Some prices increase for Memorial Day weekend - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Millions of Americans will spend their holiday weekend on the road. According to AAA, 34.8 million Americans will drive somewhere over Memorial, a 1.2-percent increase over last year. They won't be getting much a break at the pump this weekend.

Greg Seiter with AAA, said a gallon of regular unleaded in Indiana was averaging $3.79 a gallon Thursday, a penny less a gallon from last year.  That's not much consolation for Paula Carter, filling up on the city's northeast side.

Asked about gas prices, Carter said, "They're absolutely horrible. Who can afford them? I need a bike!"

Joyce McCray agreed, saying, "It's too expensive to travel" this year.

Seiter said people needing a rental car will pay on average two dollars less per day, but staying at mid-range hotel will run $12 more per night.

Leslie Malichi is among those planning to stay home and cook out this weekend. She was at a north side grocery story filling up her cart with chicken, pork chops, burgers, chips, Kool-aid and cookies."

According to the Consumer Price Index, she'll likely pay more to feed family and friends this weekend. The latest figures from the CPI show from April of 2011 to April of 2012, ground beef is up 6.2 percent, ice-cream 5.5 percent, soda 2.3 percent, hotdogs 2 percent and beer 1.5 percent.

Malichi said It certainly won't stop her party.

"Prices are just up a little bit, but on many things I go for cheaper items and make up on the side items and things like that," she said.

Sarah Anne Kruse, also picking up holiday food items, said, "Prices are horrible, but when they have [items like] steaks on sale, I grab them all up."

Those looking to attend an Indians game (they're home Friday and Memorial Day) will pay a buck more per ticket this season, but those looking to cool off at a city pool will pay the same admission as last year.

Asked how he planned to spend the weekend, James Curry said, "Play golf. Of course, that's what I do."

Greens fees at his favorite city course have held steady. And while the forecast calls for record heat, Curry said it's no sweat.

"I'll bring more water and then have a cold one after," he laughed.

See Memorial Day events