The Scenic Seven – It’s Party Time!

Written on August 6, 2010 at 11:42 am, by admin

Find a local festival near you!

Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s August.  It’s hot, the days are long, and you’re running out of things to do with the kids.  You’ve already gone to the local zoo, the waterpark, and you’ve seen Toy Story 3 four times already. What could there possibly be left to do?!

How about a local music or arts festival? The month of August is teeming with local festivals all over the country dedicated to art, zucchini, and everything in between.

Here are just a few of the local festivals happening right now!

Photo Credit: Flickr.com/rmmarak

1. The Aspen Music Festival (Aspen, Colorado) – Some highlights of this classical music festival include a performance by Renee Fleming and free voice and music classes by renowned instructors. Visit the Aspen Music Festival website.

2. The American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront (Bangor, Maine) – This festival puts an emphasis on various world cultures, featuring craft demonstrations, multicultural dishes, and four stages of music and dance from around the globe. Visit the American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront website.

3. The Sweetpea Festival (Bozeman, Montana) – The Sweetpea Festival is celebrating their 33^rd year of food, dance, and fun at Bozeman’s Lindley Park. The 3-day festival culminates in a children’s run and parade. Visit the Sweetpea Festival website.

4. Mountain Dance and Folk Festival (Asheville, North Carolina) – Celebrating the Southern Appalachian culture, the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival has been celebrated in Asheville for the last 83 years. This year’s schedule boasts performances by fiddlers, banjo pickers, balladeers, and cloggers. Visit the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival website.

5. Central States Fair and Rodeo (Rapid City, South Dakota) –This fair began back in 1946 as a Range Days Rodeo.  64 years later, it’s turned into a immensely popular festival featuring racing and rodeo events, as well as performances by big-name artists such as Uncle Kracker and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Visit the Central States Fair and Rodeo website.

6. Deer Valley Music Festival (Park City, Utah) – The Utah Symphony is the primary focus of this classical and chamber music festival.   This year you can see a performance of Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony and then follow it up with a performance featuring country singer Randy Travis alongside the Utah Symphony Orchestra. Visit the Deer Valley Music Festival website.

7. Seafair (Seattle, Washington) – This Seattle festival puts the emphasis on action with their exciting, awe-inspiring events. You can watch hydroplane races, run a triathlon, or take part in the milk crate derby.  And you can do all of these things while the Blue Angels are looping and zipping right over your head. Visit the Seafair website.

The Bermuda Triangle

Written on July 30, 2010 at 9:31 am, by admin

We made it out of the Bermuda Triangle…but we want to go back!

Horseshoe Bay Beach

“Bermuda, Bahamas, come on pretty mama”… You all know the rest of that feel-good song. Well, Mike and I have been lucky enough to visit both of these amazing islands just in the past two months. And we fell in love! Of course, we’re already in love with each other (a convenient fact since we got married in January!) but we fell in love with Bermuda!

Although Bermuda is sometimes lumped in with the other Caribbean islands for cartographical reasons, Bermuda is actually not a part of the Caribbean islands. In fact, the closest landmass to Bermuda is Cape Hattaras, North Carolina. To save you all the trouble of whipping out your rulers, that’s only 568 miles off shore! Sounds close enough for a weekend getaway, right? Well, that’s exactly what we did.

We arrived on a Wednesday, just in time for the weekly street festival on Front Street in downtown Hamilton. (Now, keep in mind that there is a Hamilton province, as well as the actual city of Hamilton… which is, oddly enough, not in Hamilton province). But the street festival is a can’t miss Bermuda event! There were vendors selling homemade jewelry and artistic prints, snow cones, hair braiding, and live music. Top that off with the gorgeous harbor views and you’re pretty much guaranteed a fabulous evening.

Let’s talk about the beaches of Bermuda because let’s face it, that’s the real reason to go to Bermuda, no matter how amazing the street festivals might be. The beaches are absolutely amazing. Bermuda’s famous pink sand wasn’t quite as pink as we were expecting, but we heard that it tends to look pinker after rainstorms…of which we had none. So no pink sands, but no rain-we thought that was a pretty fair trade! The water in Bermuda is a gorgeous shade of blue that we thought was comparable to the water in the Florida Keys. And everyone knows how gorgeous that is! The kind of blue that inspires artists everywhere to paint, sketch, write, or capture the perfect picture.

The food in Bermuda tends to run on the expensive side, but you really won’t care once it hits your lips. We had a multitude of culinary treats while we were in Bermuda fabulous sushi at Pearl, authentic Thai at Silk, and delicious Rum Swizzles at the local hangout The Swizzle Inn.

