Last-minute President's Day Weekend Vacations

Once you've decided to take that last-minute President's Day weekend vacation, call your favorite hometown travel agency or check online travel sites for quick and convenient vacation offers.

Consider all the choices and combine your own ideas about that quick getaway. Unless you plan to go alone, also consult with those who'll be traveling with you. Some ideas, including celebrating the President's Day weekend at home, may help you decide.

1. Cruise to nowhere: Enjoy a last-minute change of scenery from land to ocean. If you have to get back to the grind at work or school on Tuesday, sign up for a two- or three-day sailing. Enjoy the spa, onboard entertainment and all-you-can eat buffets. Come back home all refreshed from splashing, dancing and romantic midnight strolls on deck in the brisk sea air.

2. Resort: Live it up for the weekend at a luxury city, beach or mountain resort you can get to with last-minute plans. If you're taking the family, get a top floor or penthouse suite and enjoy the hotel's restaurants, posh heated swimming pool, sauna and spa. Make sure there are great views from the terrace, and enjoy outdoor dinner catered to your suite. Weather permitting, of course.

3. Camping: Weather is an important consideration if your last-minute plans are to spend the President's Day weekend camping in the great outdoors. Pack your car with heavy clothing, supplies and camping gear, and head for your favorite mountain, forest or shore campground. A great destination would be Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, where you can spend nights near massive sculptures of four of our most honored Presidents.

Another destination could be Muir Woods in Mill Valley, California, established by President Teddy Roosevelt as a National Monument. Camping among the giant Redwoods would be a great way to celebrate the holiday.

4. Holiday at home: If you decide to stay home for the President's Day holiday, enjoy dinner with your family and other invitees. If there will be kids involved, show them how to decorate your dining area with patriotic red, white and blue banners and posters. Check your history on some Presidents' favorite dinner courses.

Harry Truman enjoyed Missouri farm-styled roast chicken, stuffing and cabbage. John F. Kennedy loved Boston broiled scrod and baked beans. Millard Fillmore preferred English beef pot roast, mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables. For dessert, honor George Washington by serving cherry pie.

For after dinner snacks, put out plates of multi-flavored jelly beans, just as Ronald Reagan would have requested. That will top off a successful last-minute President's Day weekend in memory of those who helped make our nation great.