Labouring away all summer?

Sun setting on the summer

Maybe you need a break? Maybe it’s a last hurrah before kids go back to school (and need to find backpacks)? Or maybe you’ve already planned a vaca for the first weekend in September? Whatever the case is, this is time to stop labouring (well except for you momma’s to be and there are a lot of you out there right now) and enjoy some time off. I know I am!

But the Americans know how to do it best. In fact they started the holiday dedicated to workers by not working. Somehow seems backwards but there you have it.

So where did it all begin? In New York of course. On September 5, 1884 it was celebrated as a “workingman’s holiday” when workers united in a parade 10,000 strong down Broadway, NYC proudly led by Irish-American activist Peter MacGuire. None of them got fired (or too few to matter) so they did it again the following year and now even Canada gets in on the mix.

What am I going to do to celebrate Labour Day? Well, for one, I am going to be in Bermuda so probably not much. But I hope to go to New York the weekend before and maybe catch a game of….tennis?!

While it’s Labour Day and most take the time to hang with their families, the tennis elite struggle under the last hurrah of the summer sun for the U.S. Open. From August 30 to September 12 thousands of spectators will trample through New York’s Underground for a chance to see the likes of Serena Williams and the American James Blake.

Combine major city with a major sporting event and you’ll be lucky to make it out …..happy. So before you go check out these ten tips for helping you survive this tremendous event. Check them out.

Looking for something closer to home, Bermudians? Want a way to celebrate Caribbean pride? Why no head to…..Brooklyn. Yes, I wrote Brooklyn. Why? Good question. Well on Sunday, September 6 the colours, music and people descend on the streets to celebrate the West Indian Parade.

Or perhaps you’re looking for a more subtle music experience. Well America does it right with two, yes I wrote two Jazz festivals to finish their summer.

To start you off there’s the Chicago Jazz Festival or heading further North? What about Detroit? They’re in the game too with the Detroit Jazz Festival.

Or maybe you want to find the Largest Free Concert in The United States? And you want to do it on Labour Day Weekend? Try and head for Atlanta, Georgia and their Freedom Atlanta Concert. It’s the largest, free one-day outdoor concert and takes place on Saturday during Labor Day weekend at Jim R. Miller Park (new location) from about 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. with a fireworks finale. Celebrate Freedom Atlanta Website.

Catch yourself some Catfish in Georgia over Labour Day

Atlanta may be it’s capital, but why not explore a little more of Georgia and catch yourself a catfish? Yep. This quirky state celebrates the Annual Labor Day Weekend Catfish Festival. What more can you ask for?

Are you heading to America’s Capital? Labour yourself in Washington, D.C. with another free concert courtesy of The National Symphony Orchestra. This is held on the West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol each year, the Sunday before Labor Day. The annual concert is led by NSO Associate Conductor Emil de Cou and the event is part of theKennedy Center’s Prelude Festival, which includes free performances to kickoff the performing arts season in Washington, DC.

Looking for a last-minute vacation for your weekend? Why not head to Maine….Sebago Maine: For $119 a night the Park Homes on a family resort and mile of beach and 18-hole golf course. Check out this deal here.

Or go to Canada – yes they celebrate Labour Day too – for your last hurrah on these deals.

New York New York

Brooklyn...is that you?

New York! Yep I am going to guess pretty much everyone’s heard about this lovely city. You know..the one that never sleeps?
I personally hate that sentiment, so maybe that’s why I like Brooklyn. Yes. You got it. Brooklyn. And Yes it is part of New York.
What about Manhattan you ask? Well yes Manhattan is also part of New York, but luckily this city is not just Manhattan.

There are five boroughs all with their own cultures and identity – Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and the Bronx.
If you really want to see all of them in a weekend – train for the marathon. It takes off in November and winds through these, but I’m afraid unless you’ve got your running shoes visiting all is pretty hard in a weekend.

So that’s why Brooklyn. And my friend asked me to give her tips since I lived here for two years from 2005 to 2007. First tip: bring a stroller, a dog and a NY Times.
Parts of Brooklyn, especially Park Slope and Carroll Gardens, have been overrun by Manhattanites who want to procreate.
The beauty is they also wanted to bring their stores, restaurants and cafes with them so you get great boutiques without the hassle and hustle of Manhattan.
Start at the Brooklyn Bridge. Seriously…you haven’t walked over it? Well walk over it. Yes you can do it…..phew you’re in Brooklyn.
Walk right to the end where you come to a dead-end and have to cross the road either left or right. Go right ahead in the direction of the water. You should get to the Brooklyn ice-cream factory just under the bridge. Get an ice-cream.
Now take those shoes and walk up the hill and along the water until it turns into Colombia Street. Follow this path and enjoy the view of Manhattan without actually having to be IN Manhattan.

Turn up Degraw Street, but if you miss it don’t stress. These streets are all on a grid and are all tree-lined and beautiful so any street will lead you on an adventure and to your destination – Carroll Gardens.

Follow Degraw or your chosen street until it runs into Court Street. Stop.
Go Left Go Right. It’s up to you. Between Court Street and Smith Street which runs parallel and is one block up you will find scores of shops: my favourite is Brooklyn Industries but you have to find your own – and restaurants.
From French cafes on the corner to Cuban food and even a cinema this area is great. But if you’ve got a kid well…even better. There are playgrounds and plenty of kiddie shops to cater to the tots.

But you’re not done. I know. You might think you’re done, but you’re not done.
Find Union Street. Walk away from the water. Keep walking. Keep walking. You’re going to eventually hit the cradle of life of New York City – Park Slope.

I used to live on Berkeley Place right in the heart of it all and I loved it. From here you can continue up to Prospect Park which come with a zoo and running trails for anyone more adventurous. Feeding ducks and birds is also a big plus with the kids as well as the boats that run around the lake.
Take some time to explore this park OR even better…hit Union and 6th Avenue and pick up groceries at the yummy Union Market before hitting the grass…you know that you sit on.

Otherwise if you need a coffee along Union there is the Tea Lounge. I used to spend hours in here soaking up the chilled-out atmosphere even with screaming tots at times. Random chairs just add to the crazy-relaxed interior.

For food you really can’t go wrong here and I can’t suggest one because well…there are too many and isn’t it more fun to wander and find a “special” place for yourself.
I mean I did get you here. Have fun. Relax. Enjoy Brooklyn…it’s not so scary. But if you must return to Manhattan…well get on the Q train on Atlantic Avenue and 7th. It’s only 20 minutes to mid-town.