So some final tips for Bermuda? Be sure and explore the coves around the corner of Horseshoe Bay Beach, have a Rum Swizzle or a Dark and Stormy, buy some Bermuda shorts, bring lots of sunscreen, and prepare to relax!

Scenic Seven: Carolina Mountains Vacation

Written on July 22, 2010 at 6:58 pm, by elizabeth

The dog days of summer have arrived. I don’t care what the calendar says – here in Georgia the temps have been in the 90s for more days than I care to count and it’s not even August yet. Rising temps aren’t just limited to the South either.  Heatwave conditions have been reported from coast to coast in the U.S. and it seems that every corner of the country is covered in a thin veil of summer sweat from morning to night. All this heat has me dreaming of cooler temps and the crisp air found in cities like Asheville in the North Carolina Mountains. And with more than 30 NC mountain vacation rentals to choose from on Scenic Rentals, there’s sure to be a rental near Asheville to suit your style.

Summer in the Carolina Moutains is like a cool glass of iced tea – always refreshing and delightfully simple. Hiking, biking and picnics in the grass are wonderful ways to savor the stunning scenery or enjoy a tour of the famed Biltmore House and surrounding grounds, billed as “America’s Castle.” With great restaurants, plenty of Asheville activities and charming cabin rentals, Asheville, North Carolina is a destination like no other in the late summer. Not quite sure where to start? Read on dear travelers…. 

Scenic’s Top Seven Sites to See on an Asheville, North Carolina Mountains Vacation:

1.  Water, water everywhere - According to Romantic Asheville, there are 10 waterfalls that you simply must see. Feel like a kid when you slip your way down Sliding Rock or embark on a short hike to see the falls that tumble more than 400 feet below. If refreshing had a soundtrack it would begin and end with the sound of all that water.

2.  The Biltmore House - Built by George Vanderbilt back when being a millionaire actually meant something, the finest house in America features an indoor swimming pool, bowling alley and decadent decor. Explore the acres of gardens and trails to work up an appetite before lingering over a delicious meal or indulging in a visit to the winery.

4. Whitewater Rafting- Thrill seekers may have met their match in Western North Carolina – an abundance of mountain rivers and raging rapids offer world-class white water rafting. Definitely not for the faint of heart.

5. Enjoy the lake? Mountain vacations offer secluded swimming holes and pristine bodies of water perfect for taking a dip, fishing and boating. Rent a boat and float your way through a warm summer day.

6. Divine Dining- An abundance of Asheville restaurants means a menu for every palate. Farm fresh goodies? Fine dining? Casual and off-beat? Check, check check. You’ll find it all in this free-spirited city.

7. Discover Downtown- At its core, Asheville is an artsy place full of vibrant residents and a character all its own. Nowhere is this more apparent than Downtown Asheville. Live music, charming shops and galleries and locally owned stores and restaurants lend a distinctive flavor to this eclectic village.

All this vacation talk has inspired a vacation of my own. I’m going on a short hiatus and handing the blogging reigns over to Amy for a few months. Enjoy the rest of summer and happy travels! 

Scenic Rentals…Take a Vacation from Hotels!

Oil Spill Special Close to Capped

Written on July 21, 2010 at 5:19 pm, by elizabeth

It’s been more than three months since the BP Oil Spill in the Gulf. Thanks to efforts this week, it appears that BP may finally have halted the leak, or at least slowed it considerably. Will the cap hold? Only time will tell. But one thing that won’t hold for long is our $10 listing special.

Through Saturday, all new and renewed by owner vacation rental listings on Scenic Rentals are just $10 for a 12 month listing. Every listing of course includes our standard features – twelve color photos, 24/7 access to the owner control panel, a dedicated URL link to your property and a free online property availability calendar. Plus, we’re creating a Facebook page for every property, we feature properties on our Twitter page and often promo vacation rental homes on this blog, so you’ll get three times the exposure for the same small fee.

Why list with Scenic instead of the “big guys?”
We know there are many property listing sites out there to choose from, so why us? We may not be the biggest, but we believe we’re one of the best. Google believes it too, since we’ve got a page rank of 5 and are steadily climbing to the first page of natural search results. Our SEO campaigns are in full force and we’re optimizing our site to better serve the needs of our property owners. Over the last year, we’ve implemented a number of new features like the blog, our Facebook pages and the property calendar.  Our goals are in reach and we’re working hard every day to be the best by owner vacation rental site on the web.

