America celebrates its birthday this week – Wednesday Fourth of July to be exact – and outside the usual town firework displays and carnival fairs there’s plenty going on around the region this week than seeing your money just go up in smoke!

Stay tuned if you want a spectacular alternative to the Esplanade of Boston firework display.

Strawbery Banke in New Hampshire:

This unique living theme museum in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is offering an old-fashioned 4th of July this year. From Noon-5:00 pm. Planned are children’s parade, traditional games and crafts, historic garden tours, music with bands and folk singing, living history, food and plenty of fun for all ages. Special rate admission for non-members.

More info >…

Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts:

At OSV this year you can step back in time and experience a birthday bash when America was new and the fight for freedom fresh in the hearts of the people. You can march with village citizens in the Independence Day parade, muster and drill with the Sturbridge Militia, listen to an animated reading of the Declaration, and cheer along with fife and drum music.

Other activities include flag raising, puppet shows, firearm demonstrations, 19th century Baseball game, and many other planned events for the day.

More info >…

Stowe Hot Air Balloon Festival - Vermont:

Surely there is nothing more magical than seeing a colorful hot air balloon take off and rise above the treeline and drift across a scenic landscape – I know the perfect time and place to experience this magic. The greatest hot-air balloon festival takes place in Stowe Vermont at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa. This year the event takes place on July 6th, 7th and Sunday July 8th.

All through the weekend starting at 6:30pm twenty-five of the country’s most prominent balloon experts will lift these gentle giants off the ground into the mountain thermal streams above Stowe. Other events planned include children’s corner, live band, and tethered rides in the balloons, food, beer and wine garden, and fireworks in the evening.

More info >…

Ogunquit Fireworks in Maine:

The further north in Maine you go the harder it is to find a sandy beach but in southern Maine they have some of the best beaches along the New England coast. None is better than the Marginal Way and Perkins Cove areas in Ogunquit. And this weekend you can combine a visit to this scenic Maine area with one of the most spectacular firework displays along the Maine coast.

The fireworks are scheduled for Friday July 6th at 9:30pm. Spend the day relaxing or walking around town and the scenic trails but make sure you arrive early to set your viewing spot for the best show in Maine.

More info >…

Until next week enjoy the shows,

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Destination Guide