Celebrate Fourth of July at a Bed and Breakfast
Declare you independence from the typical Fourth of July and book a stay at a unique bed and breakfast. These special lodgings offer a mix of history and romance, as well as prime location for some of the country’s best fireworks shows.
Discover America ’s Roots at a Massachusetts Bed and Breakfast
As the history books proclaim, Concord was the location of “the shot heard round the world.” This picturesque Massachusetts village was front and center at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. In addition to this historic importance, Concord also was home to some of the nation’s most famous writers, from Louisa May Alcott to Nathaniel Hawthorne. The town’s Fourth of July festivities include a parade, music and fireworks at Emerson Field.
The village of Concord offers several historic bed and breakfasts. The Colonel Roger Brown House, built just a year before the War for Independence, is a Colonial-style home with rooms decorated with a mix of antiques and contemporary furnishings. Each of the five suites includes a kitchenette, as well. The Hawthorne Inn dates to 1870, but the land’s previous owners include the likes of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Lousia May Alcott. The guest rooms are filled with a beautiful collection of antiques, including canopy beds in several bedchambers.
What better place to experience the Fourth of July than Boston with its myriad historic attractions and one of the world’s great fireworks shows? Travelers can visit Boston Harbor, site of the Boston Tea Party, or walk along the Freedom Trail and visit historic sites and museums. Each year, the famous Boston Pops hold a Fourth of July Concert, which features a huge fireworks show, as well.
Boston offers several great bed and breakfast choices. The Clarendon Square Inn, which dates back to 1860, is located in a six-story townhouse in Boston ’s South End. Each of the guest rooms is spacious and beautifully decorated. The innkeepers even have a roof-top hot tub for their guests where you can soak, relax and take in the city view. This boutique hotel is within walking distance of many area attractions, and just five minutes to public transportation. From the College Club, another great Boston bed and breakfast, you can walk to the edge of the Charles River to watch the city’s annual fireworks show. The historic inn, which serves as the home of the oldest women’s college club in the United States, has eleven guest rooms, each decorated with period antiques. Amenities include breakfast and afternoon tea.
Let Freedom Ring at a Pennsylvania Bed and Breakfast
Philadelphia was the site of the first Continental Congress and served as the nation’s first capital; it’s also home to the Liberty Bell and plenty of historic buildings. So it comes as no surprise to discover that Philadelphians celebrate Independence Day in a big way. The biggest celebration is The Party on the Parkway Festival, which includes tons of activities, followed by an early evening parade and a huge fireworks show and concert.
At the Thomas Bond House, you’ll enjoy close access to all the fun and the historic charm of a home built in 1769. The Pennsylvania Bed and Breakfast is located in Independence National Historic Park. The period decor includes four-poster beds and reproductions, all done in Federal style. The home is within walking distance of Independence Hall and close to restaurants, museums, shopping and live theater.
A Capital Idea: Spend the Fourth at a D.C. Bed and Breakfast
For the total Fourth of July experience, why not spend the holiday in the nation’s Capital? Washington, D.C.’s bounty of historic sites is seemingly endless. Independence Day celebrations begin with a parade along Constitution Avenue and ends with a breathtaking fireworks display above the Washington Monument.
DuPont Circle, resting at the intersection of Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire avenues, was once home to some of the wealthiest of the city’s restaurants. The picturesque neighborhood is filled with architectural gems and none so fine as the Swann House. The Richardson-Romanesque-style manor home boasts a second-story balcony and a turret. The interior still includes many of the original features, such as carved marble fireplaces, crown molding and wall panels. Guest rooms are decorated in a romantic style with a selection of antiques, and some rooms include a fireplace. The bed and breakfast is close to all of the city’s popular attractions, shops and restaurants.
A Texas-style Fourth of July
While it might not be one of the original 13 colonies, Texas is big on patriotism, and there is no better place to enjoy the hospitality of the Lone Star State than at a Hill Country bed and breakfast. One town, Chappell Hill, hosts what is known as “the Best Little Small Town Parade in Texas.” Another town, Comfort, celebrates throughout the day with a parade, barbecue, a kid’s carnival and a beauty pageant to crown Miss Comfort.
Texas Hill Country is famous for its bed and breakfasts. For those who seek the privacy of a quaint, country retreat try Kriegal’s Guest Haus in Chappell Hill. The innkeepers offer a room in the main historic home, which dates to 1868, and private accommodations in the Country Cottage. Part of the cottage once served as summer kitchen for the main house. The Holekamp House Bed and Breakfast in Comfort, is another Texas Hill Country Bed and Breakfast. The historic home features five individually decorated guest rooms, as well as a rustic wood-paneled cabin with a two-person Jacuzzi tub.
Enjoy the Fireworks at a West Coast Bed and Breakfast
Throughout the Southland, you’ll find plenty of Fourth of July celebrations as well as some great California bed and breakfasts. Victorian charm in San Diego and the posh setting of Millionaire’s Row in South Pasadena are among the choices.
The Victorian Heritage Park Inn is part of a seven-acre historic park that includes more than half a dozen restored Victorian buildings. Two of the structures are part of the inn. The guest rooms are decorated in an opulent, period style with antiques. The bed and breakfast is close to many major San Diego attractions. Firework shows at Mission Bay and Sea World are just minutes away.
When you think Pasadena, you probably think about the Rose Parade. But this historic town offers plenty of other attractions. There are historic homes, museums, luxury shopping and great restaurants to enjoy. For Independence Day fun, head to the Rose Bowl where you can enjoy a concert and huge fireworks show. The Bissell House Bed and Breakfast, located in the town’s Orange Grove Mansion District, is close to all the fun. The historic Victorian features six beautifully appointed guest rooms filled with amenities, such as luxurious bath products, pillow-top beds, and fluffy bathrobes. The Garden Room includes a two-person Jacuzzi tub. Two other guest rooms have an antique clawfoot tub. A full, gourmet breakfast is served on a table set with fine china, crystal and fresh flowers.