Celebrate Fourth of July at a Bed and Breakfast
July 1, 2008 – 11:10 pmIndependence Day is meant to be a time when we all remember the struggles and triumphs of our founding fathers. Where better to rediscover the history of the United States than a bed and breakfast. Here are some locations that offer both historic ambiance, romance and plenty of Fourth of July fun.
Massachusetts Bed and Breakfast Provide Glimpse of Nation’s Beginnings
Stay where it all began — in the village of Concord. Located about 20 miles from Boston , the town is not only the location where the Revolutionary War began; it also was the home of some of the country’s most famous citizens, including Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Each year, the town celebrates its rich American history with a parade and other festivities 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 many historic bed and breakfasts. The College Club is within walking distance of the Charles River, where you can watch the city’s Fourth of July fireworks show. The guest rooms are decorated with antiques, and the rates include breakfast and afternoon refreshments. At Clarendon Square Inn, guests enjoy the amenities of a boutique hotel and the hospitality of a bed and breakfast. Each guest room is unique, with an eclectic mix of fine furnishings. There is even a rooftop hot tub. Both of these bed and breakfasts are located in historic buildings.
Enjoy a Bed and Breakfast in America ’s First Capital City
There is a lot to love in the City of Brotherly Love, especially around the Fourth of July. Philadelphia pulls out all the stops for its family-friendly Party on the Parkway. The event includes an all-day festival, parade and after the sun sets, there is the Liberty Concert and Fireworks event. Add to that a city filled with historic sites, and you can create your own perfect Independence Day getaway. Travelers can tour Independence Hall, where the first Continental Congress met, or snap a picture of the Liberty Bell.
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.
Spend the Fourth at a Washington, 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.
The Swann House is a perfect spot from which to enjoy it all. The historic bed and breakfast is located in DuPont Circle and boasts spectacular architecture and details throughout. The enchanting exterior features a turret and second-story balcony and inside you’ll find original features such as a carved marble fireplace and crown molding. The guest rooms are done in a romantic style with a mix of antiques and modern pieces. Some rooms include a fireplace. Guests are near to all the monuments and museums, as well as shops and restaurants.
Have a Memorable Fourth of July at a Texas Bed and Breakfast
Texas Hill Country, a charming region of the Lone Star State known for its flowers and German heritage, offers some Texas-size fun for Fourth of July. In the town of Comfort, the Fourth is celebrated with a parade, Texas-style barbecue, children’s carnival and pageant to crown the new Miss Comfort. Another town, Chappell Hill, is home to the “Best Little Small Town Parade in Texas,” and features everything from a kazoo band to cowboys.
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.
Go West for a Memorable Fourth of July
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.
San Diego County boasts several major fireworks shows, the biggest is at Mission Bay, but Sea World and Legoland also offer up some competition for Fourth of July Fun. The Victorian Heritage Park Inn offers visitors to San Diego a great location and plenty of romantic ambiance. The inn, which includes romantic accommodations spread between two restored Victorians, is located in Old Town San Diego, within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Guests are treated to full breakfasts served on fine china, as well as a light afternoon tea.
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.
Tags: Travel and Leisure
Related Posts
Print This Article :
