Summer is already upon us, and the Fourth of July is just around the corner. Why not skip the backyard barbecue and really jump into the spirit of the holiday. These historic bed and breakfasts provide not only a glimpse into our nation’s past, but also ideal locations from which to enjoy some of the best fireworks shows and Independence Day events in the country. With all the romance of a bed and breakfast, you might even make some fireworks of your own.

Discover America ’s Roots at a Massachusetts Bed and Breakfast

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 Colonel Roger Brown House, built in 1775, is one of several bed and breakfasts in Concord. The Colonial home features guest rooms decorated with antiques, and each room includes a small kitchenette. Ralph Waldo Emerson and Louisa May Alcott both previously owned the land where The Hawthorne Inn now stands. The bed and breakfast was built in 1870, and includes antique-filled rooms, some with canopy beds.

From the Old North Church to the site of the Boston Tea Party, Boston is all about the Fourth of July. Take a stroll along the two-and-half-long Freedom Trail and you’ll be taking a trip back in time and gaining plenty of knowledge about the American Revolution. After a day exploring Boston and a night enjoying the city’s world-famous display of pyrotechnics with the Boston Pops, you will happily retreat to your bed and breakfast and settle down for a great night’s sleep.

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.

Let Freedom Ring at a Pennsylvania Bed and Breakfast

Philadelphia was the site of the first Continental Congress and served as the nation’s first capital; it’s also home to the Liberty Bell and plenty of historic buildings. So it comes as no surprise to discover that Philadelphians celebrate Independence Day in a big way. The biggest celebration is The Party on the Parkway Festival, which includes tons of activities, followed by an early evening parade and a huge fireworks show and concert.

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.

Enjoy Bed, Breakfast and History in Washington, D.C.

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.

Guests at the Swann House enjoy romantic accommodations conveniently close to all of the city’s major attractions. Located in DuPont Circle, the historic bed and breakfast is a stunning example of Richardson Romanesque architecture. The interior includes many original features, and the guest rooms are decorated with antiques and more modern furnishings. Several rooms include a fireplace.

Celebrate Independence 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.

Kriegal’s Guest Haus is an intimate hideaway in Chappell Hill. The bed and breakfast offers accommodations in an 1868 German-style home or in the private Country Cottage. The white picket fences, flowers and porches with rockers provide a down-home feeling. In Comfort, the Holekamp House Bed and Breakfast is a historic haven. The rooms range from cozy Aunt Dolly’s room to the spacious King’s Room, which includes a private balcony and pedestal bathtub.

Enjoy the Fireworks at a West Coast Bed and Breakfast

While California might not boast the Revolutionary War history of Philadelphia or Boston, it can hold its own as a fabulous vacation spot. From the sunny beaches of San Diego to the historic charm of Pasadena, there are plenty of options for Fourth of July Fun. California ’s bed and breakfasts are some of the best around, as well.

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.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 at 11:57 pm and is filed under Travel Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.