Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza Sparkles in New Orleans

June 21, 2010 by admin  
Filed under VME

If you’re looking for a 4th of July experience that will truly amaze you, you will find it in the beautiful city of New Orleans right on the Riverfront. This year, Go Fourth on the River – Dueling Barges Fireworks Extravaganza is bigger than ever because New Orleans is celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the event. Fireworks set to patriotic music will light up the sky in an incredible display designed to impress you and make you feel pride in the great country of America. This display was ranked in the top five of the “must see” fireworks displays by the American Pyrotechnic Association. You will want to come and see why for yourself!

While you’re in New Orleans for their fantastic 4th of July event, make sure you get a taste of their incredible food at the world renowned New Orleans School of Cooking. This activity is special because guests get to learn to make traditional Cajun meals, so they can take a bit of New Orleans home with them. Learn how to make gumbo and shrimp Creole as you’re told some of the fascinating history of the city from the teacher. This activity will give you more fun in the kitchen than you’ve ever had before!

Food isn’t the only fascinating attraction New Orleans has to offer. See the lovely Garden District of the city with the Garden District Walking Tour. You can walk off your meal from the cooking school while getting to experience the district that has inspired writers and artists to create masterpieces since the 1800s. A wired headset will be provided to you on this tour to make sure you don’t miss a word of the fascinating stories and facts that your guide will be telling you.

You can’t see the Garden District and miss out on the French Quarter of New Orleans. Equally famous, the French Quarter is one of the oldest parts of the city. The French Quarter Walking Tour will guide you through the area and allow you to see attractions like the Ursuline Convent which is the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley as well as the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum. You will be enthralled with the mystery and atmosphere of the area.

Enjoy an Ozarks Fourth of July

July 1, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Branson MO, VME

Branson LandingBranson and the surrounding Ozarks area is a great destination for this upcoming holiday weekend. With a variety of July 4th celebrations going on and the great shows and activities Branson is known for, you will be sure to have a memorable weekend.

No July 4th festivity is complete without some fireworks and great food! The Spirit of ’76 is one of Branson’s most popular July 4th events. It is hosted by the Veteran’s Task Force and features free flags and ice cream. Additionally, there will be live music. This event takes place the morning of July 4th at the Branson Landing. For a classic fireworks show, check out the Fireburst Fourth of July Fireworks Show on Table Rock Lake. The perfect viewing spot is in nearby Kimberling City, or you can rent a boat and watch the fireworks from the lake. The thirty-minute long fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m., and other event features include live music, games, and concession stands. Other Branson sites with an evening fireworks show include Chateau on the Lake, Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama, Rockaway Beach, and Downtown Hollister.

Seasoned shoppers know that the July 4th weekend is a great time to check out the stores for some great holiday sales. Branson Landing is one of Branson’s most popular shopping destinations due to its great stores and restaurants. Stores include a Belk Department Store, a Bass Pro Shop, and many more. On July 3 beginning at 8 p.m., Branson Landing is hosting its second annual fireworks show. Before the show, a Journey tribute band will give a concert.

For some great sales on already discounted merchandise, check out the Branson Factory Merchant Outlets for their July 4th sidewalk sale. This shopping center features discount stores from Carter’s, Pfaltzgraff, Nautica, and more. You can pick up a snack and rest from your shopping with a stop at the A & W All-American Food or Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. For some more great outlet shopping, check out the Tanger Outlet Center’s July 4th Sidewalk Sale. Stores like Banana Republic, Gap, Gymboree, and Polo Ralph Lauren will be participating, and many stores already have big sales in progress. The sidewalk sale will be going on the whole weekend, giving you plenty of time to benefit from the great sales.

The options for a great weekend are unlimited! Whether spending just a day or the whole weekend in Branson, you will be sure to have a great time.

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

June 26, 2009 by admin  
Filed under VME

Washington MonumentIndependence 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

June 25, 2009 by admin  
Filed under VME

Chicago Skyline at NightGet 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!

Plan Your July 4th Weekend in Charleston

June 19, 2009 by admin  
Filed under VME

historiccharlestonandhistorichometourStill looking for the perfect July 4th celebration for your Fourth of July weekend? Because the Fourth is on a Saturday this year, it is the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway. Charleston, South Carolina boasts a beautiful city with many attractions that is great to visit any time of year, but the July 4th events found there make it a special time to visit the city.

The biggest event in Charleston for Independence Day in the Fourth of July Picnic on the Harbor at the South Carolina Aquarium. You will enjoy one of the best views in the city of the Charleston Harbor as you join other visitors in celebrating America. This event begins at 7:30 and includes dinner, and an assortment of beverages will be available on site. The picnic goes on until the dazzling fireworks display over the Charleston Harbor has completed. Live entertainment is also featured at this event. Watching the fireworks light up the night sky and reflect over the water will provide you with a memorable and touching July 4th experience.

