Festivals and Holidays

One of the United States’ most festive holidays is the Fourth Of July. Aside from celebrating its historical significance, on this holiday, families and friends gather to watch colorful firework displays, have picnics, and enjoy many other outdoor activities. Here’s a list of cities to visit if you want to catch some of the biggest celebrations, including outdoor concerts, kid friendly activities, and of course, fireworks illuminating the night sky.

New York City

On top of being an exciting city every day of the year, on the Fourth of July, New York boasts the world’s largest fireworks display. Starting around 9pm, fireworks are set off from four barges stationed between 23rd and 42nd Streets in the East River, although the night’s celebration starts with music and other events from 7pm onward. There are many great places to view the fireworks - in Manhattan, head to South Street Seaport, East River Park, or along FDR Drive. You can also get a great view from Liberty Park in Jersey City, Roosevelt Island (which charges a fee for the entertainment, kid friendly events, and more), as well as Greenpoint and Brooklyn Heights Promenade in Brooklyn.

Two RealTravelers who discovered New York City during the Fourth of July watched from Brooklyn, and even thought that this is the best day of the year to visit the Big Apple:

“The place was absolutely packed, and from here we stood and watched the amazing Independence Day firework display with the iconic Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge as a backdrop. I have never and don’t think I will see again, such a brilliant amount of fireworks - it really was jaw dropping stuff. If you ever come to New York it has to be during Independence Day.” (more…)

To find hotels and other information on the celebration, visit:
New York Hotels
nymag.com/guides/summer/july4/

Philadelphia

One of my favorite places to be on the Fourth of July is Philadelphia. In front of the Philadelphia Art Museum, brilliant fireworks are set off after an outdoor concert that usually features a popular band or singer. People gather early along the Ben Franklin Parkway to get a good spot to see the show. This year, Lionel Richie performs during the Sunoco Sweet Sounds of Liberty Concert. The night’s events are set to take place from 8:30-11:00 p.m, but there is plenty in store all day long! During the day, kids can enjoy a “Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival” from noon to 6pm at Penn’s Landing. If this sounds like too much sugar, take the kids to Benjamin Parkway early for a “Party on the Parkway” featuring music, food, entertainment and even arcade games.

To find out more about the event and planning your trip, visit:
Philadelphia Hotels
www.gophila.com/Go/PressRoom/pressreleases/Fireworks_Light_Up_The_Philly_Skies_Over_Fourth_of_July.aspx

Boston

The fireworks display in Boston is rumored to be bigger and better than ever before, with fireworks imported from around the world. This free event takes place on the Esplanade in Boston along the Charles River and features a performance by the famous Boston Pops.

For more on Boston’s celebration, visit: www.july4th.org/index.htm

For more great places to celebrate the forth of July, visit:
travelwithkids.about.com/od/holidays/a/Fourthofjuly.htm

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In need of a tropical getaway? Does the scent of sunscreen, the cool ocean breeze, and the warm summer sun seem to be calling your name? Head to any of Hawaii’s six spectacular islands and celebrate the Aloha Festivals!

Every summer, for the past 61 years, the islands of Hawaii have honored their culture and traditions during the Aloha Festivals. Attended by over one million people, the festivities take place on every island beginning in late August. This eight-week celebration includes over 100 exciting events. This year’s theme “Ke Kahua Lani o Hawai’i,” honors “Hawaii’s Beloved Royal Playground.” Complete with block parties, hulas, and floats covered in flowers, this is something the whole family can enjoy! Traveling to Oahu? The festival begins September 12th in Honolulu and is celebrated on the other islands until the end of October. With plenty of daytime and nighttime activities, you can venture out solo or bring the kids! No matter what, the beauty of Hawaii will not disappoint. RealTravelers, Andy and Kirstine describe their Hawaiian getaway:

“Now for some relaxation! Well we had the plan here to sunbathe, read books, snorkel, scuba dive, eat and drink. You will no doubt all be happy to hear that we managed to accomplish all of our goals!” (more…)

Useful Resources

Honolulu Hotels.com
Hawaii Hotels
Hawaii Flights
alohafestivals.com

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