3 Perfect East Coast Memorial Day Escapes

 

Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner and don’t worry there is still plenty of time to book the perfect getaway. Whether you want to hit the beach, have a backyard BBQ or stroll through the countryside, there are plenty of destinations that are doable in just two or three days. Read on for three perfect, but very different, Memorial Day Weekend escapes:

1) Nantucket

Nantucket is the classic New England getaway. Located off the coast of Massachusetts, Nantucket is a convenient ferry ride from Hyannis. If you’ll be bringing a car the ferry ride will be two hours and if not, opt for the fast ferry which is only an hour. Or you can also fly into Nantucket via a seasonal carrier from Boston or Hyannis, which will only take 45 or 20 minutes respectively. For the full Nantucket experience, especially if you will be with your family, rent a house so you can grill outside and stretch your legs rather than being stuck in a hotel room. Some can’t miss spots on Nantucket include: Cisco Brewery, Dune Restaurant, Lola 41 and Brant Point Grill. And if this is your first time on the island be sure to drive out to Sconset to see the picturesque cottages.

A shell-lined road on Nantucket, with cottages on either side and a window box with flowers in foreground

2) Miami

If you’re coming from a cold weather climate and just want to finally taste summer, jet down to Miami for a few days. The spring break crowds are gone, and hurricane season hasn’t yet started. There is truly something for everyone in Miami, there is the party scene on South Beach, the quieter North Beach and the funky Wynwood. Soak up the sun from one of the luxury resorts on Miami Beach during the day, but head into Downtown for dinner. There are so many amazing Latin fusions spots all over the place—be sure to check out Chotto Matte. And be sure to get some tacos while you’re in Miami as well, Bodega is a can’t miss. Miami is very accessible from all major hubs, only 3.5 hours from Boston and 2.5 hours from Washington D.C..  

People in the beach next to the sea and a lifeguard stand during a sunny day at Miami Beach, Florida, USA.

3) Camden, ME

If you want to unplug this Memorial Day, then head to Northern Maine. Camden is about a 3.5-hour drive from Boston and a 1.5-hour drive from Bangor Airport. Think lighthouses, lobster shacks and rocky shorelines; Camden is still an old school New England destination. And what a better way to kick off the summer than with a lobster roll and a stroll down a mile long jetty to go check out a lighthouse? There are several boutique hotels worth a visit, many of which are within walking distance of downtown. The relatively new Whitehall is by Lark Hotels and has their signature Lark Hotel classic with a twist style and the nearby Camden Harbor Inn has my favorite restaurant in town Natalie’s—be sure to treat yourself to the lobster tasting menu while you are in town!

Harbor at Camden, Maine, USA–August 19, 2018: Boats and tenders are docked in the harbor at Camden, Maine on a sunny summer day. The photographer arrived in Camden by boat and captured photos of the crowded harbor from the shoreline. Camden is a waterfront town on the west side of Penobscot Bay on the Downeast Coast of Maine. Originally home to fishing and industry, Camden is now a tourism destination with lovely cottages and summer homes and a beautiful protected harbor for fishing boats and pleasure yachts. The Camden Library and park grounds adjoin the harbor, and small shops line the waterfront.

Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start to the summer, but in my book, it is the official start to summer vacation season so go for it, plan that last-minute getaway!