By Layla Bellows
Fireworks and bandstands are a Fourth of July tradition you can find in just about any American city. So why go just anywhere? We have the good
fortune to live in a country with towns that keep colonial life and pioneer traditions alive — and when these towns celebrate American Independence, you’ll get a sense of national history in addition to the requisite live music and fireworks.
First stop is, of course,
Williamsburg, Va., where
Independence Day festivities begin with a reading of the Declaration of Independence and end with fife and drum performances and fireworks over the more than 200-year-old historic district. During the day, head to the Governor’s Palace for a picnic that features performances by dancers and balladeers, among others. Tickets are $51 for adults, and the cost includes food and VIP seating for the fireworks.
If you really want to go back in time, head to
St. Augustine, Fla., which was established almost 450 years ago by the Spanish, making it the country’s first European city. During the day you can take a tour of St. Augustine’s famous fort, the
Castillo de San Marcos, then return that evening to watch the brilliant
fireworks display over the Matanzas Bay, which the Castillo overlooks. Another prime viewing point for St. Augustine’s Fourth of July fireworks is its
lighthouse — get there before 8 p.m. for tickets that will get you a birds’ eye view of both a spectacular Florida sunset and St. Augustine’s fireworks.
To get a 19th century Independence Day experience, visit
Dallas Heritage Village’s Old-Fashioned Fourth or
Old Town San Diego’s Historic 4th of July Celebration. Dallas Heritage Village is located just south of the city and is dedicated to preserving and presenting Dallas and North Central Texas life between 1840 and 1910. On the Fourth, they’ll be celebrating with Victorian games and stick pony races, among other hands-on activities (including making ice cream). In Old Town San Diego, you can get a taste of the city’s lifestyle between 1821 and 1871, when the city transformed from a Mexican pueblo to an American settlement. Independence Day will be marked with period games including a three-legged race and egg toss, as well as live music and lemonade and popcorn at the historical-feeling price of 50 cents each.
For more Independence Day celebrations, visit our Hershey-Harrisburg and Brunswick Islands blogs! (Photo by Mike Cubbedge with permission from the City of St. Augustine.)