Bacon's Rebellion

Democracy Thrives in Sunlight

It’s Like Leaving Paris on Bastille Day

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by

James A. Bacon
in

fireworks

Now they tell me! The Bacon family has just made plans to spend the 4th of July watching fireworks at the national mall in Washington, D.C., only to read that WalletHub lists Richmond, of all places, as the No. 1 place to be in its 2014’s Best & Worst Cities for 4th of July Celebrations.

Our humble home town does not win based upon the most spectacular fireworks displays, which are fine but nothing special. It turns out we’re tops for families on a budget. Richmond wins based on 14 metrics that encompass its entertainment & food appeal (No. 3 in the country among the top 100 metros), attractions and recreation/outdoor activity (No. 20) and the July 4th weather forecast (No. 31). Apparently, our fair city stands out for having some of the cheapest three-star hotels anywhere and for having less traffic congestion than anyone else. As a bonus, home fireworks are legal. The number of homeowners shooting rockets into the sky is quite impressive.

It is some consolation that our destination city, Washington, D.C., is ranked No. 5 in the country — and is tied for No. 1 for recreation and outdoor activities…. which is precisely why we’re heading there. Well, Richmond, there’s always next year.

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6 responses to “It’s Like Leaving Paris on Bastille Day”

  1. Breckinridge Avatar
    Breckinridge

    On a very clear night, while waiting for the fireworks on the mountain top at Wintergreen, you can see the shows in Crozet and Charlottesville from a great distance. Now that’s nice. Have fun in the mob, Jimbo…

  2. larryg Avatar
    larryg

    interesting idea Breckinridge.. how about a Skyline Drive 4th of July Valley Fireworks tour?

    from what I understand – on a clear night -you can see DC from Skyline Drive!

    our habit is to get with friends on a Rappahannock River beach … do a cookout with appropriate beverages and chairs and let it hang out.

  3. Ghost of Ted Dalton Avatar
    Ghost of Ted Dalton

    Have you ever been to the naturalization ceremony at Monticello? Very moving experience.

    1. Breckinridge Avatar
      Breckinridge

      Yes, a while back. Incredible experience. Everybody should do it once and congratulate the new citizens.

  4. DJRippert Avatar
    DJRippert

    Best fireworks are in Cambridge, MD. The widespread rumor is that the Cambridge fireworks are funded by a trust established by the DuPont family back in in the 1930s. Maybe so. Little ole Cambridge (pop. 12,000) sure puts on a whale of a show. Best seats are in a boat anchored in the Choptank but a good view can be had from the marina in Cambridge as well.

    Hit Jimmie and Sook’s for a few libations and some “Choptank Sweets” before the show.

    You have fun in DC Jim. Those of us from there know to get the hell out on the 4th. Too much riff raff comes to town from places like Henrico County!

  5. Tysons Engineer Avatar
    Tysons Engineer

    You dont want to be in Paris for Bastille day. Avignon is the place to be, they have the performing arts festival the whole month also, and the fireworks at Avignon are better than Paris.

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