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Flash and Dazzle in Charleston
With its rich place in American history, there may be no better (or more beautiful) place to celebrate the Fourth than lovely Charleston, South Carolina. The city's waterfront location sets the stage for plenty of excitement once the sun goes down. Whether you watch from shore or the water, you're guaranteed to have one of the most memorable holidays ever. A magnificent fireworks show and all sorts of exciting events are staged at the spacious and inspiring Patriot's Point, directly across the harbor from Charleston (and a five-minute drive). Patriot's Point, a naval museum and home base to aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, as well as a destroyer, cutter and submarine, is one of the largest maritime museums in the world. The deck of the much-visited USS Yorktown is the launching spot for the annual fireworks extravaganza—an evening so special it's been written up in the New York Times!
Arrive as early as 5 p.m. to enjoy a food court, beer garden and The Kid Zone, a specially designed children's area with all sorts of fun activities. Just before sunset, The East Coast Party Band—one of Carolina's largest and most popular party bands—will start to liven up the night. Then at 9:30, the sky over the bay comes alive with the first blast from the USS Yorktown.
Another great viewing option is Charleston's East Bay Street, home to Waterfront Park and the adjacent fishing pier, both generous in size and supremely comfortable on a summer evening. You'll find plenty of great places to stake out a spot for watching the big event. The nearby Fleet Landing restaurant, a newer entry to the Charleston dining scene, also makes a great spot from which to enjoy the show. Housed in a 1940s-era, retired naval building, its walls of windows and huge deck face the fireworks. Reserve one of these coveted tables early.
If traveling with children, consider a 4th of July visit to the harbor-front South Carolina Aquarium. The Aquarium has planned its own holiday events, including live music and catered food during the fireworks, so an afternoon educational visit could literally conclude with a bang. This event does sell out, so call or visit the web site for tickets if you intend to go.
Spirit Line Cruises offers perhaps the most romantic way to partake in the events of the evening: a dinner cruise aboard The Spirit of Carolina through Charleston Harbor prior to and during the fireworks display. On the 4th, however, even this handsomely appointed yacht—with its dining salons, observation decks, handmade bars and oriental carpets—is only the backdrop.
"Watching fireworks on the water is really amazing," says South Carolina resident Clinton Dean. "The harbor is jam-packed with boats of all sizes. On still nights, the fireworks burst in the air, and the reflection in the water is almost as grand as the aerial display. You feel enveloped in patriotism. Sound also travels so well on the water," he explains, "that you hear repeated echoes from each 'boom,' and 'crackle,' and the 'whoosh' of the fireworks launching from the cannon. It was a marvelous experience." Pack your red, white and blue, and start your own Independence Day tradition.
The Lodge Alley Innâ„¢ is just a short walk from the waterfront and the dazzling fireworks display. Remember to plan well in advance if you wish to enjoy its colonial hospitality over the 4th of July holiday next year.
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