parade, not to be missed if you are in the region. This timeless event will be filled with floats and marching bands along with musical performers and celebrity veterans making their way along Constitution Avenue. If you prefer getting your wheels in motion, over standing and watching, the annual Rolling Thunder bike rally boasts more than 250, 000 motorcyclists, who will be making their way from the Pentagon to the U.S. Capitol. Be sure to squeeze in some free time for a free concert by the National Symphony Orchestra on the West Lawn of the Capitol.
West
Los Angeles, CA: Festivals, more festivals and block Parties galore
– Perfect for Staycation travelers between San Francisco and Las Vegas –
You are sure to get your fill of festival fever in Los Angeles for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Aside from the booming backyard barbecues that will be happening, music festivals and entertaining block parties of all kinds will be taking Los Angeles by storm. Join the tens of thousands of L.A. residents at the Silver Lake Jubilee Music and Arts Festival where there will be great music, local art, and plenty of food. If you prefer a little jazz in your reggae, be sure to make it to the JazzReggae Festival, where reggae artists Ziggy Marley and Barrington Levy will perform on the same stage with songstress Santigold and Chicago-born hip-hop artist Common. If you still have more room for excitement that adds a Cajun twist, make your way to the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival with sizzling performances by Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners, and the refreshingly talented The Mannish Boys. With three stages — the Cajun/Zydeco stage, the Blues Stage, and the Kids Stage — the Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival will feature two days of music, fun and sun with something for everyone to enjoy!
Make this Memorial Day holiday weekend the best yet by making it a staycation. Not only will your family thank you, but your pockets will, too.
Wanjira Banfield writes about travel and entertainment for theGrio. You can find her at  www.wanjirasworld.com and follow her on Twitter @wanjirasworld.
