Fourth Of July Celebrations: 8 Quintessentially American Independence Festivities

It may be the most American of celebrations, but the Fourth of July is by no means a static observance. Sure, just the mention of Independence Day conjures up images of smoking grills, flag waving kids, and stars and stripes, but the ways of celebrating the holiday are as diverse as the people who live from sea to shining sea.

Here are eight variations on the classic July Fourth celebration. Some traditions are modern and some have their roots in America's earliest days, but each typifies a different time and place that is quintessentially America.

Photo: The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

1 of 8

Historic Hudson Valley, New York

1 of 9

First Slide

Previous Slide

@

Located just outside New York City, the Historic Hudson Valley area is a cluster of six sites spanning various American historical periods. Among the sites, one famous name visitors will encounter is Washington Irving, who made his home at Sunnyside in Tarrytown. On the fourth, Sunnyside will host Independence Day 1851, giving visitors a glimpse into what the Fourth was like in Irving's day. Join in with costumed guides, enjoy period music, dance country dances, and play a round of "town ball" - an antiquated form of Baseball. House tours, which last about 45 minutes, are also be available. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children. A little further down the round and back in time in Croton-on-Hudson, Van Cortlandt Manor will be celebrating Independence Day 1801. The day kicks off with canon fire and a reading of the Declaration of Independence, with speeches and songs to follow. Visiting patriots can join up with military re-enactors for drill and muster practice and a hands-on introduction to life in a military camp. Affter the serious work is done, there will be 18th century dancing for all. House tours are run here as well and admission is also $12 for adults and $6 for children. Photo: Sunnyside/Historic Hudson Valley

NPR Cruise To Set Sail On Regent's Seven Seas Voyager (PHOTOS)

Memorial Day: Atlantic City Third Most Popular Destination, Perhaps Due To Revel (PHOTOS)

Born To Explore: A Really Stupid Way To Die (PHOTOS)

5 Great Destinations In The South Of France (That Aren't Provence Or The Riviera)

5 Strange SkyMall Travel Products (PHOTOS)

Spilling The Beans On Colombia's Coffee Triangle

Located just outside New York City, the Historic Hudson Valley area is a cluster of six sites spanning various American historical periods. Among the sites, one famous name visitors will encounter is Washington Irving, who made his home at Sunnyside in Tarrytown. On the fourth, Sunnyside will host Independence Day 1851, giving visitors a glimpse into what the Fourth was like in Irving's day. Join in with costumed guides, enjoy period music, dance country dances, and play a round of "town ball" - an antiquated form of Baseball. House tours, which last about 45 minutes, are also be available. Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children.

A little further down the round and back in time in Croton-on-Hudson, Van Cortlandt Manor will be celebrating Independence Day 1801. The day kicks off with canon fire and a reading of the Declaration of Independence, with speeches and songs to follow. Visiting patriots can join up with military re-enactors for drill and muster practice and a hands-on introduction to life in a military camp. Affter the serious work is done, there will be 18th century dancing for all. House tours are run here as well and admission is also $12 for adults and $6 for children.

Photo: Sunnyside/Historic Hudson Valley

comments(0)

Total comments: 0 | Post a Comment

1 of 9

Celebrations

Rank #2  |  Average: 4

No, thanks. On my way!

• 
  1
• 
  2
• 
  3
• 
  4
• 
  5
• 
  6
• 
  7
• 
  8
• 
  9
• 
  10

Fourth of July

loading...

Fourth of July

UserName

 | Become a fan

Picked These as the Top 5 Slides in the Slideshow

loading...

Top User Slides

← Prev|Next →

 | Become a fan

Picked These as the Top 5 Slides in the Slideshow

loading...

Users who voted on this slide

← Prev|Next →

loading...