Why Washington, D.C. is the Ultimate Memorial Day Destination
Washington D.C. is one of the very best places to spend Memorial Day weekend. There’s no other place where you can experience so many sites and events so specific to the United States. With some of the city’s most treasured landmarks only steps away from The St. Gregory Hotel, we’re happy to host you as you take a long weekend in the nation's capital, while also taking time to honor those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
National Memorial Day Parade
One memorable event you absolutely can't miss is the National Memorial Day Parade. This incredible parade honors the sacrifices of Americans from the Revolution to the present day with live historical re-enactors, veterans, and active-duty military personnel. Even if you can't make it in person, you can still watch the parade from the comfort of your hotel room on major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox.
Experience Local Music with Sofar Sounds
A great, less conventional way of getting to know a city is through its local music scene. By getting to know the sounds of local artists, you are able to understand so much more about the city itself, and what better way to do that than with Sofar Sounds? They transform everyday spaces into captivating venues for secret, live shows that create an immersive experience. Each set features two to three diverse acts that bring guests and artists closer together, right at Ellington Park Bistro.
Come enjoy live music, light bites, and specialty cocktails, all in an intimate atmosphere. Tickets are $23 and this is a monthly occurrence at The St. Gregory Hotel, so no matter which summer month brings you to Washington D.C., there’s a chance you’ll get to experience the city through this memorable event.
Take a Walking Tour of the National Mall
As you stroll through D.C., make sure to pay your respects to the brave men and women who have served our country by visiting the many memorials and monuments scattered throughout the National Mall. Marvel at the grandeur of the National World War II Memorial and its lively fountain, or feel the somber beauty of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Women's Memorial. In addition, don't forget to check out the realistic sculptures of the Field of Service at the Korean War Veterans Memorial. To get the most out of your visit, download the BARDEUM app and let the guided stories transport you to the past and help you experience the memorials in a whole new way.
National Memorial Day Concert
You can catch an outdoor concert on any old weekend in the summer, but the chance to go to the National Memorial Day Concert doesn’t come around too often. This concert salutes the sacrifice made by the men and women in uniform, as well as their families. Hosted by actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, this free annual concert will be aired on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 28 at 8 p.m.
Rolling to Remember
Are you a bit of a motorcycle enthusiast? If you are and you’re searching for a unique and meaningful way to pay tribute to our nation's veterans, don't miss Rolling to Remember. This annual motorcycle rally takes place on May 28 and raises awareness about the challenges veterans face on a daily basis. It's a moving tribute to those who are missing in action or prisoners of war and advocates for veteran mental health in a powerful way. Jump on your bike and join the ride, or cheer from the sidelines to show your appreciation for our heroes.
Experience the Flags In Ceremony
If you’ve never visited the Arlington National Cemetery around Memorial Day, it’s definitely worth seeing the Flags In ceremony. Look on as servicemen and women meticulously place American flags on each of the 250,000 graves, while the Memorial Day Roses Foundation gives out roses to visitors. It's a moving experience that will leave you with a renewed sense of gratitude for those who have given their lives in service to our country.
Kick-off Summer at Ellington Park Bistro
While honoring the past is an important part of Memorial Day, it’s also the unofficial start of summer and the perfect opportunity to enjoy the warmer weather. Kick off the summer with a nice dinner at Ellington Park Bistro or with refreshing cocktails for Santé Hour. Every Sunday through Thursday from 4-6 p.m., enjoy decadent bites and beverages crafted by our in-house chef, such as Fondue for Two, Jumbo Prawns, Negronis, and Palomas.
No matter how you choose to spend your Memorial Day weekend, when you spend it at The St. Gregory Hotel, it’s guaranteed to be one to remember.