Offbeat July 4th Getaway Destinations

4th of July weekend is traditionally about cook-outs, fireworks and parades. However, sometimes you just want to break with tradition while still celebrating America's Independence. If you are looking for somewhere a little different this year to spend Independence Day, consider the following:

1. Las Vegas. Las Vegas loves a good party and the city's July 4th celebration doesn't disappoint. Among the events scheduled for 2011 are a dramatic, free fireworks display outside of Caesars Palace in the middle of the Strip. The show begins July 3rd at 9:15 p.m. For a more family-friendly event, head just outside of Vegas on July 3rd to Lake Las Vegas. This village is hosting an all-afternoon event that includes live music, kids activities, face-painting, a performance by the Henderson Orchestra and fireworks at dusk. On July 4th, the Station Casinos host a 9:00 p.m., city-wide fireworks display that goes off at their five properties simultaneously. It's the largest July 4th fireworks event in Southern Nevada.

2. Nashville. For a patriotic celebration with a country flair, head to Nashville. The Music City's celebration is held at Riverfront Park in downtown Nashville. The festivities start at 12:00 p.m. and include food, a day of live music, including performances by Darius Rucker and the Nashville Symphony, among other artists. The celebration concludes with a fireworks display over the river at 9:30 p.m.

3. US Virgin Islands. You don't normally think of the Caribbean when looking for July 4th celebrations, but the US Virgin Islands--St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix--are as American, and as tropical, as it gets. On St. John, the celebration starts early in the day on July 4th, at 4:00 a.m., with a street party just outside the entrance to the National Park. The festivities continue with a parade through the National Park at 11:00 a.m. and fireworks over Cruz Bay harbor at 9:00 p.m.

4. Roswell, New Mexico. One of the strangest July 4th celebrations is held in Roswell, New Mexico, best known for being near the alleged UFO crash in 1947. Since then the town has become synonymous with UFO tourism. The annual Roswell UFO Festival is being held July 1-4, 2011 and features live entertainment, an alien costume contest, alien barbecue, speakers from the local UFO museum and lots more alien activities. The city caps off the celebration on July 4th with a fireworks display at Cielo Grand Park, beginning at 9:15 p.m.

Other Travel Articles by Sandy Mitchell
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A Visitor's Guide to Port Everglades
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Sources:
GoVegas.com: July 4th Activities