Baby boomers, how will you celebrate the 4th of July? Since Alan and I will be staying at home on Independence Day, I thought I’d satisfy my itchy travel feet by taking a look at the festivities in some of our favorite destinations, just in case you would like to go somewhere on the 4th.
For a California wine country 4th of July, Solvang starts the morning off with an Independence Day Parade and Barbecue. Spend your afternoon at the free 4th of July Jamboree where the Santa Ynez Master Valley Chorale and Blue Grass Band present a concert of American music. Then head on over to the Solvang Independence Day Festival at Santa Ines Mission grounds for the fireworks display.
In Paonia, Colorado, they’ll be celebrating Cherry Days along with the 4th of July. The festivities begin on July 3rd with Downtown Days where you can wander the booth-lined sidewalks to sample food, entertainment and shop the sales. After filling up at the Firefighters Breakfast on the 4th, claim your space on the sidewalk to watch the Bed Race before the grand parade begins. End the day with a free concert in Town Park. Leroux Creek Inn makes a convenient 4th of July headquarters. Don’t foreget to hike on the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison whil you’re in the area. It’s a great way to walk off that piece of cherry pie you ate on the 4th.
The 4th of July holds bittersweet memories for the residents of Vicksburg, Mississippi. It’s the anniversary of the day the city surrendered to Union forces, after a 47-day seige, during the Civil War. The residents of Vicksburg did not celebrate the 4th of July for many years after that event. But Vicksburg seems to be making up for lost time with this year’s celebration. The city is hosting a free 4th of July concert featuring the Living Legends, a Beatles tribute band, along with a “special fireworks display.” If you stay at Baer House Inn, simply walk down the hill to the festivities.
What could be better than sitting on my favorite beach to watch the fireworks on the 4th of July? That’s what will be happening on South Carolina’s Kiawah Island with beach music, island drinks and great food thrown in for good measure.
Have I whetted your appetite for a fun 4th of July? Here are a few more suggestions from the blogging world:
- Katie at Tripbase.com points out 24 Awesome 4th of July Road Trips.
- Karen Chen at Away.com writes about her Top Ten 4th of July Celebrations.
- Life’s Ambrosia is the place to find 4th of July Recipes
Where will you be celebrating the 4th of July? Post a comment to tell me about your holiday. I’m already planning for next year.