Notice we said ”the best,” not ”the biggest.” By limiting each city to 60 properties, we’ve positioned Scenic Rentals to be a streamlined site that caters to our property owners and those seeking a by owner vacation rental for their next vacation. With a 60 property limit, vacationers won’t have to sift through hundreds or even thousands of listings and owners won’t be competing with every property on the block. Limiting the number of properties ensures that the unique features of each vacation rental are highlighted and eliminates the burying of properties that tends to happen on larger sites.

Why are we doing this?
Out of the goodness of our heart. Well, that and because we’re a family owned and operated site dedicated to providing a quality service for a reasonable price. As property owners ourselves, we fully understand the challenges of successfully marketing a by owner vacation rental without breaking the bank. By implementing cost-effective strategies and viral marketing techniques, we’re using the Internet as it was originally intended – a low-cost tool to communicate with millions.

For more info or to list your vacation property with Scenic Rentals, read the Top Reasons to Advertise with Scenic Rentals or visit our How to Register page. Questions? Concerns? Rather chat with a real live person? Send us an email or give us a call – visit the Scenic Rentals Contact Page for contact numbers.

Scenic Rentals….Take a Vacation from Hotels!

Permission Slip

Written on July 19, 2010 at 2:49 pm, by elizabeth

Photo Credit: Flickr.com/AlaskanDude

Looking to squeeze in a few extra days of paid vacation this year? Well, print out this blog post and tack it to the office fridge. New findings from a psychological study show that vacation has been linked to an increase in job satisfaction and professional well-being as well as a decrease in burnout and stress. So turns out somebody has been listening to all those happy hour fueled rants about needing some time off.  The study, conducted at the University of the Rockies in Colorado Springs, found that the benefits of vacation length peak at approximately 10 days, which supports previous research findings that 10 to 14 days of vacation may be the optimal length.

Dena Ann Dries, a doctorate student, set out to examine the amount of paid vacation days necessary per year to promote positive employee and employer effects. The study included 143 full-time employees (defined as at least 32 hours per week,) not self-employed and not per diem workers. Participants ranged from 21 to 62 years of age; the median age was 41. Length of vacation taken ranged from one day to 15 days with a mean of 5.23 days.

According to the Dries dissertation, sufficient vacation time stabilizes mental health and contributes to professional well-being. There was a significant difference between those who had taken three or more weeks of vacation and those with only one week or less of vacation.

How much is too much?
“There is a point at which adding vacation days ceases to increase job satisfaction, ceases to impact retention and ceases to impact professional well-being,” the study showed. “Between groups, analysis revealed that participants who took more than three weeks of vacation showed no significant differences in any of the workplace variables with the exception of extreme burnout.”

So what’s the point here? Get away from your desk and get the heck out of dodge….for at least two weeks at a time. You’ll return rested, recharged and ready to take on those professional challenges. Or at least with a renewed fervor to work your tail off to justify another two week vacation next year.

Not sure where to travel? With more than 2,300 by owner vacation rentals worldwide, Scenic Rentals is sure to have the perfect destination for your recharging, relaxing vacation.

Scenic Rentals….Take a Vacation from Hotels!  

Ideas for your 2010 Family Vacation

Written on July 16, 2010 at 9:05 am, by elizabeth

Now you know the reasons why staying in a by owner vacation rental makes sense when planning vacations with children, but are you left wondering just where to go when planning to travel with a toddler in your entourage? It’s pretty safe to say that a couple of things can be ruled out immediately – a quiet weekend in a romantic locale or a few days of marathon shopping, museum hopping and fine dining in the hippest spots a happening city has to offer are best saved for a kidless adventure. But, those things aside, there are plenty of wonderful destinations perfect for your next vacations with children. From beaches to amusement parks and everything in between, we’ve assembled today’s Scenic Seven:

Scenic’s Top 7 Places to Play when Traveling with your Family

1. Walt Disney World - It’s the quintessential kid-friendly vacation and as a parent you’re obligated to go at least once. Left-coasters are within easy reach of Disneyland, so there’s no excuse to keep putting the trip off “until they’re older.” You’ll find much more than mouse ears in these iconic destinations. Fine dining, upscale shopping and serene spas share the spotlight with old favorites like the Whirling Teacups. Many of our Florida Disney and Anaheim rentals boast private pools, so you just may get a few minutes of peace and quiet after all.

2. The Beach – Some beach, any beach, doesn’t matter where. From favorite spots on the Florida Panhandle to the Carolina Coast and more, grab the sand pails, shovels and sunblock and head out for some fun in the sun.

