Bethany Gough Posts

Celebrating all things Red, White and Blue this Independence Day

June 6, 2023 No Comments

Millions of Americans are expected to travel for Independence Day this year, take a look at some of our top destinations inspired by all things Red, White and Blue.

Red

Red Canyon – Utah

Part of the Dixie National Forest, Red Canyon is a great place for a hike this Independence Day! Following the red theme, this location is perfect for the avid explorer, with deep canyons to walk or bike through. The Visitor Center offers free maps showing where to hike or bike in Red Canyon and where to stop for a festive 4th of July picnic. If you’re traveling to Red Canyon for Independence Day, pre-book your airport parking lot space from your departure airport with ParkSleepFly!

Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco

One of the tallest and longest suspension bridges in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge is a sight to be seen at any time of year, but extra special on Independence Day. The red hue of the bridge allows passing water vessels to see this extraordinary addition to San Francisco Bay. This remarkable structure becomes an even better place to spend the 4th of July, with a magnificent firework display over the water. If you’re flying to San Francisco from Chicago, check out the ParkSleepFly parking options available from O’Hare Airport.

White

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

Celebrate true Independence by visiting South Dakota and seeing the iconic Mount Rushmore. This 60-foot Memorial features George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. Each president represents one of the four key characteristics of the U.S. including, birth, growth, development and preservation. This once-in-a-lifetime trip features the monument itself, a half-mile walking trail and a museum and dining area. Flying to Mount Rushmore from New York has never been easier, and ParkSleepFly has a range of parking options available at JFK. Pre-book now to avoid disappointment!

Big Snowy Mountains, Montana

Experience the actual white of the American flag by exploring the Big Snowy Mountains in Montana this Independence Day. The ‘Big Snowies’ are the perfect place for an activity-filled weekend, whether walking with the family or taking snaps of the spectacular mountains. There are many different hiking options, including the Ice Caves Loop, or for something less strenuous, the Promontory Point via Crystal Lake. If you’re heading from Detroit to the Big Snowies, check out the options available on ParkSleepFly for your airport parking lot space.

Blue

Crater Lake, Oregon

For a more serene option for celebrating American Independence, we highly recommend a boat out on Crater Lake. This volcanic crater in south-central Oregon is the perfect place for a gentle boat trip. The deep gorgeous blue water can be misleading, however, as it is known for being very cold! Designated swimming areas are available for those wanting to explore out on the lake. For a family-fun affair, taking a boat out for fishing activities is also highly recommended, with both Kokanee Salmon and Rainbow Trout available for catching. Flying in from Boston Logan airport? Check out pre-booked airport parking options available with ParkSleepFly before you jet off.

Lake Tahoe, Michigan

This serene lake is the perfect place for a picnic by the water, summer paddleboarding or, for the more adventurous, jet skiing. Lake Tahoe crosses over both California and Nevada, so traveling from both sides is always an option. This family-fun day out is a must to take advantage of the perfect weather conditions for Lake activities, as well as enjoy a delicious Independence Day-themed lunch together. If you’re traveling into the US for Independence Day, flying from Canada is a great choice. Make sure to pre-book your airport parking at Montreal Airport to not delay your trip. 

Other Activities for Independence Day

Visiting the White House is the ultimate day out on Independence Day. Expect a historic tour of the grounds and a spectacular fireworks display later in the evening. From BBQ hotdogs to sweet treats for dessert, you don’t want to miss out on this ultimate 4th July celebration in the Capitol. 

Things to Remember for Independence Day Travel

The biggest thing to remember if you’re traveling by plane this Independence Day is to pre-book your lot space at the airport. You can make big savings by booking in advance. Here at ParkSleepFly, we have a range of airport parking options available for you to choose from. Being prepared with a lot space already booked means you can relax, knowing your vehicle is safe at the airport, allowing you to escape, explore and celebrate this 4th July weekend!

