Photo: Visions of America, LLC / Alamy
The Fourth of July invokes the warm feeling of summer, long days spent outside, good summer food and fun with family and friends. Whether your plans this year are to getaway, or stay closer to your own backyard, we’ve got you covered. This week, HipTravelMama will focus on tips and inspiration to help you plan the perfect USA Birthday party for your family. From low key to luxe, here are a few tips to inspire your Fourth of July travel plans and where to find the best fireworks displays and celebrations across the country. Also check out our food picks for throwing a hip Fourth of July bash and inspiration to dress in style this Fourth of July!
GO BIG OR GO HOME
You know your family. You crave the excitement of big fireworks and big celebrations and are willing to travel to experience them. There are big Fourth of July celebrations all across the country. Travel + Leisure has a beautiful slide show of some of the biggest and best Fourth of July fireworks, along with links to nearby hotels. If big bangs and booms are your style, consider a trip to Boston for the Boston Pops FireWorks Spectacular. This year, Toby Keith will entertain the crowds and activities abound for the whole family. For a Fourth of July celebration steeped in tradition, look no further than the birthplace of America. Philadelphia knows how to celebrate America’s birthday. Here you will find 10 days of Fourth of July celebrations starting June 25th through July 4th.
Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC
With parades, history, art, all-you-can-eat ice cream and a Goo Goo Dolls concert, your family is sure to be entertained. Good news for luxe travelers, the Four Seasons Philadelphia is the official hotel sponsor of the event this year. You can take advantage of their Family Value Package that includes 50 percent off an adjoining second room, $100 guest credit, and treats for the kids including milk and cookies and special toy. The Four Season’s Concierge also has designed “Play Philly!” itineraries that showcase low- and no-cost summer happenings and visits to Philadelphia’s sites to help families maximize their fun in the city. If you are on the West Coast, Lake Tahoe offers families a Red White and Tahoe Blue celebration including parade, rubber duck race, wine and cheese tasting with Silver Oak and a big fireworks show over the lake. Check out our Hip Travel Shopping Links for Families to get started on planning your trip.
CELEBRATE IN STYLE
Photo: SailNYC.com
If the sky is the limit this Fourth of July, consider a luxury cruise in either New York City, or San Francisco. In New York, climb aboard the 1920s luxury yacht, The Manhattan for a beautiful cruise through the harbor. The cruise offers great views of the fireworks, Statue of Liberty, and NYC skyline, from its forward open air deck, or its glassed-in skylight observatory and includes complimentary beer, wine, Champagne, soda, and water, as well as four courses of passed hors d’oeuvres and desserts. More info can be found from SailNYC. Or sail the beautiful San Francisco Bay on the Cabernet Sauvignon Commodore (if not just for the very cool name) for a four hour Fourth of July cruise. Tickets includes four hour cruise on San Francisco Bay, gourmet buffet dinner, one drink ticket at the no-host bar, White Glove Service, ivory linens, beautiful table and buffet florals, glass goblets, silverware, and china. Reduced pricing is available for children. Note: for families like mine who have small children, I would recommend calling ahead to make sure the cruise you choose is kid-friendly. For the ultimate luxury experience, why not consider chartering your own private yacht or sailboat for family and friends for a Fourth of July experience of a lifetime?
IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD
You don’t have to travel far to capture the fun of the Fourth of July and create lasting memories for your kids. Many cities and towns put on their own fireworks displays and parades. Check your local TV affiliates for local event listings, or your local Visitors Bureau for a Fourth of July events schedule in your own backyard. About.com also has some helpful links to fireworks displays in cities across the country.
What is your favorite Fourth of July celebration? Share it with us in the comments.
Happy Travels and Happy Birthday USA!