One of the great advantages with vacationing in New York City during the Fourth of July weekend is that regardless of whether you are staying in a hotel in Manhattan or visiting with relatives in Brooklyn or Queens, you will have access to several vantage points to witness the most spectacular fireworks show ever created.

With four barges positioned between 23rd and 42nd Streets in the East River, you will be able to view the fireworks display unobstructed. If you are staying in uptown Manhattan, you can hop on a subway ride to Grand Central Station, located five blocks from the East River at 42nd Street and walk to FDR Drive.

From downtown Manhattan, you can take the subway to Fulton Street and walk to the South Street Seaport. From Queens, you can view the fireworks display from Hunter’s Point. And from Brooklyn, you can take a subway to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.

Another great idea is to book passage on the Skyline Princess for its Fourth of July cruise. This dinner cruise is one of the most popular modes of transportation that not only includes great dining and entertainment, but also takes you up close and personal to view Macy’s fireworks display on the East River.

Where else can you view such sites as Ellis Island, the South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty? In addition, as you pass by the Lady you will hear “God Bless America” sung in a resounding salute to our nation’s freedom as sung by Kate Smith.

The yacht departs from the World’s Fair Marina in Flushing Meadows, Queens at 6 PM and it is recommended that you book early as this most popular ship sells out quickly.

The fireworks display begins at 9 PM. No matter where you are in New York City or its surrounding suburbs, make plans to leave early so that you have access to the best view possible.

While there is so much to do and see in the Big Apple, the Macy’s Fireworks display is unparalleled in size and scope, and will be one event you will not soon forget.

While almost every city in the US celebrates the Fourth of July in some fashion, none is more renowned than the Boston Pops and Fireworks display. The Boston Pops has entertained its citizens and visitors with its music since the 1930s.

If you plan to visit Boston for the Fourth of July weekend, you are in for a special treat. Beginning on July 1st and continuing through the 4th, Boston holds as many as 200 events in celebration of this special day.

It starts with the raising of the flag at City Hall Plaza followed by a parade along Tremont to the Old State House. This is just the beginning of an exciting day that is capped with the Boston Pops Orchestra’s concert and fireworks show at the Charles River Esplanade.

A concert that has been seen by millions of people and is also broadcast on TV, you can enjoy the brilliance of the Boston Pops as they perform musical numbers that have been the mainstay of Boston’s celebratory heritage for decades. This two hour concert is followed by a half hour fireworks display, with the finale set to the music of the “1812 Overture.”

For accommodations within walking distance to the Charles River Esplanade, it is recommended that you check out the Fairmont Copley Plaza.

Another alternative you may wish to consider is to make reservations for the Boston Dinner Cruise. This four hour cruise leaves from the Commonwealth Pier at the World Trade Center in the Seaport District at 7:30 PM.

With their all-you-can-eat buffets with delicious choices prepared on board, you can enjoy such fare as beef, poultry, and seafood with fresh vegetables, salad, rolls with butter, and dessert.

Along with dinner, you can enjoy sparking entertainment provided on the ship and view the fireworks display all at the same time. The Spirit of Boston cruises as far south as Castle Island/Fort Independence and as far north as the Mystic River along the Boston skyline.

Moreover, if there is inclement weather you need not worry because the ship is enclosed so that you can fully enjoy the festivities offered. Further, you will be in the harbor for the best view of the spectacular fireworks show at the Esplanade.

Due to the popularity of this 4th of July dinner cruise, it is recommended that you book early.

If you live in the Chicago area or plan to vacation there this July, there will be celebrations, festivals, concerts, and a host of activities you can plan to attend. One of the unmissable events is the Odyssey dinner cruise on the 4th of July.

Departing from the south side of Navy Pier, the Odyssey is considered to be the most elegant of all sea-going vessels in Chicago. With a world class chef and restaurant staff, it is sure to be the most exciting and fun-filled night of your life.

The Odyssey offers musical entertainment such as classic jazz to contemporary favorites from a live band, as well as soft solo piano music. Each of its two decks offers a special entertainment feature. The Topaz deck offers Latin and jazz as well as R&B and lounge music. The Amethyst deck has piano and vocals, show tunes, jazz, classical and pop music.

Priced at $149.90 per person, the ship leaves from the Navy Pier at 8:30 PM and returns at 11:30 PM. Boarding begins at 7:30 PM. The cost of this dinner cruise includes a private table, a three-course menu, and a premium bar package.

Here is a sample of their menu. The appetizer may include such fare as an antipasto plate, Boston Bibb salad, lobster bisque, and Argentinean scallops. The main course may include Tuscan chicken, Syrah braised center cut beef, seafood ravioli gratinee, boneless pork chop, North American salmon, and Mediterranean vegetable purse. For dessert, you may choose from a chocolate truffle torte, bread pudding, New York Style cheesecake, or peach and blueberry cobbler.

Perhaps the most exciting amenity is the ability to view Chicago’s Skyline from their observation deck and the spectacular fireworks display as its backdrop.

Needless to say, everyone who has taken this dinner cruise has raved about its service, staff, entertainment, and cuisine.

So if you plan to be in Chicago for the 4th of July, book this elegant dinner cruise early and treat yourself to what is sure to be an experience of a lifetime.