How are YOU celebrating our country’s Independence Day? You may want to check out these patriotic small towns!
When it comes to big holidays, we often overlook small-town American traditions and focus on festivals in big, bustling cities. But if you stop to take a closer look, you’ll see that many tiny American towns boast some of our nation’s longest-standing traditions.
Besides your typical fireworks extravaganza and parades, these patriotic small towns offer a unique twist in honor of America’s birthday. Some even have a direct link to the original 4th… and at least one on our list is older than the nation itself!
So what are we waiting for? Here are 10 patriotic small towns and cities across the states that celebrate Independence Day with some of their very own unique traditions.
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
Envision having breakfast with Thomas Jefferson before he reads the Declaration of Independence. That sure would be one way to celebrate the 4th, right?
However, this experience, along with many other Colonial-time incidents, existed at Colonial Williamsburg, the capital of Virginia, where the colony said “yes” to independence.
While visiting this patriotic small town, you can stroll the historic cobbled streets, experience colonial games at Market House, the Fife and Drum Corps salute to the initial 13 states with plenty of cannon and musket firing, and, of course, the much-anticipated fireworks display on Palace Green.
Allegan, Michigan
Allegan celebrates most of its Independence Day one day in advance with the “July 3rd Jubilee.” There are games and activities, pony rides, inflatable delights, and Drummunity rhythmic fun for all ages.
There are also musical performances and fireworks by the Kalamazoo River.
Dorr township, located in this patriotic small town, boasts a highly unique lineup of events, including live music, baseball and softball games, an ox roast and BBQ, a volleyball tournament, talent competitions, tractor rides, a Chinese lantern launch, community flea market, and a bean bag race.
Stowe, Vermont
Since 1975, parade participants have abided by inflexible rules in this quirky, patriotic small town: Floats must be made the morning of July 4th, and $10 max can be spent on decorations.
Can you imagine? Picture lots of garden hoses, lawn chairs, and whatever else can be scraped up for props.
The party then moves over to Stowe Village, where the kiddos can enjoy clowns, face painting, music, street performers, another parade, and, once it’s dark, a dazzling fireworks show.
Virginia City, Nevada
In this Wild West town, located approximately 40 minutes from Reno, you wouldn’t even think of celebrating Independence Day without a good old-fashioned cowboy shootout.
This patriotic small town also has a festive parade with live saloon music, many Victorian costumes… and a bedraggled prospector or two, and BBQ and ice cream galore. The V&T Railroad also operates throughout the day, with half-hour trips to Gold Hill.
Museums are open to explore, and so are the antique shops. The fun-filled day ends with eye-level fireworks, yes you read that right, eye-level. They’re shot from the canyon below, showing a spectacular display right before your very own eyes!
Bend, Oregon
“Quirky” is an understatement regarding the 4th in this outdoorsy central town in Oregon, as costumed llamas, dogs, cats, and perhaps a lizard or two strut their stuff in the long-running Pet Parade. If you visit, be sure to watch for the flying dog.
It’s always a crowd favorite. But you can also have some old-fashioned fun throughout the day at Drake Park, including live music, artisans, gunny sack, and three-legged races. And let’s not forget about the hula-hoop contests.
The grand fireworks show launches off Pilot Butte at 10 pm, synchronized to music on local radio stations. Make sure you pick a spot in this patriotic small town where you can see the butte, and you’ll be guaranteed a spectacular show.
Bristol, Rhode Island
Independence Day is a huge deal in the charming small town of Bristol, located smack-dab in the middle of the Ocean State between Providence and Newport. The region boasts “America’s oldest 4th of July celebration.” So what can you expect when visiting?
First, everyone comes out in full red-white-and-blue force all month long, kicking off on Flag Day, which is June 14th. Events in this patriotic small town include a concert series, firefighters muster, Fourth of July Ball, Miss and Little Miss Fourth of July Pageant, and the list goes on.
And then, fireworks occur on Fourth of July Eve, blasting over Bristol Harbor. Then, the Big Day is celebrated with patriotic exercises, followed by the traditional Military, Civic, and Fireman’s Parade, just like the first time around.
No wonder Bristol is known as the Most Patriotic Town in the US!
Telluride, Colorado
Despite having a reputation as a winter ski resort destination, this patriotic small town is also home to one of the nation’s best-kept Independence Day secrets.
The first event you can’t miss is the annual Fireman’s Parade on the town’s historic Main Street, marked by floats, displays of patriotic costumes, and performances. The city also hosts a community-wide BBQ with a pie-eating contest and a slip-n-slide.
Travelers can watch the fireworks light up the sky from the top of the gondola at when nighttime arrives. And all events take place in front of the backdrop of the picturesque San Juan mountains, allowing tourists to truly take in America’s beauty.
Cody, Wyoming
Five days of fairs and parades celebrate the 4th in this patriotic small town, but the most significant news here is the 4-day Cody Stampede Rodeo.
It all began three years after Buffalo Bill Cody died in 1919 when local leaders devoted their time to preserving Buffalo Bill’s Western ways. And they succeeded with what continues to be one of the best rodeos in the US.
Here, you’ll find live music, food and craft stalls, an adorable kiddie parade, and a spectacular fireworks show.
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Get your sunscreen ready and say hello to a charming New England seaside village if you’re craving some nostalgia on Independence Day.
The festivities begin with a sand sculpture contest on the 4th of July Eve, followed the next day with an art show and sale, a parade, a decorated bike contest, a doggie parade, square and line dancing, an open-air concert, and fireworks at dusk from the pier.
And in case that’s not enough to keep you busy, this patriotic small town also has 7 incredible miles of beach to enjoy.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine may be officially called a city. But its historical roots, founded in 1565, are as a pure patriotic small town. With that kind of pedigree, what better place to celebrate our nation’s independence?
During the day, the All-Star Orchestra plays big band, swing, and patriotic songs at the Plaza de la Constitucion. And when dusk falls, fireworks burst over the ancient Castillo de San Marcos, reflecting vivid prisms of colored light into the bay.
Afterward, go with the crowds! Stick around, and you’ll enjoy local restaurants, shops, and bars, all with extended hours for you to make the most of your time here.
So what’s YOUR verdict? which of these patriotic small towns will you be visiting this year? Make sure you let us know in the comments section below.
And if you liked this article, Must See Places has much more to offer. For instance, you may want to check out these 12 Charming American Destinations to Take You Back in Time
