Labor Day Weekend 2012: 10 Best Ways to Spend the Last Weekend of Summer

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country. The initial plan was that Labor Day would be a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families.

Sadly, there aren't that many Labor Day parades out there today, but there are still tons of ways to celebrate the last true summer weekend. Here are the top 10 best ways to celebrate Labor Day. 

1. Cheers!

What's better then kicking back with an age appropriate beverage? Take a load off, you've been working hard! The White House just released their private recipes for their own Honey Ale and Honey Porter, so now you can brew like Barack. Or if getting your home distilling on isn't up your alley you can at least drink like the president.  

2. Grill Out

Today is one of the last times that it is seasonally appropriate to fire up the grill and relive those glory days of summer. Throw on ribs, burgers, dogs, brats, or tofu; this is not a day to eat a pb&j. To accompany your grilled protein of choice may I suggest this dessert to finish a meal ... it's for 'Merica. 

3. Go Outside

Make sure to put on some sunscreen, bug spray, and shades then walk/run/hike outside! Come on, the Vitamin D will do you good. If you're near a beach this could be your last time to hit the shore until MTV takes us back to Jersey ...

4. Festivals

5. Swim

Many pools call it quits after this weekend. Make sure to get your pool on one last time before the lifeguards blow that final whistle. 

6. Lawn Games

Cornhole, bocci, croquet, and anything else that only needs a backyard. Who knows, these could become Olympic sports one day! Besides, winning is the best way to spend a day free of school and work. 

7. Shopping

There are huge sales happening this weekend and on Labor Day. This is a good time to buy a car, new CD, or a huge TV to watch all that college football action yet to come.

8. Movies

This is your chance to see that blockbuster that you have been meaning to, maybe even catch a matinee showing and treat yourself to some popcorn. 

9. Sports

I know this summer some people have gotten their athletic fill with the Olympics. But there's the US Open happening with Serena Williams looking for another monster win on U.S. soil win to keep this incredible year rolling.  PS, this is the last time Andy Roddick will play professionally so go see him before he retires. Also, baseball's regular season is winding down as the post season revs up. How 'bout them O's eh?

10. Sleep

For a lot of people they are readjusting to a post summer schedule: getting kids up, going back to school, and generally just being tired. This is a perfect time to reset that sleep schedule and catch up on some Z's.