Staycations and Destinations In and Around Baltimore: Your Guide to Labor Day Weekend
August 30, 2021You work hard––you deserve to take some time to relax, recharge, and reconnect with your friends and family. Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to celebrate your accomplishments and treat yourself to something special. Whether you prefer to take it easy or party it up, there’s plenty of events and activities within driving distance of your home here at Liberty Harbor East in Baltimore.
The History of Labor Day
Labor Day is more than just a marker of when to put away those white pants—it’s a symbol of American workers’ achievements and contributions to society. It began in New York City in 1882 at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Workers were frustrated with poor working conditions, and labor unions were formed to help protect workers and advocate for laborers’ rights.
Now, the holiday is observed on the first Monday every September as a way to honor working families and to give us all a well-deserved day off. Plus, it’s a great last opportunity for one last summer hurrah before we transition to fall!
Enjoy a Staycation
Planning to avoid the traffic and stay in the area for LDW? There are lots of great events happening right here in Baltimore:
Friday:
Friday evening, you can see Honest Lee Soul perform on the Center Plaza lawn as part of the Summer Concert Series. BYOB and a picnic blanket for the perfect romantic evening. Or, walk on the wild side at the zoo for a Sip and Stroll from 5-8pm. You’ll learn all about how the zoo takes part in conservation to help protect species and your ticket includes 3 drinks and dinner. If you’re more of a history buff than an animal lover, the Baltimore History Bar Crawl is the event for you.
Saturday:
Saturday afternoon, you can enjoy a brew and create a beautiful plant arrangement for your apartment home at Pots, Plants and Pints. At night, head to the Point in Fells for their Labor Day Party featuring bottomless drinks and stellar food specials.
Sunday:
Learn something new at the Sushi Rolling For Beginners event at Old Line, an excellent local distillery. End the weekend on a refined note with High Tea at Dovecote Cafe. This lovely tea soiree is a great event for lady’s night! Your ticket includes carafes of herbal tea-infused wine spritzer, a hot tea of your choice, as well as fruits and pastries. Yum!
Monday:
Unwind on your day off, poolside, right here at Liberty.
Explore a Destination
If you’d prefer to take in some new scenery and explore somewhere new, there are plenty of great nearby destinations, too. Whether you’re a foodie looking to wine and dine, an adventurous soul who wants to spend time in the great outdoors, or a beach lover searching for a seaside oasis, there’s something for you.
For the Wine Lover:
Wine lovers, rejoice! There are wineries galore in Charlottesville, VA—more than 40 wineries within a 25-mile radius of Charlottesville, to be exact! You can spend the weekend exploring the nearby wineries and sampling reds and whites to your heart’s content. Afton Mountain Vineyards has beautiful, upscale cottages right on the property and sprawling vineyard views.
For the Outdoors Enthusiast:
Do you want to unplug from your phone and reconnect with nature? Harpers Ferry, WV is the perfect place to do so. Nestled along the Appalachian Trail, this town has all of the activities an outdoors enthusiast could hope for. You can go for a hike along the Trail and take in beautiful mountain views. We also recommend signing up for a rafting adventure with River Riders for a thrilling white water rafting experience.
For the Beer Lover:
If you like your trails a little less steep and a little more hoppy, head to Lancaster, PA for the Lancaster Ale Trail. At each stop along the way, you can try a fantastic, locally crafted beer and learn about the brewing process. Of course, you’ll need some food between those beers, so check out the Labor Day Block Party & Food Truck Festival for some great local food trucks. For more events, don’t miss Lancaster’s Labor Day events calendar.
For the Boating Enthusiast:
Set sail this LDW in St. Michaels, MD. With lots of boating and fishing options, this town is a sailor's delight. But don’t just take our word for it: St. Michaels was even ranked among the top 10 small coastal towns in America! With sailing tours, charter boats, and more, there’s plenty of ways to see the sea. Afterward, you can enjoy a meal with a gorgeous waterfront view at St. Michaels Crab and Steakhouse.
For the Beach Lover:
Nothing says Labor Day like a day at the beach. If you’re seeking a relaxing day in the sun, Bethany Beach, DE is the place for you. Soak up the salty air and unwind with a book. If you’re looking for the beach party scene, it can be found in Ocean City, MD. OCMD is home to an incredible boardwalk with live music, drinks, and some delicious food options.
For the Chocoholic:
As you might guess from the name, Hershey, PA is a chocolate lovers paradise. For a weekend of indulgent fun, you can book a stay at Hotel Hershey. Spend a day exploring Hershey Park and check out the adrenaline-pumping rides, then head back to the hotel for a spa day. But, it’s not just any spa—the Hershey spa treats guests to chocolate-themed relaxation including a Whipped Cocoa Bath, a Cocoa Massage, and a Chocolate Hydrating Body Wrap.
Happy Labor Day from Liberty Harbor East
Wishing you a fun, relaxing Labor Day weekend! If you snap a photo of your adventures, be sure to post it and tag us on social media, @LibertyHarborEast.