Celebrating St. Patrick's Day by the Water

St. Patrick’s Day is on its way—and we can’t think of a better place to celebrate than right by the water!

Whether you’re cruising on your Chaparral or enjoying some waterfront fun, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the day ahead. Just read on as we share a few of our favorite ideas.

Check out the Chicago River…

Chicago is home to one of the country’s most beloved St. Patrick’s Day parades—but fun on the street is not the only way the Windy City knows how to celebrate! For nearly 60 years, onlookers have enjoyed the colorful tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green on the big day. It’s a vivid, playful change to the city’s famous skyline, and we think it’s worth braving the brisk weather to see it in person.

If your Chaparral is still in winter storage, you can always hop onto the river by way of kayak for a leisurely paddle—just be sure to bundle up—or grab a spot by the waterfront and watch the river change color in real time!

… and another waterway gone green

The Chicago River may be the most famous waterway to sport vivid green on St. Patrick’s Day—but it’s not the only one. For a warmer excursion, head over to San Antonio, Texas, where the San Antonio River is dyed green in celebration. The River Walk is filled with fun things to do and see, and plenty to chow down on, so grab some lunch as you watch the fun-on-the-water unwind. There will also be plenty of live music and entertainment to enjoy along the way!

In addition to watching the river turn green, there are plenty of ways for boaters to enjoy their time in San Antonio. Two nearby lakes, Calaveras and Victor Braunig, offer plenty of room for fishing or kicking back with a leisurely afternoon cruise, so you have plenty of ways to turn your St. Patty’s weekend into a thoroughly thrilling getaway.

Enjoy St. Patty’s fare on board

There’s nothing better than a delicious dinner or lunch al fresco, especially when you’re out on the water! Wherever you find yourself this St. Patrick’s Day, bring along a thematic picnic to celebrate the occasion—perhaps corned beef and cabbage with some colcannon (mashed potatoes and greens) and Irish soda bread to cap it all off!

Deck out your Chaparral

Waterfront cities across the country offer their own unique take on St. Patrick’s Day fun. In Fort Lauderdale, for example, you and your friends can sport festive green as you get together for kayaking or paddle boarding downtown—or you can deck out your Chaparral in green flourishes as you cruise the Intracoastal Waterway! You can do the same in California. Over in San Diego, which boasts the “biggest parade west of the Mississippi,” enjoy the fun, food and music at Balboa Park before hitting the water and cruising the rest of your day on gorgeous Mission Bay.

Plan your dream Irish getaway

Dreaming of an international getaway? Use this St. Patrick’s Day as the perfect time to plan your Irish cruising adventure! Beautiful, storied spots such as the River Shannon (which winds along lush banks as well as some of Ireland’s most historic spots) or the Cliffs of Moher, noted for their sheer natural awe, are just a few of the must-do destinations the Emerald Isle has to offer.

Ready to sport your best green garb and hit the water? Whichever way you celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day, enjoy the day with family and friends—and maybe your trusty Chaparral—for a holiday you’re sure to remember.