What's Closed, Open on Columbus Day 2012

Columbus Day, a federal holiday, falls this year on today, Monday, Oct. 8.

It pays tribute to Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, whose long journey across the Atlantic Ocean was victorious when he spotted land, dubbed the “New World," on Oct. 12, 1492.

In addition to being considered a celebration of Italian heritage, Columbus Day is a huge shopping day in the U.S. 

Here's the list of what is open and closed on Monday:

Closed:

1. Town Halls, Village Halls and municipal offices
2. Some banks are closed
3. No mail delivery – all U.S post offices are closed; only Express Mail services.
4. Federal and state offices
5. Local schools
6. Libraries

Open:

1. Retail Stores
2. Supermarkets
3. Restaurants
4. Convenience Stores
5. Call ahead before heading to any of the above establishments to confirm they are open.