Haven’t yet made plans for USA’s birthday celebrations next week? If your palms just got sweaty and you panicked a little bit, we’ve got you covered with our picks of the best ways to ring in the 242nd year this fine country has been a republic.
Maybe you just convinced your boss to give you an extra long Fourth of July weekend off or maybe you simply need a getaway; whatever the reason, so long as you’re looking to get your year’s fill of fireworks, hot dogs and potato salad, these are the places for you:
If fireworks are your thing, check out New York’s Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular. The night-time show over the Hudson is one of the the largest in the country attracting about 2 million people, not including those who would prefer to stay at home.
A trip outside the city might be worth the trip to New Jersey since Atlantic City’s show not only lights up the sky, but is one of the longest in America. Clocking in at about 45 minutes, a spa treatment on the 5th will be order to relax your sore neck. And those looking to rock on will have plenty to celebrate with the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Mix some Americana with trendy night clubs in Miami with the “Fire on the Fourth.” The celebration features a fireworks spectacular, including a performance by Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band and Soul Queen Irma Thomas. If that’s not enough, you’re still within close proximity of some of the hottest nightclubs the country has on offer.
Rather head to the beach and soak up the sun? We would recommend making a break for Austin, TX where you can reserve your spot on a floating raft in Lady Bird Lake. Pack enough sunscreen because you’ll want to stick around for the orchestra-led soundtrack to the night’s fireworks.
A quintessentially American option is Mackinac Island in Michigan. The vehicle-free island hearkens back to a simpler time, with nightly ice cream socials and a Revolutionary War fort.
Denver rounds out our picks with a ‘Wild West’ celebration. Hitting a few concerts at Red Rocks (Blues Traveler with G. Love & Special Sauce, The Wailers, The Devon Allman Project are headlining) or catching America’s past-time with a Colorado Rockies game, you might be left light-headed from the altitude and the jam-packed, mile high itinerary.