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From banginâ fireworks displays and patriotic concerts to lip-smackinâ summer eats and old-fashioned games, these top five Fourth destinations certainly know how to wish America a happy birthday.
1. The National Mall, Washington D.C.
Spectators watch fireworks above Washington D.C.'s National Mall.What better place to celebrate America, her birth, fight, and history, than the nationâs sprawling capital? The National Mall is home to iconic sights from the Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and World War II Memorials to the Washington Monument. As youâd expect, the Capitol is bursting with things to do on the Fourth.
Start the dayâs festivities with a late-morning Independence Day Parade followed by a performance from the United States Army Bandâs ensemble, Downrange. Cap the night off on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol with a rocking concert commemorating Americaâs 240th birthday and the centennial of the National Park Service. The show ends on an explosive note with a magnificent fireworks display over the Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool.
2. Mount Vernon, Virginia
As the home of the United Statesâ first president, Mount Vernon is another natural Fourth destination. Chock-full of unique experiences from reenactments and live music (Revolution-era and otherwise) to an honest-to-goodness naturalization ceremony, the Independence Day celebration at President Washingtonâs estate is downright inspiring.
You know what goes exceptionally well with inspiration? Complimentary birthday cake savored under a sky of daytime fireworks after youâve been paid a visit by the âfirstâ first couple.
If youâre more inclined to kick back with a glittering nighttime display, Mount Vernonâs Independence Fireworks go off on July 2 at a separate (but equally awe-inspiring) event. Greet George and Martha Washington; try your hand at bocce ball; dance like itâs the 18th Century; sample colonial-style ice cream; #PoseLikethePrez; and enjoy a fireworks spectacular choreographed to patriotic masterpieces.
3. San Diego, California
As a beachside city, San Diego has no shortage of sandy spaces to kick back and enjoy family time and fireworks. What truly sets it apart is the wide array of daytime festivities at each of the âIndependence Day depotsâ in town.
Kick the day off with a Fourth of July parade in wholesome Coronado. Just a short drive from the heart of San Diego, its small town charm is well-suited to a Fourth of July celebration complete with a brief parade, park concert, and private fireworks show over Glorietta Bay. You canât beat the pristine Hotel Del Coronado for a backdrop, either.
Parents of younger children would fare well at Old Town, as well, where the morning parade is followed by an old fashioned Independence Day celebration including crafts and activities. Still want to see fireworks? No worries. Old Town festivities end at 4 p.m., leaving plenty of time to head to San Diego Bay for the Annual Big Bay Boom July 4 Fireworks Show.
4. Bend, Oregon
The high desert climate and forested areas make fireworks a little tricky in Bend, but youâll hardly miss them at the annual Old Fashioned July 4th Festival. The eight-hour celebration kicks off at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at Drake Park. Afterwards, you can head to Downtown Bend for the Pet Parade or hang around âtil 11 a.m. when the festival really begins.
In addition to live music and entertainment, there is a pie-eating contest, photo booth, and tons of locally sponsored games. Join an old-fashioned sack race, three-legged race, or watermelon contest, then say hello to Smokey Bear and friends and get in on some carnival games.
The night sky is gorgeously star-spangled on its own, but if youâd still like to top the night off with a fireworks spectacular, head anywhere with a view of Pilot Butte, where fireworks are launched each year at 10 p.m. Al Moody Park is a local-favorite spot since itâs at the base of the butte, but youâll need to arrive early to get a good spot.
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
Vegas is a budget-friendly Fourth destination with a banginâ fireworks display, but it is definitely for a more adult crowd. Since the temperature skirts 100 degrees (and often surpasses it), the dayâs festivities are often pool- and dayclub-oriented, with an emphasis on patriotic cocktails, but there is much more to do than drink and swim.
Exploring, shopping, and gambling are all on the table if you remain on the Strip pre-nightfall, but we recommend heading somewhere open (dayclub, rooftop, or upper-most level of a parking structure) for fireworks viewing. Dread the Stripâs Fourth of July restrictions? Hit up Downtown Las Vegas for bar-hopping, a free Cherry Poppinâ Daddies concert, and the Fremont Street light show.
If you do happen to be visiting with smaller children, you could attend the 68th Annual Damboree at Hoover Dam. There a yummy pancake breakfast, thrilling flyover, plenty of games and contests, and a fireworks show.
Celebrated in one of these cities before? Have another recommendation? Let us know!Â
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Pair-O-Dice, Highway 91 (Las Vegas Strip), c. 1931-36
Opened in 1931, Pair-O-Dice was one of the first nightclubs on what would become the Las Vegas Strip. The property was sold in the late 30s to the developers of Last Frontier Hotel, who incorporated the octagonal casino building into the new resort, where it remained in use (as Gay Nineties Saloon and Club 21) into the mid-60s.
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