Memorial Day Weekend

Hey, Friends! What are you all up to this Memorial Day weekend? Perhaps some of you are going away for the long weekend, while others are hanging around town, breaking out the grill, cleaning out the kayak, or maybe doing a little shopping? For those who are traveling from elsewhere this weekend, maybe Manchester and the surrounding area is your destination! If so, you’ve picked a great time to come to town. 

Photo courtesy the Manchester Business Association

Manchester’s Memorial Day Weekend Sales (May 23 - May 26) are back and better than ever! Here, you’ll find world-class designer outlets, unique boutiques, specialty food shops, home goods, and artisan galleries. Everything you want from the latest fashion to one-of-a-kind gifts. Whether you’re treating yourself or shopping for someone special, there’s something for everyone. Take a leisurely stroll down Main Street and Depot Street, soak in the stunning views, and enjoy some of the best shopping in Southern Vermont. With over 20 local retailers and the majestic Green and Taconic Mountain ranges in the background, the scenery and the savings are unbeatable. Don’t miss out on fantastic deals and exclusive offers!

No matter how we spend the weekend, I know we’ll also be thinking about the meaning of the holiday. 

According to the National Archives, Memorial Day was initially called Decoration Day, and was first observed after the Civil War, when the nation suffered more than 620,000 military deaths, roughly 2 percent of the total population at the time. John A. Logan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, chose May 30, 1868, as a day to decorate the graves of Union troops across the nation. 

Memorial Day is now designated as an annual day of remembrance to honor all those who have died in service to the United States during both peace and war.  I’ll be thinking of all my family members who have served, like my late grandfather, Richard, who was in the Navy Reserves, and my late father-in-law, Vince, who served in the Vietnam War and talked about his experience there, always reminding us how lucky he was to have survived. He honored his fallen brothers each Memorial Day, and of course, he also loved to enjoy a good old-fashioned barbecue with friends and family. While it was a solemn occasion, he always found a way to experience the joy of life.

For more on local Memorial Day Weekend Sales, click here. 

Looking for fun things to do this weekend? In addition to all the Memorial Day Sales,  there’s theatre in Dorset, scenic lift rides at Stratton, a spring cleaning workshop at the Manchester Community Library, and more! Click here for a full calendar of events in the area!