Massachusetts is the Place to Be on July Fourth

There are countless articles listing the numerous events, parades and fireworks to be found in our state. This article needed to focus on ways to celebrate the fourth of July holiday that offer fun, some alternate options, historical perspectives, and some interesting spots that do not often make the most mentioned places to visit on the holiday.

I will start with Boston since that does seem to be the destination of choice for many who wish to experience the excitement of the holiday. The most obvious warning is first. Do not attempt to drive into Boston on the holiday. You will need to use public transportation. For those who have not used the MBTA system in a while, I would suggest you review the website for current fare and schedule information. As someone who returned as a rider after a long absence, I was glad of the warning from a friend, to read up on the new fares.

The Esplanade Concert is the most publicized option for Fourth of July venues. However, being on the Esplanade is not for the faint of heart. As someone who does not enjoy crowds, then having to wait hours to hold a spot, I prefer to have options. The easiest of course is to do what people around the country do and watch it from home. However, that takes away from the purpose of getting out of the house. What used to be a hidden gem is now advertised openly on Boston's Fourth of July website, the rehearsal concert. While you do not get the benefit of the fireworks that accompany the Fourth of July concert, if you enjoy the music and not the crowds, this is the option for you. If you can find someone who has access to the bracelets for the inner Oval seats, it is even a better deal. While they are free, the seating in the Oval is reserved. You can still bring your chairs and blankets and sit outside the Oval, however. The rehearsal concert is on July 3^rd, beginning 8:30 PM. The Oval seating opens at 4 PM, so that gives you an idea as to how early people begin to arrive.

There is another option for those who want to hear the concert and see the fireworks, but do not like crowds. The Museum of Science has an offer posted on their website for members only, for special Fourth of July events. The day culminates with watching the fireworks from the roof of the building while listening to the broadcast of the concert. This seems like a family friendly way to avoid the crowds and enjoy the fireworks. If you already are a member, or use the museum frequently enough to consider membership, this might be a good option for you.

If you want to stay in Boston, like the water, and a bit of history, consider going down to Boston Harborfest. There you will be able to see the United State's oldest commissioned ship, the USS Constitution make its annual turn around, near Castle Island. You can make a visit to the USS Constitution Museum while there and learn the history of the vessel. There is a complete listing of Harborfest's Fourth of July activities available on their website, should you decide to devote your holiday to their activities.

If you have an interest in pursuing historical venues for the holiday, there are additional options. Some combine traditional established tourist sites with special events to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. Others merely get into the spirit to celebrate special occasions and spread the excitement of sharing history in a unique manner.

One very established tourist site that makes the Fourth of July a special occasion is Sturbridge Village, in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. If you have ever been to the site or you read their website, you will discover the location is a living history museum. They seek to educate visitors about the time period ranging from 1790-1840. For the Fourth of July, they have chosen an 1830's date to celebrate the holiday. Visitors will have the chance to experience what life would have been like at that time. There is an option to stay into the evening hours for an additional charge and watch fireworks.

Lexington, Massachusetts, that claims rights with Concord as the spark of the American Revolution is also holding some historical events to mark the July Fourth celebration. The Lexington Historical Society will hold readings of historical documents along with an ice cream social. Tours will be available of the local historical sites. The Minuteman National Park is also holding events on July 4, to remember the day. The Lexington Lion's Club has decided to use a historical theme for their annual fundraiser. Historical costumes, games, and food will be all part of the planned events.

The Norman Rockwell Museum is also offering traditional Fourth of July activities at their site this year. Located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, it is one of the more distant destinations to visit. However, if you search you can find other events in the area as well that will tie your day together. It is always hard to judge where the crowds will appear so I can not promise you it will be a lonely spot to visit.

If you are looking for a relaxing option for the Fourth of July, Salisbury Beach is offering sand sculpting, music, and fireworks to celebrate the day. It is part of a full weekend of events planned to entertain families. It gives one the option of enjoying the traditional Fourth of July requirements, with a summer vacation thrown in.

There are many unique and wonderful options for the Fourth of July in Massachusetts. I will be visiting my home town parade in Sudbury. While not well publicized, it is still my favorite. However, if you are seeking something new, do look at some of your traditional summer venues to see if they are offering special Fourth of July events. I was surprised as I began researching this article, that despite many municipalities cutting back on parades and fireworks, private groups are still using the holiday as a means to attract tourism.

Resources:

Boston Harborfest: http://www.bostonharborfest.com/saturday.html

Lexington Historical Society: http://www.lexingtonhistory.org/pmwiki.php?n=Main.UpcomingEvents

Lexington Lions Club: http://www.lexingtonlions.org/OldeFashionYouthGames.cfm

MBTA: http://www.mbta.com/

Museum of Science: http://www.mos.org/members/events_and_promotions/member_events?d=1662

National Park Service Minute Man Park: http://www.nps.gov/ner/customcf/apps/eventcalendar/calendarview.jsp?startdate=07%2F04%2F2009&enddate=07%2F05%2F2009&keywords=&weasel=Minute+Man+National+Historical+Park&prk=mima&Search=Search

Norman Rockwell Museum: http://www.nrm.org/?page=119&month=7&day=4&year=2009

Salisbury Beach: http://www.beachfests.org/july/schedule.html

Sturbridge Village: http://www.osv.org/activities_events/event_calendar_more.html?ID=566&DateID=1196

USS Constitution Museum:

http://www.ussconstitutionmuseum.org/visit/directions.htm