The Town Dish team is prepping YOU for your ultimate Memorial Day 2012!

Need guidance for backyard barbecuing? Looking to snag healthy grilling tips? Stocking up on sudsy seasonals to sip through the warm-weathered weekend? Exploring possibilities for activities to tackle in Chester County? All of above are signed, sealed and delivered to you on a pretty platter via our below guide.

Kick back, relax, grill and sip! Enjoy the unofficial start to the summer 2012!

Grilling 101

Hosting a backyard bash this Memorial Day? Don’t fret – follow our own barbecue master, Michael Scott’s advice: When life gives you lumps, make charcoal. Michael has spent the last month guiding you for your ultimate, stress-free grilling session.

Need to brush up on the grilling guidance before your guests arrive?

  • Click here to get jump-start your barbecuing confidence by reading Michael Scott’s grilling philosophy: There are No rules – No secrets.  I want you to learn how to ‘own’ your BBQ and grilling and spread knowledge and experience.
  • Click here to identify the grilling tools that he suggests you must have for a successful session. Gloves, a thermometer, aluminum pans, a firestarter and more, are on the lineup.
  • Is your grill on its last leg? Is it not going to make it through another grilling session? Click here for guidance on the what’s what of grills if you’re considering a last-minute purchase.
  • You don’t just want to grill meat, you want to smoke it too? Our BBQ champ has you covered. Click here for the 411 on becoming a meat-smoking pro.

Our friends at Chester County Hospital also want you to stay in tip-top shape while grilling away the last weekend in May. Click here for their healthy grilling tips.

Town Dish’s Jim Breslin recently uncovering the new BYOB – build-your-own-burger, that is. Consider taking his lead this picnicking weekend by constructing your own all-local, home-made burger.

Local Memorial Day Weekend Activities

Can’t speed to the shore to jump-start your summer? Fine with us – Chester County is the perfect place to host a staycation.

  • Consider attending Black Walnut Winery’s 2nd Annual Blues Festival, unfolding Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27. Grab your dancing shoes for two afternoons of free concerts from stellar local acts. Don’t skip sipping BWW’s blends that has redefined Pennsylvania’s wine scene, while enjoying artisan pizzas from Forno Inferno. More details here.
  • Pennsylvania’s much anticipated and most recognized horse event is back for the 116th Annual appearance and, as always it’s right here in the lovely Chester County. The Devon Horse Show debuted May 24th and will last until June 3rd with a heavy line-up of fun happenings evolving around the main event. As your favorite food reporter, the Town Dish didn’t want our readers to go without knowing that The Country Fair portion of the horse show will be the foodies go to spot for all things delicious. More info here.
  • The Shore Shack at Doc Magrogan’s is a West Chester’s outdoor seating option that transports you to the southern Jersey shores without leaving Chester County! The Shore Shack offers both the regular lunch & dinner menus, has an outdoor bar, and TVs, plus adequate seating. Click here to peek at the space. Click here to drool over their Steamer Pots – the perfect at-the-shore meal served up right along East Gay Street.
  • If you’re staying in the area this Memorial Day weekend but still want to do something extra special to jazz up your vacation time, the Morris Arboretum’s annual Garden Railway will be opening with tons of summer enchantment to share with visitors. There will even be a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, May 26 from 1-3 pm where children are especially welcome and invited to wear their favorite storybook character’s costume. Click here for more details.
  • Looking to take a day trip but not to the beach? Consider a quick trek to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Today, America’s oldest inland city is a far cry from your daddy’s Lancaster of yore. This tidy and easy-to-navigate town has not only paced itself with the times, but Lancaster has become downright progressive due to its booming economic, artistic, culinary and architectural renaissance. Click here to snag recommendations on where to hit via our recent Dish Trip.
  • Historic Kennett Square’s Memorial Day Parade will be bigger and better than ever! As Americans pause on Monday, May 28th, to recognize the nation’s war veterans, Kennett Square invites you to its most exciting Memorial Day Parade ever.   The streets of downtown Kennett Square will be transformed with red, white, and blue bunting and thousands of people waving flags and holding balloons along the downtown streets, as the parade passes by. Click here for all the details.

Top Craft Beer Picks for Summer 2012

What sudsy seasonals will you be stocking the fridge with this Memorial Day? Are you partial to the citrusy wheat beers, the light and crisp ales, or do you opt for the non-traditional choice of a flavor-packed porter? Click here to snag some seasonal beer recs from Town Dish’s staff. Waywood Beverage and Exton Beverage have also served up what’s trending this warm-weathered season. Click here and here to read up on what the experts have to say.

Cheers to you and your Memorial Day!