3. San Diego Zoo – Just north of downtown San Diego, this is truly one of the world’s greatest zoos. Spend the day discovering more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals, then spend a few days exploring all that the San Diego area has to offer. From the beach to the boardwalk, you’ll find it all here.

4. Rocky Mountains- Summer in Colorado is often less expensive than a winter trip and just as fun-filled. Take a family hike or enjoy an air conditioned ride up the mountain in a gondola. At night, roast  marshmallows in the cool mountain air while you build memories that will last a lifetime. With our Colorado mountain rentals you can experience all the wonder of the wilderness without leaving the comforts of home behind.

5. Take a trip to The Caribbean and enjoy an adventure in paradise. Sure, you can go to the beach in the States, but there’s really no substitute for the crystal blue water, amazing beaches and lush landscape that await in the tropics. Kids will be in awe of the exotic birds and wildlife and endless activities and Mom and Dad will be relaxed from the moment they step off the plane.

6. Experience a tropical playground without a passport on a family vacation Hawaii. From the Big Island to Kauaiand Maui, each island has it’s own personality and flavor, but all offer a myriad of activities to keep everyone entertained. From hiking the volcanoes to surfing and swimming and even a walk through history with a visit to Pearl Harbor, a Hawaiian holiday is fun for the whole family.

7.  Sometimes the best family vacations are the simplest. A Lake Vacation offers families a chance to slow down, enjoy the scenery and spend time relaxing with one another. Children can swim, the more adventurous might try their hand at skiing and a long boat ride is usually enough to thaw even the iciest of teen tantrums. Cap off each day with smores around a fire or swapping stories under the stars – these are the summer memories that last. With almost 200 lake rental properties for rent on Scenic Rentals, there’s a unique vacation lake rental in every corner of the country.  

To find your ideal vacation rental home, search for by owner vacation rentals via the keyword search engine on Scenic Rentals, visit our search page and enter search terms (beach, lake, Disney, etc) in the “Quick Search” box.

Family Vacation 2010

Written on July 13, 2010 at 5:03 pm, by elizabeth

Traveling with Family this Summer? Not without Reading this First.

The calendar is open to mid-July already and the back to school specials are hitting the shelves. To the vacation rental industry, those are signals that we’re deep into the summer travel season and barreling down the highway toward Labor Day. With just a month to go until schools re-open and summer vacations begin to give way to holiday planning, it’s time to get out and enjoy the sunny days while they last. With 2010 travel plans in full swing, we’re willing to bet that at least one of your vacations will involve a few kiddos along the way.

Photo Credit: R.Wentz 6.09

Whether the little ones in question are yours, your sister’s or a long lost relative’s, traveling with family and trips with kids can be a fun-filled experience you’ll treasure for years or a week from hell that will have everyone running for the hills at at the mere mention of the words ”family vacation”. For the uninitiated, planning the trip can be a daunting task – determining how to accommodate the littlest travelers without sacrificing amenities for the adults can be a delicate balance. Hotels and all-inclusive resorts often have child-friendly amenities like swimming pools and kid’s programs, but lack adequate lodging space for the whole family. After all, it’s hard enough to feel relaxed in a cramped hotel room when it’s only two adults – throw in two kids, a pack and play and the entourage of toys and loveys that go along with any self-respecting toddler and you can forget any ideas of peace and quiet.

But never fear dear travelers, Scenic Rentals of course has the answer! When planning vacations that include children, toddlers, babies and adults, a by owner vacation rental can be a true sanity-saver. With a by owner vacation rental, you’re sure to have plenty of room for the whole family and enough amenities to satisfy everyone from Grandma to the tiny tots. Even the most modest vacation rental homes tend to offer multiple bedrooms and sleeping quarters, a full kitchen and a seperate living area for relaxing and parking. Most include outdoor space, laundry facilities, multiple bathrooms and resort-style amenities like swimming pools, tennis courts and even beach access.

Looking for something a little more luxurious? We’ve got you covered there, too. Many of the by owner vacation rentals advertised through Scenic Rentals include game rooms, entertainment areas, hot tubs and little luxuries like high threadcount linens, gourmet kitchens, wide screen televisions, internet access, video libraries and gaming systems. Plus, family-friendly rentals are often stocked with children’s toys and little extras like cribs and bed rails, so you’ll have less to pack in that already bulging suitcase.

