Wanting to get out of dodge for the holiday weekend but unsure where to go? Consider choosing from Travelocity’s list of the top ten destinations for Labor Day Weekend 2014. (Find the original list here.) Additionally, RNR has mapped out where to stay, what to eat, what to see and how to celebrate so you can enjoy a little more RNR this holiday weekend.
1). New York City
Where to Stay: See how the other half lives and spend a night at The Peninsula New York, one of the city’s finest luxury hotels.
What to See: At the American Museum of Natural History you are sure to be amazed by the 94 feet long and 21,000 pound fiberglass whale suspended from the ceiling along with the other 32 million other specimens.
What to Eat: Get a slice of New York style pizza at Lombardi’s Pizzeria, from America’s first pizzeria.
Celebrate: Learn about West Indian culture, arts, history and traditions at the Labor Day Carnival Parade. Also known as the Brooklyn West Indian Carnival, it attracts a staggering one to three million participants attend each year.
2). Seattle
Where to Stay: The view from The Edgewater Hotel Seattle is worth the price alone. Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, it overlooks the Elliott Bay and simultaneously provides a picturesque view of the Olympic Mountains.
What to See: Taste the best of the northwest at Pike Place Market. As one of the oldest continuously operated farmers market’s in the US, it offers a variety of shops, cooking classes and opportunities to wander.
What to Eat: Ivar’s Fish and Chips, the go to place for seafood in Seattle for over 75 years.
Celebrate: Feeling artsy? Check out Bumbershoot, the nation’s largest art and music festival. Headliners include Foster the People, J. Cole and Foster the People.
3). Los Angeles
Where to Stay: The newly renovated Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is sure to provide the ultimate luxury experience. As one guest put it, “Amazing Stay! Luxury service at its finest…This is hotel is for guest who want nothing less than the absolute BEST!”.
What to See: Disney Land, simply because it is “The happiest place on earth”.
What to Eat: Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant Spago. As Angeleno Magazine put it, “Wolfgang Puck’s Flagship Restaurant Rises to the Top– Again”.
Celebrate: Anyone fans of the Minnesota State Fair are sure to love the LA County Fair. the largest county fair in the country.
4). San Francisco
Where to Stay: Brave souls may want to spend the night at the Queen Anne Hotel nestled in historic Nob Hill. While this Victorian building has its charm, many have reported hauntings from the resident ghost Miss Mary Lake.
What to See: Golden Gate Bridge and its orange towers has become an iconic symbol of San Francisco. Whether you hike, walk, bike or just take it all in, this bridge is a must see on anyones visit to the Bay Area.
What to Eat: Don’t miss out on Boudin Bakery where their world famous sourdough bread is baked fresh daily.
Celebrate: Come celebrate the last blast of summer at the Millbrae Art & Wine Festival. With over 200 artists, 20 food vendors, live entertainment, a fun-filled children’s area and beverage stands this festival offers something for everyone.
5). Denver
Where to Stay: The Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center Hotel is unique in that it provides guests a modern experience in one of Colorado’s most historic buildings. Refurbished in the old Colorado National Bank, you will find historical elements such as a breathtaking, three story white marble atrium juxtaposed with the comforts and accommodations of a modern hotel. Even if you can’t spend the night here, a walk through the lobby is worth it.
What to See: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater. The park itself provides a diverse selection of entertainment including “Yoga on the Rocks” and trails for hiking and biking. Additionally, if you are interested in checking out a concert at this venue, Atmosphere, Joe Bonamessa and One Republic will be playing this weekend.
What to Eat: The Delectable Egg had been recognized as one of Denver’s top breakfast and lunch establishments since 1982. More importantly, it is home of the Denver Omelette and all its diced ham, onion, bell pepper, and melty American cheese goodness.
Celebrate: Head downtown to Denver’s Civic Park Center for the annual Taste of Colorado festival. Started in 1983, this four-day free admission, food, music, and entertainment festival guarantees a good time will be had by all.
