Columbus Day 2013: What’s Open, What’s Closed?

Columbus Day 2013 is here, and we’re here to tell you what’s open and what isn’t. Of course, given the government shutdown, the list of businesses closed might not have changed much today.

Yes, Federal government employees have the day off either way, though now it’s not so much because of the holiday.

Going back in history, Christopher Columbus actually discovered America by accident on October 12, 1492, because he thought he’d landed in India. This is the reason Native Americans have been referred to as Indians for so long, and led to the same people possibly harboring resentment toward the holiday. However, instead of sticking to a specific day of the year like Christmas, Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October.

• Expect malls, libraries, and independent stores to be open today, though all non-local court houses are generally closed. Of course due to the government shutdown, that might not change much.
• Columbus Day 2013 might effect public transportation such as bus service, light rails, monorails and the like, if only for scheduling and route changes.
• The United States Postal Service will be closed, with no deliveries or retail services available.

• On the most part, all local government services will be open, though you might want to wait until tomorrow to get your driver’s license renewed or whatever.
• Schools and universities may also be open on the most part, but like with the government services, you might want to call ahead and find out.
• Of course, as with most holidays, people usually take part in social pastimes and parties. Restaurants will probably be open on the most part, so if you want to have your party at a pizza parlor, or at a local pub (if you’re over 21 years of age), feel free.

Wherever you go or whatever you do, have a happy Columbus Day 2013 and be safe.