Fun fact! Memorial Day started out in as Decoration Day in 1868 as a way to commemorate soldiers who died in the Civil War specifically, and didn’t shift to the generalized day of remembrance for all wars we now know until 1971. These days, of course, it’s also often regarded as the unofficial beginning of summer—and, since a lot of folks have the day off, it’s a great time to take a road trip. Whether you’re heading out to cruise the biggest flea market in the western U.S. or slurp up some spot shrimp in Hood Canal, we’ve got lots of interesting ideas for road trip-worthy ways to observe the holiday. Sticking around town? We’ve got a couple options for you, too.
OLYMPIC PENINSULA
2022 Juan de Fuca Festival
The weather’s almost sorta nice enough for a day trip to the spectacular Washington State peninsula! (Well, not really, but it kind of doesn’t matter, since it’s always raining out there anyhow.) Rain or shine, the cute little Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts will be happening this weekend. Spread out between the towns of Port Angeles and Sequim, on the northern edge of the peninsula, the fest features bands, food, and crafts for the kiddos. Musical headliners include Lady A, Hiroya Tsukamoto, and the Country Lips. While you’re out there, maybe stay at the very affordable Emerald Valley Inn in Elwha, which has goats and emus, or stop by the mystical Hall of Mosses in the Olympic National Forest for an entry-level 0.8-mile forest hike. Just don’t forget your raincoat.
(May 27–29, Downtown Port Angeles, $100)