To find your ideal by owner vacation rental, search our listings here. We have more than 2,300 listings worldwide – surely one has enough room for you and your mother-in-law.

WONDERING WHAT THE BEST DESTINATIONS ARE WHEN PLANNING A VACATION WITH KIDS? CHECK BACK TOMORROW FOR OUR FAVORITES.

Scenic Seven takes on MLB

Written on July 9, 2010 at 2:32 pm, by elizabeth

It’s mid-season and baseball fans everywhere know what that means – the annual All-Star Break. For a few short days, all those grassy diamonds will stand empty except for one, when the baseball world looks toward Anaheim for the 81st Annual All-Star Game. Though the game isn’t until Tuesday, a full weekend of events has already kicked off and includes the All-Star Fanfest at the Anaheim Convention Center, a 5K fun run, celebrity softball games and much more. For a complete listing of the events, click here.

Anaheim not in your travel plans this week? Chances are there’s a ballpark within driving distance and since nothing says summer more than a couple of seats in the sun with a hotdog and cold drink in hand, we think you should make a weekend of it when the games resume. Not sure where to go?

Check out one of the Scenic Seven Top Baseball Teams to See in 2010:

Photo Credit: Flickr.com/Ian Ransely Design Illustrations

1. Atlanta Braves – America’s team is at the top of their game in 2010. Spend a weekend in a North Georgia Mountains by owner vacation rental and head to Turner Field for an afternoon or evening game and find out what makes Atlanta one of the favorite cities in the South.

2. Cincinnati Reds – The stadium sits along the O-hi-o River, affording a spectacular setting you’ll look enjoy long after the pigs fly home.

3. San Diego Padres – For more on things to do San Diego, click here. 

4. A two for one special in the Big Apple - make it a double header weekend in NYC with the Yankees and the Mets, you won’t be sorry.

5.  Summer in Minnesota? The temperature is just right and the scenery is pristine, unlike the sweltering temps in much of the country lately.

6. Lebron is making his home in Miami, so why not head there yourself and see what all the hype is about. The Florida Marlins play at home there and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are several hours to the north. We have plenty of by owner vacation rentals to choose from in the Sunshine State.

7. Next week isn’t your only chance to watch America’s past-time in the Anaheim area. With two teams calling the Los Angeles Valley home, it’s easy to take in a game or two. The Los Angeles Dodgers may be the favorite, but the Angels are gaining momentum.

8. And if you’ll indulge me, a Scenic Seven first – we’re including a #8. A piece about baseball  just wouldn’t be complete without including Boston’s Fenway Park and the famed Red Sox. If you can get your hands on a ticket, do so, whatever the cost. Get there early, eat your weight in Fenway Franks and take a few photos of the Big Green Monster. It’s truly baseball like no other.

So that’s it for today’s Scenic Seven. Now go ahead and call in sick, book a vacation rental home and enjoy the game. Don’t forget to take a look around during the seventh inning stretch and drink in the summer. It’ll be gone in the blink of an eye.

The Dog Days of Summer

Written on July 7, 2010 at 5:33 pm, by elizabeth

Just can’t bear to leave Fido at home while you vacation this summer? Then check out the Top 10 Dog-Friendly U.S. Cities*, as chosen by DogFriendly.com.

Photo Credit: Flickr.com/A Continuous Lean

Dog lovers of the world taken note - thanks to the folks at DogFriendly.com, we now have a complete list of the best places to take your pampered pooch this summer. In truth, since adding an all-too-active toddler to my travel entourage, the family golden retriever tends to spend more vacations at “camp,” or as you may know it, the vet, than on the road. But, with these destinations in mind, I might be game to toss a few bones in the backseat and bring the four-legged friend along once again.

 Want to visit one of these pooch-centric locales? Click on each city to go directly to that Scenic Rentals destination page. Please note that pet acceptance policies are up to the discretion of individual owners.

1.  San Diego - The best dog beaches anywhere. Plenty of trails and parks to hike and great weather year-round for outdoor dining. And don’t forget all the awesome kid-friendly attractions while you’re enjoying the California sunshine.

2.  Portland (OR) – Enjoy the famous rose gardens and the parks. Have food and drink at the Lucky Lab. This town is dog-friendly inside and out.

3.  Austin- Dine in outdoor cafes, visit the Zilker Botanical Gardens and take a walking or carriage tour. Then head to one of the many off-leash parks to meet the locals.

4.  Northern Virginia - Visit outdoor monuments in Virginia and Washington, take a cruise just for dogs and dine or go to yappy hour  in dog-friendly Old Town Alexandria.

