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This anticipated holiday weekend marks the official beginning of summer 2014. Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor all of those who died serving our country – and we stand to commemorate them with warm hearts.
Kick off this summer season in Boston, with the very best of food, barbecues, hot weather, parades and fun! Beantown is gearing up for this weekend, bringing many celebratory festivities to tourists and locals…are you ready?
Whether it’s a rainy weekend or a sunny one, Joonbug has scouted out great events for both scenarios…
* Parade
What’s Memorial Day without American flags flying high and proud in the air, children holding red balloons and blue silly string, and lively locals gathering together enjoying lemonade and comfy lawn chairs? The Greater Boston Area has a few parades planned for all to attend.
Travel right outside of the city to Cambridge – an extremely quick commute – for their annual Memorial Day parade at 9:30am. The parade will commence on the Cambridge Common with the MA Bicentennial Battery cannon salute.
For more information on the parade details, click here.
* Beach It Up
Nothing says summer better than soaking up some sun at the beach. Bring your festive apparel and pack up blankets for a yummy picnic. If there are grills…even better! Plan a barbecue with your favorite cookout fare, surrounded by friends and family and make an entire day out of it.
You’ll have to travel a bit outside the city to find a beach, but it’s well worth the travel time! There are many places outside of Boston to soak up the warm rays, tan, play some beach volleyball, relax and swim. Castle Island is a great pick, and the locals rave about it. It is the perfect destination for a city escape. The Island houses Pleasure Bay, a beautiful beach where visitors and residents can swim in an enclosed, serene lagoon.
If you want to stay in the city, head over to the Charles River to relax on the docks and have your picnic there. The sailboats, kayaks and paddle boards will be out – it is always such a gorgeous sight to see.
* Get to Know Boston by Foot
Take a walking tour through Boston with Boston by Foot – a non-profit organization that provides awesome tours at extremely reasonable prices.
Saunter down the cobblestone sidewalks in the picturesque Beacon Hill, walk the historic Freedom Trail, stroll through the gorgeous and colorful Public Garden or savor samples of creamy gelato in Boston’s Italian district, the North End. Your choice of tour is completely up to you!
Reservations are not necessary for the walking tours and your lively tour guide can be paid at the starting point in cash. To learn more about Boston by Foot and to view the offered tours, click here.
* Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park
If you’re in the mood for an afternoon of pure fun and laughs, Sky Zone Boston has you covered. For the kids at heart, college students and adults, this epic indoor trampoline park is for all ages. Just admit it – this is truly everyone’s dream playing field!
Jump around on the huge trampoline surface. You can even bounce off the walls with Sky Zone’s genius invention: “patented, all-trampoline, walled playing courts.” This creation is so incredibly unique, it was even bestowed a United States patent. Now you just have to go and check it out this weekend.
It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, and they can be purchased here. Upon arrival, check-in at the front desk is required.
On Memorial Day, Sky Zone Boston will be open from 12pm to 8pm.
Location: 91-B Sprague St, Boston, MA 02136
* Spa Day
If it’s a rainy afternoon, no better time than treating yourself this weekend to a spa trip! Rainy days can be fun if you have a game plan in mind. Refresh and escape the city heat with a massage or body wrap. Bella Sante on Newbury offers a perfect summer treat to clients: Body Bronzing Treatment. You will have that summertime glow in no time and be ready to hit up the beach!
* Savor Scrumptious Summer Fare
One of the best aspects about summer is its refreshing, delightful cuisine – from juicy lobster rolls and barbecue fare to creamy custard, fresh raspberry iced tea and more.
Scout out Neptune Oyster and Beantown Pub for amazing lobster rolls…you won’t be disappointed. And as far as divine ice cream is concerned, J.P. Licks’ homemade scoops and Emack & Bolio’s ice cream stay true to the title of “sinfully delicious.”
Lexx in the City 