6). Chicago
Where to Stay: Dubbed the“Chicago hotel the world knows best”, The Palmer House Hilton is a legendary Art Deco style hotel that is sure to get your Gatsby gears turning.
What to See: Cruise down the river as you learn about the city’s vibrant history and architecture on a Chicago Architecture Foundation’s River Cruise. Trust us, this truly is an enjoyable way to take in Chicago and it’s beautiful buildings.
What to Eat: Chomp on a Chicago Style hot dog from Gene and Jude’s. (And don’t even think about asking for ketchup- you just will make a fool of yourself).
Celebrate: Enjoy the spectacular fireworks at Navy Pier on Lake Michigan. As an added bonus, the display is even synchronized to music!
7). Washington D.C.
Where to Stay: The Jefferson Hotel Washington D.C. is luxurious as it is welcoming. Visitors will be enthralled by its old world feeling, beautiful period decor and exquisite customer service at this top rated boutique hotel.
What to See: The White House, because a trip to our nation’s capitol simply would be incomplete without a visiting this historical gem.
What to Eat: A signature burger from Bullfeathers on Capitol Hill. Specifically, we recommend the “Big Stick”. Imagine this: melted swiss, pastrami, thousand island dressing, bacon, coleslaw stacked on a burger served on toasted ciabatta bread with sweet potato fries. Yep. We are drooling too.
Celebrate: Listen to free Labor Day concert on the US Capitol performed by the National Symphony Orchestra.
8). South Florida (Miami)
Where to Stay: Affordable yet luxurious, Hotel Victor South Beach is located in South Beach’s trendy Art Deco District. Here, you will be able to walk among the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world while taking in the lively surroundings.
What to See: Things are sure to sizzle at Miami Beach, the notorious playground for the world’s rich and the famous.
What to Eat: If you are seeking upscale Cuban food, look no further than De Rodriguez Cuba on Ocean. Try the brightly flavored ceviches or the smoked marlin tacos to experience Latin fusion at its finest.
Celebrate: Those who are 21+ can celebrate All White Yacht Party. This event on a multi million dollar luxury yacht features four levels of fun and a VIP section.
9). Boston
Where to Stay: The boutique Nine Zero Hotel has won numerous awards such as “Best Hotel in Boston” and “Top Pet Friendly Hotel”. With unparalleled service and your stay is sure to be memorable.
What to See: History buffs will be enthralled with Boston’s Freedom Trails. This 2.5 mile long brick path is jammed packed with 16 historical sites, reminding viewers of bygone times.
What to Eat: Holy cannoli! The cannoli’s from Mike’s Pastry are huge, tasty and worth every penny. Go get some!
Celebrate: On Saturday, August 30th the fireworks display at the Boston Harbor kicks off the celebration of the Boston Arts festival taking place along the waterfront.
10). Las Vegas
Where to Stay: The Bellagio is a world class luxury hotel based off of Lake Como in Italy. Needless to say, it is most famous for its eight acre lake situated between their building and the Strip. In the center of the lake lies the Fountains of Bellagio, dubbed the “Dancing Fountains” that are synchronized to lights and music providing by passers with the only free show in Vegas.
What to See: “O” by Cirque du Soleil, a fantastic circus, dance performance is sure to WOW anyone. As Melbourn’s Sun Herald reported “… a magical blend of visuals and jaw dropping skills… Awesome does not begin to describe it.”
What to Eat: With over 300 selection from around the world, even the pickiest eaters will be accommodated by the Carnival World Buffet at the Rio Las Vegas. While the variety may seem overwhelming, the stations are separated by cuisine, making it easy to navigate. But don’t pile our plate too high because you MUST leave room for dessert! With over 70 varieties of homemade sweet treats and nine gelato flavors, a satisfied sweet tooth and food coma is inevitable.
Celebrate: In Vegas, the party never stops. Simply walk out your door and you will be sure to find where the party is at.
There you have it readers- The hottest Labor Day Vacation destinations for 2014. Better book your tickets now s a sure way to end your summer with a blast!
