For the nation, Memorial Day honors those who’ve given their lives to fight for America. For many of us, it also marks the annual three-day weekend that unofficially kicks off summer. And it’s the time of a million fantastic sales. These days — as with almost all holidays — those sales happen in advance of the actual day.
So if you haven’t already made your plans for your long weekend getaway, it’s time to do three things —and pronto:
Make those plans, now.
Shop for the getaway — with a smart, sales-centric strategy.
Pack your weekend getaway bag and go.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet on what to buy and pack, according to your destination —based on what your preferred mood and activities are, and with a keen eye on Memorial Day sales. Ready? Get set. Now go, already.
Beach, beach, and more beach
Where: Pelham House (pelhamhouseresort.com), Dennis Port
Why: Lounge on the private beach and in the sunken firepit centered in the seaside pool, then nosh at the rooftop eatery. Consider it your own over-the-top Cape house without the crowds – or the mortgage.
Essentials to pack: Sandals that can stand up to the surf, like the Gilmore Logo Embossed Faux Leather Slide Sandal ($39 on michaelkors.com); and Anne Cole’s Women’s Shirred Printed One-Piece Swimsuit (on sale for $66 on macys.com).
Sailing off into the wild blue yonder
Where: Aragosta (aragostamaine.com), Deer Isle, ME
Why: Tack around sparkling Penobscot Bay, drop anchor, slumber in artsy-chic cottages, consume one of New England’s most beautiful prix fixe dinners. Repeat.
Essentials to pack: A cute sweater for breezy nights, like Calvin Klein Jeans’ Women’s Striped V-Neck Knit Top (on sale for $35.78 on macys.com) and a pretty dress for dinner, like the Puff-Sleeve V-neck Midi Dress in Stretch Linen Blend (on sale for $63.99 on jcrew.com).
Get high on hiking
Where: Spruce Peak (sprucepeak.com), Stowe, VT
Why: Welcome to the Gstaad of the Northeast, complete with cushy suites, soaring mountains, and art galleries galore.
Essentials to pack: A nifty backpack like Fjällräven’s Abisko Hike Foldsack ($135 on fjallraven.com); and a cute-meets-alluring blouse for evening, like the Cecarina Long Sleeve Cotton Top (on sale for $139 on joie.com).
Pampering at an ultra-luxurious spa
Where: The Spa at Encore Boston Harbor (encorebostonharbor.com)
Why: With 19,000 square feet filled with glowing lanterns, antiques, and plush treatment rooms, it puts the ‘up’ in upscale.
Essentials to pack: A Luxe Cashmere Pullover (on sale for $449 on clubmonaco.com) to wear between treatments; and Baggu’s Horizontal Zip Duck Bag (on sale for $31.50 on lisasaysgah.com), to tote all of your worldly goods along with you.
