Under the Radar Labor Day Weekend Destinations

Wrapping up the summer travel season, Labor Day is commonly thought of as a chance to head to the beach one last time. Judging by search patterns on Travelocity, where sleepy beach towns join major metropolises at the top of the most-searched destinations list, this perception is reality. But for those travelers willing to forego the beach, there are plenty of under-the-radar destinations with unique and memorable Labor Day celebrations to experience.

Many of these less known Labor Day festivities honor the working heritage of the locale – like mining or shipyards – while others are simply an excuse to forget about work and have a good time.

Camden, Maine

Each Labor Day, this small Northeastern town honors its rich maritime heritage at the Camden Windjammer Festival. The highlight of the weekend’s activities is the fleet of windjammers entering the harbor. Large sailing ships with three to five large masts, windjammers were originally built to carry cargo. Some of the impressive crafts that make up the fleet during the Windjammer Festival are well over 100 years old, and designated as National Historic Landmarks.

Along with the windjammer fleet, the weekend such activities as a Crate Race,  where participants attempt to race across the harbor on a series of floating crates – without taking a swim, A “Chowder Challenge” – which is the New England equivalent to a traditional chili cookoff, and the Maritime Heritage Fair, featuring displays of maritime history, traditions and crafts.

Detroit, Michigan

As a hub of American industry, Detroit has a natural connection to Labor Day. But despite this, it may not be top of mind when thinking about Labor Day destinations. But music lovers looking for an unforgettable Labor Day getaway should consider Detroit, home of the Detroit Jazz Festival – the world’s largest free jazz festival. Around three dozen national headliners will perform on four stages at the 2015 event – which marks the festival’s 36^th anniversary.

And when visitors have had their fill of jazz, they can make the 30 minute drive to Novi and the Michigan State Fair. Annually held over the Labor Day weekend, the Michigan State Fair offers traditional family fun including an equestrian pavilion, hot dog and corn on the cob eating contests, a farmers market and even a life-size cow made of butter.

Park City, Utah

A top winter destination for skiers and snowboarders, Park City may not lead the list of Labor Day destinations, but may be a great choice for the final weekend of summer. Along with a wide array of summertime outdoor activities like hiking, biking and ziplining, visitors can experience the annual Miners’ Day celebration over the Labor Day weekend.

Celebrating Park City’s past as a silver mining town, the Miners’ Day festivities include a “mucking and drilling” competition that simulates the work once done in area silver mines, 5 and 10K races, and the “Running of the Balls”, where thousands of balls are bought for charity and then let loose down Park City’s steep Main Street.

Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.