Started as a Puritan landing, the port quickly became the hub of the British Colonies along with the center of American education and progressive causes.  Many American families who’ve been here for generations can trace their ancestry back to “Bean Town”.  Other nicknames include “The Hub of the Universe”, “The Cradle of Liberty” and “The Athens of America”.  Among the institutions that are still used today include the universities of Harvard and MIT, Berklee College of Music and Fenway Park, the oldest remaining Major League Ballpark still in service. (Circa 1912)

Many of the famous sites in Boston aren’t as desirable as you’d imagine.  For example, Fenway Park was built before Americans became 6 feet tall.  Therefore, you have no knee room, the fans are a bit intimidating and leaving after the game is a zoo.  But if you are a fan of our national past time, I would imagine it is your duty to visit the green monster.  Plymouth is a good half hour out of town, but don’t bother.  Although it has the historical value of the first colonists that set foot on North America, the entire town has been turned into an outdoor museum.  You will feel a bit of role play as everyone will be dressed in Puritan attire while they speak in a heavy boston-english accent.  But if you want to show your kids some history that they might actually engage in, it serves as a fairly efficient family field trip.

Although it may seem like we are steering you away from the historically famous sites of Boston, this is not the case.  We just feel that as a domestic traveler you will easily be able to find all the information on these staple destinations at the airport, your hotel, or on that internet thing everyone keeps talking about.  Therefore, we spent a weekend in Boston making a conscious effort to really soak in the local culture and sites that long time Bostonians actually spend time at.

Ye Olde Union Oyster House is located at 41-43 Union Street.  Ye Olde is THE OLDEST restaurant in the United States.  It looks as if it’s in mid-sway as you enter the four story colonial building.  Originally a textiles business, the site eventually became a restaurant in 1826.  There are many interesting facts related to the historical site.  Perhaps most surprising, in 1796 Louis Philippe, king of France from 1830-1848, lived in exile on the second floor. He earned his living by teaching French to young ladies before returning to France to become King.  Also, America’s first waitress, Rose Carey, worked there starting in the early 1920s.  Her picture is on the wall on the stairway up to the 2nd floor.  My favorite quirk is the rumor that the toothpick was said to have been popularized by the Oyster House.  On another note, don’t forget to visit the Bull & Finch Pub, better known as the site of the television hit “Cheers”.  To go along with the old restaurant I’ve picked an old hotel.  The Boston Omni Parker House Hotel opened in 1855 and is just one block from the Oyster House.

Another site I recommend visiting is the Samuel Adams Brewery.  With Coors being owned by Molson (Canadian), Miller being owned by SABMiller (South African) before merging with Coors, and Anheuser Busch being owned by InBev (Belgium), Sam Adams is now the largest American owned brewery in the country.  A free guided tour of the brewery demonstrates each step of the beer making process and ends with a sampling of different varieties.

If you travel to Boston to find some insight into the American Revolution take a trip to Fort Point Channel.  Here you will find a museum dedicated to the Boston Tea Party and other revolutionary events.  Many of the exhibits are found on a full size replica of the “Beaver” or the boat the Minutemen hurled the infamous tea from.  For a good stay near all the historical sites and especially the harbor check out The Langham.

This concludes our tour of Boston; hope you had a fine stay.  With all of its history and culture you may now be turned onto spending more of your travel time inside the country.  The United States has a very rich gamut of destinations that any traveler should dive into before seeing the globe.

National Independence Day Parade – Washington D.C.

If you’re into large crowds then viva the July 4th with the masses and head to D.C. for the largest annual 4^th of July parade in the country.  Every year, Washington D.C. fittingly sets off Independence Day with a bang that’s highlighted by a parade of elaborate floats stretching down Constitution Avenue.  With more than 25 bands and 400,000–yes 400,000 spectators, there will be plenty of opportunities to indulge in entertainment.  Plus, this celebration has the all day factor.

Why travel somewhere else for just two hours of fireworks?

After you’ve scoped out the parade explore the sights and museums then head over to the Capitol Building where the National Symphony Orchestra will perform to the tune of the largest televised fireworks exhibition in the country.

Plan to arrive the night before to prep for the crowds and plan to stay for at least two nights to recover from the fun.  Don’t rent a car, the streets will all be closed off and driving in the district is hell anyway.  Take a taxi and book a hotel somewhere close by, like the Hilton Garden Inn on 14^th street; this will give you a mere 5 block walk down to Constitution Avenue.  There is no better reminder of diversity in America, than this 4th of July fiesta. Whether, you like to Fiesta, Partay, or Petit Fete…come to DC, for the ultimate Partay.

