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Fourth of July Travel: Stuck in the City Edition

June 20, 2008 at 1:30 PM | 1 Comment

We've talked about how great the fireworks offerings are at beaches around the country this year. Unfortunately, sometimes there's just no escape from the urban jungle. But there's no need to panic, fireworks fans, as lots of big cities do a great job of making you feel all warm and fuzzy without having your toes in the sand.

Where better to start than the nation's capital? DC starts the celebration with America's National Independence Day Parade at 11:45 am. With more than 300,000 people expected, the parade makes its way down Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets, passing landmarks like the Washington Monument.

Make a day of it and hang around until about quarter after 9 pm when the fireworks are launched from behind the Lincoln Memorial. Head over to the National Mall after the parade to get the best spot.

Next, Houston offers Chevy's Freedom over Texas celebration. Here you'll enjoy what organizers claim is America's largest land-based fireworks show. It will cost you, with tickets starting at $5 before 5 pm. However, your fee also includes the sounds of Sara Evans, Miranda Lambert and Jo Dee Messina along with a NASCAR exhibit and the "Bud Zone."

Not only is the Taste of Chicago finishing up over the holiday weekend, but there's also a fireworks spectacular planned for the evening of July 3. Stake out a good spot and then enjoy the Grant Park Orchestra as they play the "1812 Overture." (If you don't know it by name, you'll recognize it as soon as they start playing.) If you miss the celebration on Thursday night, then you'll also be glad to know that the Navy Pier has its own show on the Fourth, as well as shows throughout the summer.

Last but certainly not least is New York City. Macy's will present its 30th Annual 4th of July Fireworks show this year. If you have a clear view of the East River from Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens, you're all set. There are three barges on the east side of the island, but new this year is a fourth barge just south of the Brooklyn Bridge. Unfortunately, no viewing is allowed from the bridge itself.

Related Stories:
· America's National Independence Day Parade [Official Site]
· Chevy's Freedom over Texas [Official Site]
· Taste of Chicago [Official Site]
· Navy Pier [Official Site]
· Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks [Official Site]
· Fourth of July coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: dcJohn]

Where: United States

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Author Photo: kjb by kjb

1 Comment

Return to » Fourth of July Travel: Stuck in the City Edition

  1. travelina

    Jaunted Member
    June 21, 2008 at 8:48 AM




    DC fireworks

    I would never advise hanging around all day on the National Mall waiting for the fireworks. It's hot and boring and there's nothing to do but save your spot, which more and more people will encroach upon as the hours progress.  Plus, bathroom facilities are less than ideal.  Go home/to your hotel/someplace cool, then around 8:15 or so take the Metro to Arlington Cemetery, walk across Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial, find a spot on the steps, relax and enjoy the show.

Return to » Fourth of July Travel: Stuck in the City Edition

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