Top 10 star-spangled celebrations (part one)

June 30, 11:54 AMSan Diego Getaways ExaminerDawna Robertson

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Nothing says red, white and blue like the dazzling plethora of July 4^th celebrations across the good ol’ USA. And no matter where you are, you’re certain to catch some sort of action – whether it’s a parade, picnic, concert or thrilling fireworks display. 

For those keeping tabs, some of the nation’s top spots that shine brightest on this patriotic occasion are clustered in our country’s New England birthplace. But there’s also a highly touted celebration right here in our own San Diego backyard.

Here’s part one of a two-part look at a list compiled by Shermans Travel Top Ten July 4^th Fireworks celebrations. Shermans Travel is a guide to top travel deals and destinations. You can sign up for the top 25 e-newsletter at http://www.shermanstravel.com.

Boston – Known for throwing wild tea parties, today Boston hosts a premier Independence Day party that includes more than 200 events over a weeklong calendar during the annual Boston Harborfest. Among the highlights is the Boston Chowderfest, a competition where some 12,000 participants chow down to chose the best chowder from Boston-area restaurants. You can also catch the reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Old State House. The grandest event, however, is the free Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks Display that attracts huge crowds who arrive early with their chairs or blankets to grab a good vantage point. Check www.july4th.org for scheduled events.

Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard – Cape Cod and its neighboring islands are traditional east coast Independence Day retreats, hosting a slew of parades, picnics and fairs. Among the area’s most notable events are the barbecue at the Old Whaling Church in Martha's Vineyard (4:00 – 8:00pm on July 4 in Edgartown), where you'll savor New England cooking coupled with nostalgia for the country's old maritime days. There's also the Hyannis Boat Parade in Cape Cod (1:00 pm in Hyannis Harbor and Nantucket’s Independence Day Celebration on Jetties Beach. Be sure to stick around for the nighttime fireworks displays. For details on this trio, visit www.capecodeonline.com.

Chicago – Chicagoans kick off their July 4 revelry days in advance with all the bells and whistles – festivals, concerts, baseball games and fireworks displays. The most elaborate of its three nights of fireworks displays lights the sky over the Navy Pier along Lake Michigan. The Navy Pier Beer Garden is a great place to hang before or after the show to soak in free performances by top Chicago-area bands. Visit www.choosechicago.org for event listings. 

Mount Rushmore – Known as one of the 10 man-made wonders of the world, Mount Rushmore is naturally a premier national monument for July 4 celebrations. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt are etched into the Black Hills of South Dakota, and are visible from numerous sites in the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. A bevy of commemorative events are slated for July 3^rd, highlighted by a military flyover during the day and a fireworks display that night. For details, visit www.nps.gov/moru.

Philadelphia – Where better to celebrate than the former stomping grounds of our nation’s Founding Fathers? A weeklong celebration is capped off by top bands performing at the Sweet Sounds of Liberty Concert in anticipation of the city's fireworks extravaganza. Check out www.americasbirthday.com for the city’s full event details.

Be sure to check out the second part of this story that covers our very own San Diego festivities!