1. Boston Harborfest – Boston Massachusetts

20 years ago, Boston Harborfest began as a humble festival with 30 events.  Today, the 7 day celebration has grown to more than 20 concentrated events and is considered “THE” national Independence Day celebration in the country.  The Boston Harborfest showcases the Maritime and Colonial vale of the revolution.  Critics have heralded it as one of the best family celebrations to attend because of its vast array of booths, activities and entertainment.  Events take place in the historic district and on the waterfront but the main events held exclusively on Boston’s City Hall Plaza.  Because of its colonial heritage, the festival trumpets, the austere aura of archaic American culture that has fizzled out over the last couple centuries.  The immersion into colonial Americana is completely outfitted with opulent revolutionary war costumes. Tours  reenact the American revolution regularly.  I guarantee the 4th of July will move up a notch on your top 3 holiday places to celebrate list. Otherwise, send me an email and tell me why YOUR local holiday celebration takes the cake.

1. Summerfest  09’ – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Welcome to the self proclaimed “World’s Largest Music Festival”.  Summerfest begins the week prior to the 4th and is the culmination of events and concerts that ushers in summer. This cornucopious music-fest is one of the best annual music event on the planet.  If you don’t believe us, you might listen to the Guinness Book of World Records, that has made the same proclamation about Summerfest, the event has comedy acts, shopping vendors and of course, fireworks.  Known as the “Big Gig”, Summerfest takes place in Henry Maier Festival Park and has been an annual tradition since 1968.  Everyone who is a real musician has taken part, including the Grateful Dead, Sting, Prince and Eric Clapton, all whom have graced the main stage at this ultimate celebration.  The 11 day playbill featuring over 700 bands that culminates  in the the ultimate fireworks show on the 4^th of July.  If you’ve been looking for something more than your standard-issue snap, crackle and pop fireworks show, then Summerfest 09′ may just be your calling.

1. Macy’s Firework Celebration – New York, New York

40,000 shells at a rate of 1,200 explosions per minute is a lot of sparkle that is a kaleidoscope you must see to appreciate.  Take a gander at some of the photos and see if you can wrap your head around the cacophony of colors crackling in the summer sky of New York City.  Save this piece of endless summer memory for your scrapbook and experience the ultimate July 4th fireworks bonanza, and try to attend Macy’s Fireworks show and parade on the Hudson River.

This global event is complete with NBC coverage, featuring international performers and the ultimate in fireworks. Besides, it’s New York, and everybody needs a good excuse to get away to the Big Apple. If you are looking for a crowd then New York is the place to be–fireworks or not.  The show sets the Manhattan skyline ablaze as skyscrapers reflect and intensify the explosions overhead and the familiar smell of summer sulfur fills the night sky.

We must warn you about the patriotic themed scores that will trumpet in the background, bringing flashbacks to emotional movie moments, which has brought many to tears. You won’t catch me crying, but, if we run into each other, I will have a box of tissues ready for you.

The best views for this year will be between the 23^rd and 59^th blocks of Manhattan’s west side.  These public spots will fill up quick so get there early to snag a good patch of real estate.

New York City parking guru “Gridlock Sam” says the best viewing area will probably be south of 42nd Street along the pier by the Circle Line. Other prime West Side public viewing spots include:

Dewitt Clinton Park (Access from 11^th Avenue)

Pier 54 (Limited access from 14^th St.)

Pier 84 (Limited Access from 44^th St.)

Needing a more upscale location to enjoy the show?  There are plenty of premier venues  in up for grabs.  Try the Chandelier Room at the new W Hotel in Hoboken (New Jersey).  If you’re feeling really ambitious the 86^th Floor Observatory at the Empire State Building is selling tickets for $125 dollars per person.  And our third pick would have to be the Hudson Terrace located off the west side highway (621 West 42^nd St.) for $125 dollars you can get an all you can eat gourmet buffet and for $75 dollars more you get a private cabana for 15 to watch the show in private (ish) luxury.

Check out some of the top 10 4th of July hot spots!

1. Boston

2. Cape Cod, Marthas Vinyard, Nantucket

3. Chicago

4. Mount Rushmore

5. Philadelphia

6. Queen Mary 2 (docked in Long Beach, CA)

7. San Diego

8. San Juan Island

9. U.S. Virgin Islands

10. Washington D.C.