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Fourth of July posts
Video Of The Day: San Diego Fireworks Fail
Jul 5th, 2012 at 6:00PM:
Millions of Americans went back to work today after the Independence Day holiday yesterday, and many began tweeting about the July Fourth fireworks display in San Diego. Apparently, due to a malfunction, instead of a 20-minute show, ALL the fireworks went off at one time, lighting up the sky for only a few seconds. YouTube user Andrew92106 uploaded today's Video of the Day, showing off the short ...
Earliest Map Naming America Discovered
Jul 4th, 2012 at 8:00AM: A copy of the earliest map that names America has been discovered.
The map was created by German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller in 1507 based on explorers' accounts. Only four copies are known to exist, but a fifth has just been discovered inside a 19th century book at the Ludwig Maximilian University library in Munich.
This map is slightly different than the others and appears to ...5 Alternatives To Fireworks This (Very Dry) Fourth of July
Jul 2nd, 2012 at 11:00AM: It's hard to imagine the Fourth of July without fireworks, but for drought- and fire-stricken regions like Colorado, that's the way it's going to be this year. If you happen to be living or traveling in a no-fireworks zone, don't despair. There are still ways to celebrate our nation's birth without setting it ablaze.
Since I'm in Colorado right now, I brainstormed with a group of rangers at ...Summer Travel Trends: Experiential Travel, Weekend Getaways And Digital Tools
Jun 16th, 2012 at 9:00AM: A lot has changed in the way people take summer vacations from last year. According to the American Express Spending & Savings Tracker, consumer behavior is shifting towards experiential travel, with 42 percent looking to learn about local culture. Furthermore, 22 percent of travelers are looking for more "soft adventures," like cooking classes, spa retreats and trekking. Likewise, 36 percent ...Folly Beach, South Carolina: The Country's Greatest Fourth of July
Jul 20th, 2011 at 12:00PM:
This most recent Fourth of July, on a beach in South Carolina, a guy named Freddie handed me a beer after I took his photo in front of his American flag. He'd just done his best Iwo Jima pose, and as I tapped his email address into my phone, promising to send him the pictures very soon, he insisted I take a turn hoisting the stars and stripes. Road trip tip: Do whatever a beer-toting, ...Fireworks in Austin from July 4th, 2010
Jul 3rd, 2011 at 4:00PM:
With Independence Day arriving tomorrow, many Texans are wondering just how to celebrate the 4th of July without fireworks. The sparkling display has been canceled this year due to the extreme drought in the area. I recently published a piece on Alternatives to Fireworks for those of you afflicted by firework-less regions. My favorite suggestion in the piece, cheesy as it may sound, was a ...
More things to do in the national parks this weekend
Jul 1st, 2011 at 8:00AM: Earlier this week we recommended a number of fun things to do this long Fourth of July weekend in the national parks. Those suggestions included fireworks displays on the National Mall and a picnic at Valley Forge, amongst other things. It turns out we were just scratching the surface, as here are even more great events happening in the parks this weekend.
Colorado National Monument will once ...Drinking like George Washington - reasons to visit historic Mount Vernon this holiday weekend
Jun 30th, 2011 at 12:30PM: If there's drinking involved, there's a good chance that a we're all over it. When the chance to combine drinking (rare liquors), history, and a holiday weekend arises .... well, we're even more intrigued.
In honor of the country's most patriotic holiday, Mount Vernon is displaying a rare 18th century letter penned by the first President and country's most famous distiller, George Washington, ...Barbecue and picnic tips for a safe, delicious (and seasonal) Fourth of July
Jun 28th, 2011 at 10:00AM:
For Americans, there's no holiday more synonymous with eating outdoors than the Fourth of July. It's the ultimate summer dining event, one that largely emphasizes regional foods and seasonal ingredients.
Tomatoes and corn are perhaps the two most iconic summer foods served on the Fourth (just because we live in an era where we can purchase certain ingredients yearound doesn't mean they ...Alternatives to fireworks for July 4th
Jun 27th, 2011 at 4:30PM:
It's been 35 years since the city of Austin canceled its July 4th fireworks display, but due to the extreme drought in Travis County, Austin's fiery light show has been canceled. Because of the hot, dry, and windy conditions in this section of Texas, the Travis County Fire Marshal decided not to approve any permits for fireworks throughout the county. "We just can't take that chance", said ...Vicksburg 1863: America's most important July 4th (besides 1776)
Jun 27th, 2011 at 1:30PM: The Fourth of July has always been an important day in the U.S. It marks the day in 1776 when the colonies issued the Declaration of Independence from the British Empire. A new nation was born, at least for a little while.