The Top Memorial Day Parades to attend in 2023

May 24, 2023 No Comments

Memorial Day is fast approaching, and there are many ways in which you can gather with family this year to honor those lost. One of the most popular activities on Memorial Day is attending a parade. There are a host of parades which take place in cities across the country.

Washington D.C

The biggest and most popular Memorial Day parade occurs in the center of Washington D.C. Led by a marching band, this three-hour display alongside the National Mall on Constitution Avenue, features veteran units from each state along with those who were involved in other past conflicts. The procession showcases large floats and balloons. If you can’t make it to view the parade, you can live-stream the event via YouTube, meaning you can sit back and enjoy the parade with your loved ones at home. Travelling into Washington for the parade? Don’t forget to pre-book your airport parking lot space with ParkSleepFly.

Rochester, Wisconsin

The Rochester Area Memorial Day Parade of Heroes begins at 11:30am on May 30th. Following the procession starting at 1:30pm, a ceremony will be held in Pioneer Park at the Rochester, WI Memorial Day Parade. The Rochester parade will have approximately 20 parade entries, including fire trucks, marching bands and individual participants. Invocations, songs and speeches are also to be expected at this event. If you have an early flight into Rochester for the parade, adding a ParkSleepFly hotel only stay at the airport guarantees you a good night’s rest the day before you travel.

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Alongside the Rochester parade, Sheboygan has its very own Memorial Day activities. Located on the Lake Michigan side of Wisconsin, this parade travels through downtown and ends with a ceremony at Fountain Park. The parade includes stunning musical performances and pays homage to veterans and active-duty men and women. If you need a room the night before your flight into Sheboygan with an added parking lot space, check out the options available through ParkSleepFly.

Ironton, Ohio

The first ever procession was held in 1868 and has continued every year since. The parade begins at 10am with the route beginning at Center Street and finishing on 6th Street and Park Avenue. The parade includes 12 divisions, floats, fire trucks and marching bands. ParkSleepFly have a variety of different airport parking options available to guarantee your lot space if you’re flying out to Ohio this Memorial Day weekend.

Doylestown, Philadelphia

Dating back 145 years, this parade is older than the Ironton and Brooklyn parades. The Doylestown parade sets off at 10am, much like the Ironton procession. Entertainment for the whole family includes individual participants, marching bands and community groups. For hotel only stays the night before flying to Philadelphia, ParkSleepFly can help you find the best price for your overnight stay at the airport.

Little Neck-Douglaston, New York

The Little Neck-Douglaston parade has been a tradition since 1927, proceeding at 2pm each year. It is led by Division 1, which includes the Grand Marshal, Division Marshals and other elected officials. This parade is more of a traditional memorial, with the addition of an opening and closing ceremony.

Other things to do on Memorial Day

As well as traveling to see the local parades, there are also a host of other activities to participate in for this long weekend, including: 

  • Checking out any Memorial Day sales
  • Getting together with family on a Memorial Day weekend getaway
  • Planning events with loved ones, such as cookouts or picnics and taking trips or days out are a good way of taking advantage of that extra day off work
  • If you’re in the area why not go to the Arlington Cemetery in Washington DC? The scenic park allows for a leisurely walk around the gardens, whilst also remembering those lost

If you’re wanting to just gather family and friend groups for the weekend, why not host a BBQ with Memorial Day themed treats? Baking at home in preparation for a BBQ is a great way to bring the family together, especially children, you’re also guaranteed a sweet treat at the end of the day. Baking recipes we recommend include New York Cheesecake, Berry Cobbler and Punch Bowl cake. If you have family out of state and are traveling to see them, pre-booking airport parking has never been easier with Park Sleep Fly.

Things to remember for Memorial Day:

  • From sunrise until 12 noon, the U.S. flag is flown at half-staff to remember those who have been lost
  • Rochester, WI has a very popular Memorial Day parade every year and has been a yearly event since 1867
  • Americans are encouraged to participate in a minute silence at 3pm on Memorial Day afternoon in remembrance