Labor Day weekend is the last big weekend of the summer. It is also one of the busiest. The towns are full, the beaches are busy and the restaurants book up fast.
A little planning makes it easy. Here is the checklist I would run through before you pack the car. Do these four things and you can spend the weekend relaxing instead of scrambling.
Why this blog? Hi, I'm Katie. My family and I run Mitten Rentals, and I have been hosting vacation rentals for more than ten years (Superhost since 2015). This is where I share the places I send our own guests along the West Michigan lakeshore.
READ: One Last Summer Weekend Before School
My Labor Day Weekend Checklist
1) Get Groceries Early
Stores near the lake get busy Friday afternoon. Shop on the way in or Thursday night.
Make a list for the whole weekend so you only do one big trip.
Do not forget the basics, like coffee, snacks and sunscreen. Lines at the store on Saturday morning are not how anyone wants to spend a vacation.
2) Make Dinner Reservations
Book now for Saturday and Sunday nights. Waiting until you get here is a gamble on a holiday weekend.
If your group is big, this matters even more.
If you are not sure where to eat, check our blog for ideas and book a couple of spots early so you are not scrambling on Saturday afternoon.
3) Plan a Beach Day for Monday
A lot of people head home Monday morning, so the beaches can be quieter. That makes Monday my favorite beach day of the whole weekend.
Pack up the house, then squeeze in a few last hours on the sand before the drive home.
Check your checkout time and pack the car the night before, so the morning is all beach.
READ: Rainy Day Plans on the Lakeshore
4) Watch the Weather
Late summer storms can roll in fast over the lake. Keep an eye on the forecast and have a rainy day backup ready.
Our rainy day ideas post has plenty of options.
A rainy afternoon at a museum or a movie can be just as fun as a beach day, as long as you have a plan.
Have a great last weekend of summer. Get the groceries, book the tables, keep an eye on the sky and save Monday for the beach.
Come stay with us and send summer off the right way.