In 1861 that nation was torn apart by a bloody Civil War that saw its turning point on another fourth of July, that of 1863. On that day the Confederate stronghold of ...Fourth of July travel deals from Viator
Jun 27th, 2011 at 12:15PM: Sometimes the best things come to those who wait. If you're looking for some last minute Independence Day deals, our pals at Viator have pulled together a list of Fourth of July bargains to help travelers get the most out of their three-day weekend. From New York to Oahu, below are some suggestions that will have you seeing red, white and blue without spending a whole lot of green.
New York: ...Spend Independence Day in a national park
Jun 27th, 2011 at 8:00AM: The Fourth of July holiday has always been a popular one in the U.S. This coming weekend, millions of people across the country will gather with friends and family to celebrate the day our country won its independence with food, music, and fireworks. It is a tradition like no other, and one that is made all the better when combined with another great American tradition – the national parks. ...Gadling's 2011 New Year's travel resolutions
Dec 29th, 2010 at 10:30AM: It's that time of year again. A time when we all make certain promises to ourselves, in an attempt to make our lives more organized, our bodies stronger or leaner. We vow to spend more time with loved ones, give back to others, or ditch that cubicle job. And some of us...well, we just want to keep on traveling, any way we can manage to finagle it.
In the spirit of New Year's, I asked my fellow ...Photo of the Day (7.4.10)
Jul 4th, 2010 at 6:00PM:
Happy birthday, America. What better way to celebrate this great day than with some fireworks? While we've seen plenty of stellar fireworks photos over the years, we've got to hand it to Flickr user ohad*, who captured this quirky shot during a visit to Delray Beach, Florida. True, the fireworks in question were for New Year's. But no matter, the feel of the image is great - the slow shutter ...Five great Fourth of July destinations
Jun 30th, 2010 at 1:00PM: Arguably the most American holiday of all (sorry, Thanksgiving!) the Fourth of July occupies an undeniably special place in the hearts of millions. Remarkably, the enthusiasm of so many for the holiday seemingly floats independently of patriotism. It's a family holiday, a time for picnics and fireworks and the sheer enjoyment of hot summer temperatures. The following are a few places where the ...Photo of the Day (7.4.09)
Jul 4th, 2009 at 6:00PM: Happy Fourth of July everyone! I know you were probably expecting a photo of fireworks, but this photo really spoke to me as a natural firework in the sky. I'm not a huge fan of fireworks anyway -- at least not in the physical sense. I am, however, a huge proponent of emotional fireworks, and photos like this set those off for me. The world is a beautiful, wondrous place. And we should appreciate ...Gadlinks for Friday 7.3.09
Jul 3rd, 2009 at 6:30PM: It's Aloha Friday! Time for another virtual trip across the travel blogosphere. Shall we?
4th of July festivities are already underway. Bust out the barbecue and your picnic blankets! Oh yeah, if you're into fireworks check out Travel + Leisure's list for America's best fireworks displays.
Is it possible to fly green? Well, not really, but you can fly greener if you follow these tips.
...Anniversary fireworks. Celebrating with a bang: Happy 4th and 15th
Jul 4th, 2008 at 11:30AM: Today is my 15th anniversary, but we had the fireworks last night. Wow! A bit racy.
Actually, Columbus's big fireworks display "Red, White and Boom" is on July 3, although there are other fireworks happenings tonight in other locations.
Last night we went down to Goodale Park where we would be able to see the display, but not be overwhelmed by the huge crowds, although Goodale was plenty ...The Best Fourth of July Celebrations, According to Forbes
Jul 4th, 2007 at 1:36PM: Happy Fourth of July to all you Americans out there! I hope you're celebrating your nation's independence with plenty of food, beer, friends and laughter. No matter where you are in the states, there's bound to be a celebration of some sort to mark this historic day. In fact Forbes has put together a list of the best Fourth of July celebrations. Not surprisingly, the festivities at the nation's ...
