In My Write Mind

This is my most favorite long weekend of the entire year. Sure there’s Thanksgiving, but it’s cold then, so, while it’s up there for the time off, it can’t be my favorite because the weather sucks.

Some would also argue Labor Day Weekend. I scoff at them, if only because that signals the beginning of the end of summer, while Memorial Day Weekend all but welcomes summer into the city.

Who can beat that? Seriously?!?!?!?

Sooooooo … it’s all about Memorial Day Weekend (MDW). All about New York City during Memorial Day Weekend, to be more specific. And below are my top ten reasons why MDW in NYC is the absolute best … anywhere!

Let’s go!

10. The Weather — They say that MDW is the unofficial beginning of summer. Hellus Yes! It seems that each year, no matter what happens during the week leading up to it, MDW turns into the first official gorgeous weekend of the year. I mean, sure there was a monsoon on Friday evening, but still … after it stopped raining, the heat came and it.was.gorgeous.

9. The Sports — The Indy 500, baseball hitting its stride, basketball at its best … there’s nothing like MDW for some great sports action. Add to that the first official picnics of the season, where softball leagues hold their first games of the season, to the hardtop basketball courts all over the boroughs, where perhaps the future King James laces them up and pays his dues. Sure it happens like this all over the world, but after long winters and unpredictable weather, there’s something official about it when it happens here.

8. Fleet Week — This is the week when hundreds of sailors hit the Big Apple trying to do EVERYTHING. Indeed, during those eight days they’re in the city, you will see them EVERYWHERE, from baseball games to juke joints. Their presence is the unofficial announcement that MDW is in full effect, and their crisp uniforms dress up the city a bit … makes you smile and want to salute.

7. The Visitors — Most New Yorkers hate MDW because it begins the three-month stretch of time when an inordinate amount of tourists crowd the city, checking out every nook and cranny. Not me. I love it when people hit the streets to explore the greatest city in the world. Yup, even when they form crowds to watch pigeons mate, or ask you for directions to Queens while standing in Times Square. Welcome! lol

6. The Movies — Nothing signals the beginning of the blockbuster movie season than MDW. Thinking back over the years, some of the biggest movies have opened to stellar box office receipts during this weekend. From “SpiderMan” to “Harry Potter,” every significant summer film bows on MDW. This year? X-Men 3, of course.

5. The Sales — I am NOT a shopper. In fact, I hate it and if and when I ever get married, my wife will be responsible for two things. Either a) she must be ready to buy my clothes; or b) be prepared for me to rock the SAME OUTFITS over and over again. It’s that simple. LOL I’m so out of the loop when it comes to fashion, even during MDW, I’m at a loss.

(However, since I just moved, the MDW sales on home furnishings is incredible. Seriously, nothing beats copping a $600 mattress for half-price. Nothing.beats.it.)

4. The Choices — Going out in NYC is alllllllllways better when the weather is nice. It just opens up so many opportunities that aren’t available when the weather sucks. Whether it’s out to the Seaport (shout to O.N.), SoHo, the Village, the LES or Upper West Side, there’s nothing like variety. And this weekend, there is always a gaggle of fairs and festivals going on all over the city. Nothing like variety. It’s the spice of life. Uh oh, did I say Spice? Never mind. Moving on …

3. The Culture/Arts — As MDW approached, my inbox was inundated with flyers, invites, and FYIs about the numerous off-Broadway plays currently playing around town. Makes you want to go out and support the brothers and sisters who are doing the damn thing to make their dreams come true. Shout out to UptownFlavor for providing the info that will be keeping me busy all summer long.

2. The Sights — Lawd, I love women. God knows I do. LOL And even with the unpredictable NYC weather, sistas are out and about wearing less & less each day. The “annual shedding of the clothes” ritual that takes place during MDW … is priceless. ANd clothes-less, too. LOL Lawd bless ‘em ALL!!!!

1. The Food — Yup, it would take a lot to keep “The Sights” from being #1 on this list. And FOOD is just the thing to do it. Between the BBQs and the many restaurants around the city, you can’t go wrong. As an added bonus during MDW, many of the restaurants are opening up their outdoor tables so you can eat and enjoy the surroundings simultaneously. No matter what your taste, NYC has got it.

This weekend — MDW — has all the makings of a wonderful start to the season. It’s one of the many reasons I love living here. And one of the main reasons that no matter where I may move, I will always make my way back to partake in the unofficial beginning of summer. To borrow from VH1, MDW in NYC is frankly the “Best Weekend Ever”.

ENJOY!!!