Experience “Winter Magic” in Gatlinburg

Although fall has just begun, it is not too early to start planning your Christmas trip to Gatlinburg. Full of sparkly lights, fresh Christmas trees, and holiday spirit in every corner, Gatlinburg becomes a winter wonderland come November. For this season, Winter Magic runs from November 4 to February 28.

During this time, the Gatlinburg area is lit up with beautiful light displays. From houses to storefronts, everywhere you look in Gatlinburg offers a brilliant display. Winter Magic opens November with a chili cook-off and lighting ceremony in Gatlinburg. Throughout the duration of Winter Magic, you will find events such as a Festival of Trees, Holiday Craft Show, Winter Tunes and Tales, a Christmas Parade, and a New Year’s Eve celebration. Regardless of when you plan your winter vacation, you will be able to find something during this event to provide an entertaining vacation.

While in the Gatlinburg area during the upcoming holiday season, experiencing one of the wonderful Christmas shows is an activity you must do. The Country Tonite Theater offers Country Tonight Christmas, which features the same talented musicians and engaging performances found in the original Country Tonite show. The Christmas show features your favorite holiday classics as well as holiday songs with a country twist. Along with the singing, you can also enjoy dancing and comedy, making for a complete evening.

The Miracle offers a theatrical production of the birth and life of Jesus. This play features live animals and a talented cast of actors, dancers, and crew. This story begins with the birth of Jesus and follows his life, ending with his ascension into heaven. This production runs throughout the year, but it becomes especially meaningful during the Christmas season.

Fourth of July in Washington, DC: Fireworks, Monuments, and Mount Vernon

Independence Day is almost upon us! What better location to celebrate America than in its beautiful capitol city? Washington, DC is the perfect place to make your July 4th celebration special. With a variety of celebrations taking place throughout the area, you have plenty of options for your holiday.

George Washington’s manor, Mount Vernon, is an ideal location at which to celebrate America’s independence, and the Red, White, and Blue Celebration is the perfect party to allow you to do so! This event celebrates the birth of America, complete with a birthday cake and party festivities. Other features of this day-long event include a reading of the Declaration of Independence by a George Washington impersonator and a concert featuring 18th century patriotic tunes performed by the National Concert Band of America. Other fun activities and games will also be going on throughout the day. While at Mount Vernon, you will have the chance to explore the estate and the famed gardens and see many artifacts from Washington’s life.

If you want to stay in the capitol and celebrate with thousands of visitors and locals, make plans to join the Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration at the Capitol. This event has everything you need for a spectacular Fourth: a parade, fireworks show, and music! The parade starts in the early afternoon and features over 100 units and organizations marching to the Capitol building. After the parade, you can enjoy the live music from a variety of performers and groups. The evening finishes with a dazzling display of fireworks over the Washington Monument. With everything you need for a great day of celebrating, this event will certainly make your holiday memorable.

While in the nation’s capital, you should take the time to explore the monuments honoring the founding fathers and important presidents. These men played vital roles in gaining and keeping America’s freedom, and you can learn more about them and honor their memory by visiting their monuments with the Monuments by Moonlight Trolley Tour. This tour features a knowledgeable guide that takes you to all of the major monuments in DC, including the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. These monuments are lit up beautifully at night, making this experience one you are sure to remember.

Hotels for the July 4th weekend are sure to be filling up fast, so make sure that you get your desired lodging by booking early! We offer hotels right in downtown and throughout the city and surrounding areas.

Fireworks and Food: July 4th Celebrations in Chicago

Get ready to spend an awesome July 4th weekend in Chicago! If you have not already made plans, it is not too late to get in on the action in America’s third largest city. With special July 4th celebrations, you will be sure to have a great time celebrating America in one of its greatest cities.
 
One July 4th option is spending the day at Navy Pier, one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. Year round the pier is a great destination with lots of restaurants, carnival-style games, an IMAX theater, and a Ferris Wheel, but July 4th turns this attraction into an exciting party. The July 4th Celebration at Navy Pier features a spectacular fireworks show and enough entertainment to keep you interested all night. Entertainment includes performances from a variety of local musicians. Located close to Michigan Avenue, you will be close to a variety of Chicago attractions as well.

The John Hancock Observatory offers the best views in the city, making it a perfect spot to watch the city’s fireworks displays on July 4th. The Observatory will be open on the 4th, and visitors will be able to watch the fireworks as well as see breathtaking views of Chicago. Located on Navy Pier, you will also be close to the action of the July 4th Celebration.

One of Chicago’s most popular events will also be occurring during July 4th weekend. The Taste of Chicago begins June 26 and lasts until July 5. Chicago is home to a lot of great food, from gourmet upscale establishments to authentic Chicago pizzerias, and you can sample the best of what the city has to offer at this great festival. Taking place in Grant Park, which is located in the heart of Chicago’s downtown, over 60 restaurants, cafes, and bars are participating in this event. Aside from the great food, the event includes a fireworks show on the evening of July 3rd, an appearance by renowned-chef Emeril Lagasse, book signings, and live musical performances. This event is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day, and food tickets can be purchased at the gate.

Because of the holiday weekend, hotels are sure to fill up fast! Act quickly to reserve your room downtown to be close to all of the action!