Happy 4th of July!

Charleston can never be mistaken as a city that does not value patriotism. Rich in culture and proud of its history, the Charleston area provides numerous opportunities to celebrate the 236^th anniversary of our nation’s independence with fun, food, and fireworks. During the day on the 4^th, relish in the fact that it is a federal holiday and no one has to go to school or to work. Whether you have a big weekend planned or decide to take it easy, enjoy the notion that you can sleep in Monday morning. You are going to need the sleep, as the 4^th is always full of cookouts and fireworks. My favorite thing about the 4^th is making a flag cake. Though infuriatingly impossible to fit 13 rows of strawberries on the cake, it’s still fun to make a cake into a flag. Hotdogs, hamburgers, and corn on the cob are also staple parts of a good 4^th of July celebration. Seeing as I don’t have a grill, I need to encourage a friend to have a party so I can make my 4^th wishes come true!

Watching fireworks on TV is ok in some places, but not here! The USS Yorktown, located at Patriots Point just at the end of the Ravenal Bridge in Mt. Pleasant, will have one of Charleston’s most spectacular pyrotechnics displays. Patriots Point will have music and will be serving hot dogs and hamburgers. Another great fireworks display will take place at Riverfront Park in North Charleston. You can enjoy local live music from CoastRunner, The Blue Dogs, and Quianna Parlor, as well as patriotic food from local vendors.

If you don’t mind a little sand with your fireworks, bring a chair or a blanket to Folly Beach and settle in with your own cooler while watching the sky light up. Another great beach location is Isle of Palms. Though you can’t bring a cooler of adult beverages to this beach, you can see fireworks from all the neighboring islands. Both beaches are known for their fun bars, so after the fireworks, you are in a great place to enjoy the rest of your night. Just keep in mind the next day is a work day! However you decide to spend your day- baking, preparing for a cookout, resting, going to the beach or pool, make sure you make it to one of the places to watch fireworks and to celebrate our independence.