For the first time ever this year, you wear some American flag-printed clothing. “It’s a quintessential Fourth of July look.” Besides the sound of kids running around in the yard, there is the smell of sizzling burgers. It’s a sunny day with beer. The heat is unbearable.
It’s a nice, relaxing experience overall. How about this? It’s not impossible to improve even a little bit. These seven towns are home to some of the country’s most outstanding mountain biking, rock climbing, and rafting, as well as exceptional Fourth of July celebrations. Is there a better way to celebrate America than by appreciating its natural splendours? Fireworks are all about size, so get some extra vacation time if you haven’t already.
Cheapest offbeat locations for 4th July Celebrations
Lake Tahoe, CA
Ski hills around Lake Tahoe from any point along its shore, making it a cool place to stand and observe them from afar. You can view fireworks displays on the Fourth of July weekend. Every year, Lights on the Lake in Tahoe South draws about 100,000 spectators, making it one of the country’s largest and best pyrotechnic displays.
Weekend extravaganzas in this area include a lot more than fireworks. Parades, pancake breakfasts, and cooking demonstrations are also included in the festival. During the Fourth weekend, Tahoe’s adventure activities include trekking, biking, boating, SUPing, fishing, and many more.
Deadwood, SD
Black Hills, south of Dakota, are best known for Deadwood, a historical town. This western-themed town has a grand celebration on the Fourth of July. A variety of entertainment will be available during the weekend’s Gold Camp Jubilee Days celebration, such as live music, parties, poker tournaments, pancake breakfasts, and fireworks.
It is about an hour from Mount Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial is hosting its “Night Blast” on that occasion (when the mountain will be lit with fireballs).
A climber’s paradise, the Black Hills are also a climbing mecca. Deathwood is less than an hour away from Devils Tower and Custer State Park, which About.com describes as one of the few remaining bastions of traditional climbing in the United States. There are hundreds of climbing routes in the area, and climbers have been here for nearly a century.
Jackson Hole, WY
To determine the festive vibe of Jackson Hole’s Fourth of July parade, look no further than its name: Howdy Pardners. During Jackson’s July 4th celebrations, there is a pancake breakfast, a parade, grand Teton Music Festival performances, a “Town Square Shootout,” a rodeo, and fireworks.
There’s plenty to do in Jackson Hole when it comes to adventure, because it is so surrounded by mountainous terrain. During rafting season, you can experience the infamous Snake River’s raging rapids. Whether you opt to tackle the rapids or enjoy a leisurely float, there are several well-regarded companies to assist you in your excursion.
Bend, OR
In addition to Spark Your Heart 5K Walk/Run and the Pet Parade, which has been taking place annually since 1932, Benny’s Fourth is marked with a variety of other events. There will also be a photo booth and live music performances at Drake Park’s Old Fashioned July 4th Festival. From Pilot Butte, a volcano that is extinct, fireworks are launched every night at 10 pm.
The Bend region offers nearly 300 miles of single track, endless road routes, and the lift-facilitated downhill park on Mt. Bachelor, 30 minutes away. Bend is also known for hiking, paddle boarding, fly fishing and more. Many of the Bend Ale Trail’s stops are bikeable or walkable, and the city is also famous for its craft beer scene.
Stowe, VT
Independence Day celebrations may be old-fashioned, but the term means different things depending on where you live. Besides quaint parades and fun runs, Stowe hosts the World’s Shortest Marathon (a fun run of just 1.7 miles) and a spectacular fireworks display at dusk.
Winters in Stowe are great for skiing, while summers are terrific for biking and hiking. Stowe sits in the shadow of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest peak (4,393 feet), which is in sight of Vermont’s Long Trail, the oldest long-distance trail in the country.
Originally, though, the local trails went along streams and rivers, making for excellent canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities. The Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place July 8-10 if you prefer to look at the scenery from above.
Huntington Beach, CA
An iconic Southern California beach town is the perfect place to spend the Fourth of July. Among the many festive activities in Huntington Beach are the community breakfast and the Surf City 5K run. A boat parade called Old Glory is also held nearby.
In addition, you can surf the legendary HB Pier or any number of breaks along the coast within easy driving distance, all of which get consistently good swell. Come nightfall, you won’t want to miss the fireworks over the ocean, whether you order authentic Mexican food or classic burgers and dogs.
Brevard, NC
A vintage charm envelops Brevard’s celebration of the Fourth of July. A 5/10km Firecracker Run, live music, rides, an art exhibit, and a hot dog eating contest are all featured at this festival.
Morganton, near the festival site, hosts over 20 bands over the course of the weekend. The Fourth of July culminates in both fireworks displays.
In Brevard, mountain biking reigns supreme over hiking, waterfalls and trout fishing in the Blue Ridge Mountains. National Geographic named Brevard one of the top 10 mountain bike towns in the country, and BIKE Magazine says its trails are woefully underrated.
Conclusion
So, which is your favourite one? Do let us know in the comments section below:
