It’s the last Monday in May. A day off for most Americans, and the unofficial start of summer. It’s Memorial Day! A day for parades, concerts, memorial ceremonies, barbecues, that first trip to the lake, and Memorial Day sales. Here in Rangeley, you can head out to the lake or the marsh, maybe see some moose and a few loons on your memorial day Maine vacation.
Browse Our Memorial Day Maine Rentals Below
Red, White, and Blue
First, have the kids make some decorations. Set up a craft table out on the deck, and let them start making cards, flags, banners, and poppies. They’ll come in handy for the day’s activities. Whatever you do today, don’t forget to wear your favorite red, white and blue attire, and a poppy or flag pin.
Visit a Cemetery
Rangeley has four cemeteries, and you can find graves several hundred years old. Two older graves that the kids can hunt for are George Dexter Huntoon, 1832-1925, in Evergreen Cemetery, and Moses P. Abbott, 1832-1911, in the Schoolhouse Cemetery. They both served in the 2nd Maine Cavalry Regiment in the 1800s. Take along a flag or flowers to put on the graves. Don’t forget a moment of silent thanks.
Take a Hike
Spend time outdoors hiking and biking through the countryside, enjoying everything we have that our veterans help protect. Hike to one of the area’s lovely waterfalls. Small Falls, Cross Canyon, Angel Falls, and the Cascade Stream Gorge Trail are just a few to try. Or hike Bald Mountain for panoramic views of Lake Mooselookmeguntic and Lake Rangeley, as well as bald eagles! Book a lakefront cabin and you can watch those pretty black and white loons with their crazy red eyes glide across the still water from your rental’s porch.
While Rangeley won’t be having a parade, you can still enjoy one. Turn on the TV and stream one or two. Or have your own! The kids will love it! Grab some of those flags and banners they made earlier and go for a hike/parade.
Learn a Little History
Learn more about Memorial Day and the military by listening to veterans’ stories from around the country, from various wars and conflicts, with StoryCorps. Take a virtual tour of our nation’s capital, or choose your favorite Washington monument to tour (no crowds). Music lovers can just turn on the annual National Memorial Day Concert on PBS with live musical performances, documentary features and more.
After spending the day out hiking or looking for moose, grab your favorite snacks, settle down in front of the flat screen, and watch a few patriotic movies or documentaries. If the kids are with you, watch a few fun flicks like Independence Day, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, or National Treasure. After the kids are in bed, hunker down with the serious ones like Hacksaw Ridge, The Hurt Locker, Greyhound, or Black Hawk Down.
Have a Memorial Day Maine Cookout
Have the first cookout of the summer. Pick up some ribs, burgers, dogs, buns, and all the fixings at the local grocery and let the grilling begin. While you’re picking up the groceries, why not get extra? You can drop off burgers, buns, and cupcakes at the local veterans’ organization. Call the center first to find out what they may need.
This is a great time to show off your both your grilling and baking skills. If you can’t find the fresh fruit for that cheesecake or tart with the white icing, strawberries, and blueberries arranged perfectly on top, make a cherry or rhubarb pie. It’s ok to just buy a cake or whatever, then decorate it yourself. Make some cupcakes or Rice Krispy Treats for the kids that they can decorate with colorful red, white, and blue frosting or cute little American flags. Your Rangeley Memorial Day rental kitchen comes equipped with everything you need, except the ingredients.
Memorial Day Rentals in Rangeley
We probably don’t have to say this, but be sure to post pictures of your Memorial Day activities on social media. It’s an easy way to highlight the importance of the day, and maybe it will inspire others to do something patriotic too. And don’t forget to take time out for the National Moment of Remembrances. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, stop at 3pm local time for a quiet moment to honor and acknowledge the sacrifices of members of the military.
Whether you decide to take a hike, hunt up old graves, or stay in and binge old patriotic movies, we have the right vacation home or condo for your Memorial Day vacation here in Rangeley. Book a cabin nestled on a forested mountain slope, a lakefront vacation home, a comfy, romantic cabin, or a spacious, modern mountain lodge. Need more ideas for fun Rangeley Memorial Day activities? Just give us a call today.