Summerville, South Carolina is located just twenty minutes outside of Charleston and hosts a spectacular July 4th event: the Red, White, and Blue on the Green. This event features live entertainment, a parade, a variety of food vendors, and a festive fireworks show to complete the evening. The parade is a unique part of this event in that none of the floats are motorized. You can expect to see decorated wagons, strollers, bikes, and more. The event takes place in Summerville’s historic Town Square. Perfect for families, this celebration features an unforgettable night of fun and fireworks.

To complete your weekend of celebration, explore the history of Charleston with an informative city tour. The Historic Charleston Tour is a guided tour of the city. You will ride in a comfortable, air conditioned tour bus through the city and see the many important sights including Civil War sights, the Battery Sea Wall, the Harbor of History, the Patriots Point, and the USS Yorktown.

Celebrate July 4 with the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

June 19, 2009 by admin  
Filed under VME

Boston Pops Fireworks SpectacularTravel to Boston this July 4 for a celebration so impressive and moving that it warrants a spot on the CBS Television Network. This year marks the 36th annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, which attracts over half a million people on average each year with its musical performances and stunning fireworks display along the Charles River. Make the trip to this historic city for an event that you have to see in person to believe.

For the third year in a row, “The Late Late Show’s” Craig Ferguson will host the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, which officially begins on July 3 with a 90-minute concert beginning at 8:30 p.m. local time. The legendary Neil Diamond will do the honors alongside the The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, performing some of the singer’s top singles over his highly acclaimed career. In the hours leading up to the grand finale – an astonishing 20-minute fireworks display – you will enjoy a Boston Pops concert and the annual flyover by a jet from Cape Cod’s Otis Air National Guard Base.

Enjoy the convenience of having food and merchandise concessions nearby as you sing along and count down to 10:30 when the real magic begins. The fireworks display itself is among the best you will ever find. For over 20 minutes, a total of roughly 20,000 pounds of explosives will be used to light up the Boston sky. The blend of musical and visual amusement will enhance your enjoyment of the event.

Sometimes television isn’t enough; certain things you just have to see in person. With admission free to the public for the weekend events, you are certain to find an affordable, entertaining Fourth of July celebration with the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular.

Light Up Your July 4th in Orlando

June 17, 2009 by admin  
Filed under VME

Light up your summer vacation in Orlando, Florida by celebrating July 4th at these Orlando area events. Whether planning an exciting Disney vacation or you just want to spend some time on the beach, these events are great additions to any vacation. Perfect for a family vacation or a romantic getaway, these events are sure to provide Independence Day celebrations to remember.

On the evening of July 4th, you can catch the free Fireworks at the Fountain at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, FL. This event features live musical entertainment, a variety of food vendors and options, and, of course, a spectacular fireworks show. Special guests at this event include the Orlando Concert Band and the mayor of Orlando, Florida. Lake Eola Park is a beautiful downtown Orlando destination that features fountains, playgrounds, and the Walt Disney Amphitheater. This event will be fun for the entire family, so add it to your vacation today!

The Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration in Kissimmee, Florida is the area’s largest event, with approximately 40,000 people attending each year. The celebration begins in the afternoon and lasts until the dazzling fireworks show that night. During the day, you can enjoy live musical entertainment from an array of bands and performers, Uncle Sam stilt walkers, street performers, games, activities, and arts and crafts. This event truly has something for everyone. A variety of food vendors will also be on hand. Admission to this great event is free, and it is taking place at Kissimmee’s Lakefront Park, which is fairly close to Disney and other Orlando attractions, making it a great addition to your vacation.

Another option for a July 4th celebration is the Fire Up Your 4th of July at Universal City Walk in Orlando. Located by Universal Studios, this event features live music and games. When you get hungry, you can find something to eat at the outdoor cookout area. The evening ends with a fireworks show. The Universal City Walk is an Orlando entertainment destination and features a variety of restaurants and nightclubs, including the Hard Rock Cafe, Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, and NBA City, making it a great destination for evening fun. This event combines a great location with a fantastic fireworks show that will not disappoint.

Whichever event you choose, you will be sure to have a fabulous evening celebrating America.

Independence Day in Myrtle Beach: Concerts, Fireworks, and More

June 15, 2009 by admin  
Filed under VME

It’s never too early to start planning your July Fourth vacation. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina combines all of the elements of a great vacation: a beach, fun activities, entertaining shows, and a Fourth of July fireworks show and concert. Don’t be left out of the fun! Check out the following ideas and start planning your vacation today!

The Myrtle Beach Fourth of July Concert is the biggest event in the city for Independence Day. The event starts off with several local bands entertaining the crowd with live music. The evening’s main event is a performance by the Long Bay Symphony, the Myrtle Beach area’s highly acclaimed professional orchestra. As the orchestra plays beautiful music, you will be dazzled by the breathtaking fireworks show. The event takes place at Shaw Memorial Stadium, which is located in the heart of the city. A perfect event for the whole family, this special concert is a special way to celebrate America.

