July 4th: Independence Day Getaways in the U.S. for Everyone

Independence day is right around the corner, and it's the perfect time of year to take a trip to somewhere you have never been before. Here is a short guide to select 4^th of July destinations on the East coast. I have included a location for every group dynamic, there truly is something for everyone on this holiday.

Washington DC- A Capitol 4^th
This will mark the 30th anniversary of the PBS broadcast of America's National Independence Day celebration. This year you should attend the fireworks and accompanying concert live at The National Mall. A parade along Constitution Avenue kicks off the all day celebration that includes the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, family events at the Whitehouse visitor's center between 9am-3pm, A Capitol Fourth Concert from 8pm-9:30pm, and culminates with the fireworks display at approximately 9:15pm. You can catch the fireworks display anywhere at the National Mall, but for unique perspectives you can get tickets to watch from cruise on the Potomac River, or from the roof of the W Hotel. The "Boom With a View" party costs 225$ per person, but is possibly the most desired spot to watch fireworks in the whole country.

Boston Massachusetts '" Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular
Boston is known as the originator of an all out 4^th of July extravaganza. The Charles River has been the scene for one of the Nation's wildest displays of patriotism, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular for nearly 40 years, and it doesn't show any signs of stopping. CBS produces a 1 hour prime time special annually showcasing the over the top performance including the Boston Pops Orchestra, cannon fire, and enough fireworks to blow up the moon. I usually watch part of this program every year, and I've always wished I could be there. This Independence Day take a trip you will not soon forget, and see this spectacular display in person. The Oval opens at 9am, and the celebration ends at 11pm. Visit Boston in style by staying at the Boston Harbor Hotel. The Boston Harbor has a spa, and the smallest rooms available look like the presidential suite at other hotels. Rates start at 390$ per night. Check out their Stars and Stripes package for a special stay during your 4^th of July getaway.

Cape Cod- Relaxing Celebration at the beach
For a more low key celebration, you can skip the big cities and head to Cape Cod. There are various fireworks shows in each town that begin at dusk. For a unique show, check out the July 4^th Bike and Carriage Parade in Falmouth. The parade begins at 10am on Main Street. Falmouth's fireworks show will start at Dusk, and the best view is at Falmouth Heights Beach. For an elegant stay, you may want to visit the Palmer House Bed and Breakfast. Check out my Cape Cod Travel Guide for more information.

Jonesville MI '" Romantic 2 day trip, without the drive
While I lived in Michigan, I realized everyone liked to take their vacations up north. For those of you who have never visited the area, up north means north of Traverse city, but still in the state of Michigan. This includes a car trip of several hours to reach Mackinac Island or an equally secluded destination. This year try a 2 day trip to Jonesville, a quaint little town within 100 miles of Detroit, Lansing, Toledo, & Fort Wayne. By cutting the trip into a fraction, you will have much more time to relax. An awesome little Bed and Breakfast named The Munro House is located there, and offers special pricing for 2 nights between June 1^st '" July 31^st. The package also includes 2 dinners, 2 one hour massages, 2 movies passes and 2 banana splits. The massages are performed at the Munro House spa, in which they offer a bunch of services. Rooms are 149$ per night, plus 298$ for the summer getaway package. You may even think about taking the 2 hour trip to Detroit to catch their fireworks battle with Windsor Ontario on the river. It is one of the best fireworks showings I have attended.

Orlando- Fireworks at Disney World's Magic Kingdom
Let's be honest, fireworks are for kids. What better place to take the family for a 4^th of July celebration than Disney World? The Fireworks over the Magic Kingdom begin at 9pm, and are followed by Disney's parade of Lights Music and Magic at 10pm and 12pm. Tickets for a day pass at Disney World cost $85.14 for kids aged 3-9, and are $90.53 for 10 and up. You can stay at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort for just $185 per night (standard view, 2 double beds), so why not make this a Mickey Mouse vacation? I will never forget my childhood trip to Disney, and that was just a normal day. You can be sure there will be several characters running around to interact with during this celebration.