5.  San Francisco - Enjoy an abundance of off-leash beaches and areas. Shop and dine all over town. Ride the cable car, walk the Golden Gate. There’s so much to do in the City by the Bay, check out Scenic’s Top Picks for a San Fran Vacation here.

6. Boston – Tour Boston by boat or take the subway. Follow the Freedom Trail and visit nearby historic sites. Wander Boston Commons, feel the genteel sophistication in Beacon Hill and visit one of the many university campuses that dot the city.

7.  Orlando- Glamorous pet-friendly resorts. Boat tour, shop Winter Park or Celebration. Treat Fido to a meal at Sam Snead’s and attend a concert in Lake Eola Park. While you won’t be able to bring your pet to meet the Mouse, you certainly won’t be lacking in things to do Orlando.

8.  Salt Lake City - View downtown from Ensign Peak. Ride the Temple Square Carriages and walk the downtown area. Visit an amusement park and many historical parks.

9.  Charleston (SC)- Visit the beach or a number of plantations. Take a ghost tour or an eco tour. Really, is there anything inherently not dog friendly about a beach town?

10.  New York - Great luxury accomodations, famous shopping and outdoor dining. Watch a morning show, enjoy Central Park on leash and off. Never know what famous folks might be out walking their glamorous canines.

Honorable Mentions: Anchorage, Chicago, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, San Antonio

*Rankings are based on the quality of dog-friendly accommodations, transportation, beaches, parks, attractions, stores, dining and other things to do with your dog.

Scenic Seven – July 4th Edition

Written on July 2, 2010 at 3:47 pm, by elizabeth

Enjoy Food, Fireworks and Fun this Fourth

Photo Credit: Flickr.com/Beverly & Pack

It’s that time of summer once again, a long weekend dedicated to the three F’s – food, fun and fireworks! Whether you’re enjoying the holiday weekend next to your favorite body of water (be it backyard pool, lake or big beautiful ocean), savoring some time in the city or just reveling in the fact that very few folks will be working on Monday, it’s almost a sure bet that a fireworks show will be part of the plan. But before you pull out the sparklers and bottle rockets, we’ve done the legwork to make sure this Independence Day is the best ever.   

Join us for a special holiday edition of the Scenic Seven – our top picks for the Best Firework’s Displays across America:

1. Atlanta’s Lenox Square Independence Day Celebration: What can I say, it’s the hometown favorite. The festivities begin at noon with music, a Kids Zone, food and more and culminate in the largest fireworks display in the Southeast. The best seats are in the parking lot of the Lenox Square Mall, though you’ll have to get there early and stay late to avoid the traffic. On second thought, avoid the traffic? Who am I kidding, this is Atlanta.

2. Boston - Let’s be honest, it just doesn’t get any better than the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. The country’s premiere celebration begins on Saturday evening with concerts and more and culminates with the grand finale of amazing fireworks on Sunday at 10:30pm ET. If you can’t be in Boston to see the splendor for yourself, head to the nearest television and catch the show on CBS.  

3. New York City – If you’re in the Big Apple this 4th of July holiday weekend, look toward the Hudson River on Sunday night when more than 40,000 crackling fireworks will light up the sky for 26 minutes in the Macy’s Fourth of July Celebration. 

4. Washington, D.C. – See the famed monuments in a new light (literally) when fireworks light up the sky over the National Mall this July 4 weekend and revel in the party thrown at the most patriotic town in the U.S. The day begins with a parade down Constitution Ave and festivities will continue into the wee hours.

5. Seattle’s Family 4th at Lake Union is billed as a “Celebration For the People, By the People,” with good reason. The free event is supported entirely by contributions from more than 300 businesses and individuals. But this is no small-time production – games, activities, concerts and of course a 21-minute fireworks show that can be seen throughout Seattle are sure to inspire your patriotic side this July 4.

6. Philadelphia- WaWa’s Welcome America! Celebration is eleven days of patriotism and pride when the City of Brotherly Love rolls out the red carpet for residents and visitors.  Food, fun and festivities abound, not to mention the largest free concert in America and not one but THREE fireworks displays to light up the sky. Talk about a party that just won’t stop!

7. New Orleans- The Crescent City celebrates with Go 4th on the River, featuring the Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza. Celebrating its 20th year, this is one celebration that captures the unique spirit and ready-for-anything atmosphere that New Orleans is known for. And the view as fireworks light up the night sky over the Mighty Mississippi is simply stunning.

Enjoy the show and Happy Birthday, America!!!