Summer at last! If you’re making vacation plans, here are two places you may want to consider. Over the 4th of July, Bristol Rhode Island will hold a spectacular celebration complete with a 3-hour parade that marches down streets whose center lines are painted with red, white, and blue stripes. This is all in keeping with Bristol’s claim to being “the most patriotic town in America.” I was there in May and even then flags were flying, bunting hung from storefronts, and the town was clearly ramping up for a big celebration. And why not? This year marks the town’s 125th celebration and parade, making it the oldest continuous Indpendence Day celebration in the US. Try the Bristol Harbor Inn (bristolharborinn.com) as a place to stay, and one of my favorite restaurants, Le Central (lecentralbistro.com) for dinner. It’s a great little place that serves fabulous tapas several nights a week, as well as terrific French food. Get all the details on Bristol’s 4th of July wingding at july4thbristolri.com.
If your 4th of July travels will bring you to midcoast Maine, stop in Round Pond for their funky parade and chicken barbecue. This parade has been written up in many national publications for its cheeky floats (expect plenty of political satire) and its “Tacky Tourist” dance team that performs with folding chairs. It’s all in good fun and makes a great family outing.
However you spend your holiday, drive safely, and if you find your own special place to spent the 4th, I hope you’ll share it here on the blog.