Myrtle Beach has a variety of activity options to complete the July 4th weekend or a longer stay. With a range of family-friendly activities, you will have a family vacation to remember. One of Myrtle Beach’s most popular attractions is the Pavilion Nostalgia Park and Myrtle Waves Waterpark. With a range of rides suitable for a variety of ages from toddlers to adults, the Pavilion Nostalgia Park is a great destination for fun in the sun. Rides include the Herschell-Spillman Carousel, Dune Buggy Kiddie Ride, the Pirate Ship, and the Wave Swinger. The Myrtle Waves Waterpark is a great option for more fun. This waterpark includes 20 acres of exciting slides, pools, and more. Attractions include a wave pool, 10-story tall water slides Turbo Twister and Riptide Rockets, and a kiddie area. There is something for everyone to enjoy at these great parks.

A must-see show in Myrtle Beach is Le Grand Cirque. Perfect for a family outing or a romantic date night, this show is quickly becoming one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular shows. It combines a thrilling spectacle of acrobats, dancing, gymnastics, juggling, and theater for a unique show that will amaze you. Located at the Palace Theatre, this show will be an unforgettable addition to your visit to Myrtle Beach.

Plan a Patriotic Weekend in Mt. Rushmore

June 9, 2009 by admin  
Filed under VME

Mt. Rushmore Monument Mt. Rushmore pays tribute to some of the United States’ most important presidents, making it a tribute to the history of America. What better place to celebrate July 4th than at this beautiful monument? With a variety of July 4th weekend festivals and events, there is no better time to visit Mt. Rushmore and South Dakota.

The Black Hills Heritage Festival takes place July 1-4 in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota in Rapid City. With a variety of craft vendors, food vendors, musical features, and a spectacular fireworks show, this festival is sure to provide a memorable and fun way to spend July 4th weekend. You will be able to experience the local culture and native artisans as you celebrate America at this event.

While celebrating at the Black Hills Heritage Festival, you will also be close to the Annual Black Hills Roundup Rodeo in Belle Fourche, taking place July 2-4. Featuring real cowboys and cowgirls, this annual event features beauty pageants, a carnival, food, and fireworks as well as traditional rodeo events like bull riding and calf roping. Perfect for families, this rodeo will be an unforgettable and festive event.

For a July 4th event at Mt. Rushmore, the Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebration is your best bet. Taking place on July 3rd, you will get a head start on your celebration. Featuring food vendors, family entertainment, and a dazzling fireworks display, this event is sure to be an unforgettable way to celebrate America as you enjoy the Mt. Rushmore Monument lit up by hundreds of fireworks.

With this variety of events in the Mt. Rushmore area, you are sure to have plenty to fill your vacation. You will be able to take in the culture of the area as well as celebrate America at one of America’s most well-known monuments.

Celebrate America in Gatlinburg

June 9, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN, VME

 4th of July Fireworks Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are the perfect destinations for July 4th weekend. With special festivals, fun activities, and the shows and shops that can be found in Gatlinburg all year, you will have an exciting and patriotic time in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge when you visit on Independence Day.

The Midnight Independence Day Parade in Downtown Gatlinburg gives you an opportunity to celebrate America before anyone else. This midnight extravaganza annually draws crowds of over 100,000 people. The parade honors all five branches of the armed forces as well as containing entertaining performers, balloons, music, and more. Food vendors are also on hand ready to provide a midnight snack. This midnight parade is definitely a unique and festive way to celebrate July 4th.

If vibrant fireworks are your favorite part of the holiday, then the 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Smokies Park in Sevierville, TN is perfect for you. A great family-friendly event, you will enjoy watching the sky light up with dazzling displays of fireworks. Located close to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this celebration is a great way to spend July 4th evening.

In Pigeon Forge, the Annual Patriot Festival at Patriot Park is a great family-friendly event. With a variety of food vendors, a performance by the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus, and a salute to veterans and members of the armed forces, this event is sure to provide a patriotic celebration. The festival culminates with a fantastic fireworks show over the beautiful Smoky Mountains.

Another fun and unique July 4th event is the annual River Raft Regatta at the Christus Gardens in Gatlinburg. Perfect for all ages, this race includes all kinds of floating entries, including floating rocks, rubber ducks, and one-of-a-kind boats. The race ends at the Aquarium Bridge in Gatlinburg. Sure to provide a memorable experience, the River Raft Regatta is a great way to spend part of your July 4th day.

Whatever your choice for your July 4th vacation, these Gatlinburg area events are sure to provide a memorable weekend filled with patriotic and fun celebrations.

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