While you wait for summer’s official arrival, there are still plenty of things heating up in May. Don’t miss May’s must-dos like the Kentucky Derby, National Bike Month, Cinco de Mayo and more.
• National Bike Month: The days are longer and the weather is getting warmer, so now’s the perfect time to leave the car in the garage and dust off your bike. Celebrate National Bike Month by taking your bike for a spin around the best cities for cycling in the US or plan a sip ’n’ spin weekend biking in wine country. Bathing suit season is almost here, so get on your bike now to spin your way to a perfect beach bod.
• Kentucky Derby: Grab your Derby hat and a mint julep for “The Greatest 2 Minutes in Sports” at the 140th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. Each year, more than 150,000 spectators attend the Kentucky Derby to witness the first leg of the US Triple Crown. More information go to www.kentuckyderby.com
• Mother’s Day: Don’t forget about mom this month! Sure, mom would love a travel gift for her next vacation. But she would probably rather spread some quality time with you instead, so treat her to a Mother’s Day escape like a fitness retreat, wine tasting, day at the spa or a fancy afternoon tea.
• Cinco de Mayo: Celebrate 
Mexican heritage on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) at over 120 official US celebrations, across 21 states, in cities such as Cleveland, Los Angeles, Dallas and Atlanta. No matter where you are on this day, we suggest celebrating Mexico the right away — feasting on Mexican cuisine and washing it all down with a margarita (or 2).
• NYC Fleet Week: A celebration of the men and women in the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. A tradition since 1984, Fleet Week features several military demonstrations and a chance for the public to step aboard select military ships. Don’t miss the parade of ships in the harbor or mu-sical performances by the sailors and marines. More information www.nycgo.com
• Memorial Day: Regardless of where it originated, it is an important holiday that remembers those that died for the country, and serves to remind people of the costly price of war. There are many formal ceremonies that take place in observance. Most of these are held in local communities, and can be found by contacting a local Veterans of Foreign Wars office or local city government agency. But also is the official kick-off to summer! Pack your new suit and plenty of sunscreen for the first 
beach weekend of the season. Whether you crave a family-friendly spot, sun and solitude, or a boisterous party beach, there’s a perfect beach for you just a drive away.
• Frieze New York: Every May, Randalls Island becomes the epicenter of the art world for four days thanks to Frieze New York, the art fair housed under a massive tent. Every year since 2012, dealers and deep-pocketed collectors have descended on the fair from all over the planet, and Frieze New York will be no different, as more than 200 art galleries bring bushels of artworks of every conceivable size and medium and then some. More information go to 
www.frieze.com
• Japan Day in NYC: If you’ve never experienced the joys of Japan Day – NYC’s celebration of Japanese culture – now’s your chance. The season for things to do outside has arrived along with lush trees and blooming tulips at NYC parks, so what better way to spend an afternoon than by soaking up the sun during Central Park’s annual Japanese rager? NYC will bring Japan to you at this fun festival, and judging by the lineup of performances, activity tents and other attractions, it’s safe to say that this massive cultural event is certainly one of the best things to do in spring. More information go to www.japandaynyc.org