Hard to believe we're saying goodbye to summer and welcoming September already! Labor Day weekend is coming up, the perfect time for one last celebration to finish off a season of fun. It's one last chance to enjoy beautiful weather, spend time with family and friends, take in new sights, experience fun things. Not sure what to do? Here are twelve great ways to spend summer's last holiday.
- Splash around to beat the heat. The temperatures are still up there and most public pools, splash pads and waterparks are still open for the season. Plan some water play at your favorite spots before they close for the season, as many do right after the Labor Day holiday. Check out our huge list of local places to get wet for suggestions!
- Host a potluck BBQ or group picnic. No major holiday is complete without a gathering and Labor Day is the perfect chance to grill out one last time this season. Invite your family and friends to a potluck in your backyard or pack a picnic to share at your favorite park for quality time outdoors. Here are some tips for planning a fun Labor Day party.
- Go camping. There's nothing like roasting marshmallows over a campfire and spending a night under the stars; do it while the weather is still nice! If you prefer to stay close to home, here's how to plan the perfect camping adventure in your own backyard.
- Visit a park. Be it the playground down the street or a daytrip to a play area a drive away, we have no shortage of wonderful parks to choose from throughout the Western Piedmont. Take a hike, climb or swing at the playground, ride your bike on the greenway or go canoeing on the lake... the possibilities are numerous! Looking for a park? Consult our Parks & Playgrounds Guide. Heading out for a bike ride? Check out our list of local trails for family bike riding.
- Pick apples. What better way to kick off fall than by visiting an orchard to pick your own apples! The season for apple picking actually starts in August and orchards offer fun activities to round out your visit. Refer to our list of local places to pick your own apples for where to go.
- Catch a baseball game. It's America's favorite past time and the Hickory Crawdads are in town for the last homestand of the 2018 season Friday through Monday over Labor Day weekend. There are fun promotions each night, including fireworks on Friday night, so head on out to the ballpark!
- Go to the fair. The Hickory American Legion Fair always takes place over Labor Day and this year is no exception. With rides, entertainment, exhibits, vendors and nightly fireworks, make a day at the fair an annual Labor Day weekend tradition, if you haven't already! Whether you go this weekend or later in the upcoming months, use our list of all upcoming county fairs in Western NC to help you plan.
- Give a history lesson. Teach your kids about the meaning and origins of Labor Day. Celebrated on the first Monday in September, the annual holiday honors the American labor movement and the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Find some fun facts about Labor Day in our archives.
- Spend the day at the beach. This may be the last beach day of the year and you don't have to go far to dip your toes in the sand. If you can't make the trip to Myrtle or the coast, why not plan a day at the lake? Three in our local area offer a sandy beach and swimming area; find them on our list of local places to get wet.
- Visit the Biltmore. The Biltmore is great to visit any time of the year, but if you're looking to save a few bucks, go through Labor Day when kids ages 16 and under are admitted free.
- Enjoy a local event or activity together. With our calendar full of family-friendly events and a list of places and activities for local summer fun, you're sure to find something the whole family can agree on.
- Get out of town. It's not too late to plan a getaway! Be it a scenic drive, a road trip, or a day/weekend/week away, find great suggestions in our travel log. Head up the mountain to the Mile High Kite Festival occurring annually over Labor Day weekend in Beech Mountain. Experience something new at an attraction you've never visited, like Tiger World in Rockwell. Or simply hop in the car and see where the road takes you; let a coin decide which way to turn at each intersection you come to.
However you choose to spend it, make Labor Day a fun time with family and friends, for one last hurrah of the summer season. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
