Celebrate Independence Day at Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is perhaps one of the most fitting places to celebrate Independence Day. This year’s celebration is packed with two days of fun and activities. This Independence Day celebration spotlights local talent and if you visit, expect musical entertainment, patriotic tributes, and educational programs. Activities scheduled are appropriate for all ages so bring the whole family to Mount Rushmore and celebrate the Fourth of July.
This year at Mount Rushmore there will not be a fireworks display due to the infestation of Mountain Pine Beetles that have left standing dead trees which cause a high fire danger. In place of the fireworks display will be a sculpture lighting.
While in the Mount Rushmore area, there are several great activities to experience. One activity is the Mount Rushmore Grand Legends Tour. You can see the great presidents, shop for souvenirs, visit exhibits, and tour the visitor center. Also during your tour see Custer State Park. Here you can have lunch then see Sylvan Lake. After seeing the Crazy Horse Memorial take a ride on the 1880 train through the rugged terrain of South Dakota and the Black Hills.
Travel to Rapid City while you’re in the area and enjoy a great time with singing and a fantastic dinner at the Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Music Show at Circle B Ranch. This dinner experience has been happening since 1976 and is better than ever. Enjoy foods such as roast beef, BBQ chicken, biscuits, and more. Hear songs by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and more.
Plan on coming to the Mount Rushmore area to celebrate Independence Day? We have a list of great hotels in the Mount Rushmore area that are sure to complement your great vacation. Click here for a list of hotels in the Mount Rushmore area.
Visit San Antonio for the Fourth of July
Celebrate the 234th Birthday of our Nation in San Antonio with the Fourth of July Jazz Explosion on July 2 or the Fourth of July festival at Market Square from July 3-5. The Jazz Explosion will start Friday at 7:00 pm at The Plaza Club on the top floor of The Frost Bank building. While enjoying a fantastic view of the city, you will also experience an evening packed with fantastic food and amazing music. The Historic Market Square will host a Fourth of July celebration filled with booths, live music, arts and crafts, and much much more! Don’t forget to wear red, white, and blue at this great festival.
There are many other activities offered in the San Antonio area that would be a perfect complement to your trip. For instance, have dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe which is in the famed Riverwalk area. This restaurant consists of three floors including a patio where you can enjoy your gourmet meal as you watch the people below. Also enjoy numerous pieces of rock history while you dine. After your meal, be sure to check out the Hard Rock Cafe Store for a wide selection of souvenirs.
Since July usually brings hot weather, what better way to cool down than a trip to Splashtown Waterpark. At Splashtown Waterpark you can explore 20 acres filled with 50 fantastic rides and activities fit for every member of the family. Whether you are wanting to relax on the Siesta Del Rio or experience the largest Wave Pool in South Texas, Splashtown Waterpark has everything to make your Fourth of July vacation fabulous.
Something that is sure to be a hit with the entire family is a trip to SeaWorld – San Antonio. At SeaWorld experience numerous aquatic activities including interacting with dolphins, meeting Shamu, a haunted house, live shows, thrilling rides, and many more fun things. There is also a water park in SeaWorld called Lost Lagoon where the family can stay cool and entertained.
After all the excitement Fourth of July brings, you will want a comfortable hotel to relax in and take it easy. For a list of great hotels and more information on hotels in the San Antonio Area, click here.
Celebrate Independence Day in New York
Come to New York and celebrate Independence Day in the Big Apple with fun and festivities. There are celebrations happening all over New York for July 4 but none as exciting as these! Come attend the Red, White, and Blue Festival with live music, the famous Apple Pie Eating Contest, and so much more. Also planned is Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular at the East River. Known as “the world’s largest firework display”, it is now a symbol in America of Independence Day. Last but not least is the wildly popular hot dog eating contest at Coney Island at Nathan’s Famous that has become a holiday tradition.
If you plan on attending any of these events in New York click here for a list of hotels.
While you are in New York explore all it has to offer. The New York See It All Tour is the perfect way to experience the Big Apple. On this fabulous tour you will actually stop at popular areas and be led by an expert tour guide. A few of the areas you will visit are Times Square, Strawberry Fields, South Street Seaport, World Trade Center Memorial, Madison Square Park, and more.
After celebrating the spirit of America enjoy the Spirit of New York Lunch and Dinner Cruises. On this cruise relax and enjoy amazing food while listening to live jazz. Enjoy a variety of food with six choices for an entrée, a salad, deserts, and much more. In the evening enjoy dancing and live entertainment performed by rising stars.
Experience Broadway firsthand and see the spectacular Mamma Mia! Come watch the smash hit musical perform hit songs by ABBA. The songs are integrated into a story about a single mother dealing with the marriage of her young daughter on a picture-perfect Greek isle. Mamma Mia! has been enjoyed by over 20 million people around the world so come see this wonderful show for yourself.
Don’t Miss the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana
If you are a music lover, July 3-5 is the perfect time to visit New Orleans and take in the Essence Music Festival. Featuring a weekend full of top name acts, this festival promises to provide a great time in the Big Easy.
The headliner of this year’s festival is Beyonce, one of U.S.’s best entertainers. This is just one stop on her United States tours, and her concerts have been sold out all over the country. Other big name acts include John Legend, a soulful Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter. Hip-hop lovers will love the musical stylings of Ne-yo and Robin Thicke, two young artists who are quickly making names for themselves.
Other artists set to perform include Solange (Knowles, Beyonce’s sister), Lionel Ritchie, Al Green, Salt-n-Pepa, Jazmine Sullivan, En Vogue, and Eric Benet. For music fans interested in the jazz scene, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Rebirth Brass Band will provide great New Orleans jazz music.
Another feature of the weekend is special seminars conducted by notable speakers. These presenters include Bill Cosby, Rev. Al Sharpton, Mayor Ray Nagin, and Dr. Juanita Bynum and Bishop T.D. Jakes, two speakers noted for their inspiring and uplifting seminars. Other presenters include Roland Martin, author, Donna Brazile, Demoratic political strategist, Steve Harvey, and many more.
This is the 15th anniversary of this festival, which was started to celebrate the birthday of Essence magazine. Filled with notable music acts and famous speakers for seminars, this weekend is sure to provide an awesome time in New Orleans.
Hotel rooms are sure to fill up fast for this great event, especially because it is on July 4th weekend. Be sure to book your room early so you can get a great room close to the festivities. We offer a wide range of hotels in New Orleans, so you will be sure to find a hotel that is perfect for you. If you want to take a break from the festival or extend your vacation, we offer lots of great tours and activities in New Orleans. Whether you are taking a foodie tour of the city or a carriage ride through the French Quarter, any of our activities is a great addition to the Essence Music Festival.
