4th of July 2012 and August Vacation Ideas

Still undecided about where to spend your summer vacation . . . The kids want fun, your partner wants sightseeing and you just want to kick back with a cold one and enjoy some good music and fireworks. Here's some more great locations and great celebrations just in time for the Summer holiday season.

1. Smithsonian FolkLife Festival

When: July 4, 2012

Where: Washington DC

The Washington National Mall will be transformed into a global village for this 4th of July celebration. This festival includes programs at the National Archives, Cathedral and Mount Vernon along with a huge fireworks display and concerts.

While you are in town, don't miss the Capital Building, Smithsonian Museums, Lincoln Theatre, and Washington and other Monuments.

2. Seattle International Beerfest

When: July 2 - 4, 2012

Where: Seattle, Washington

Join thousands of party animals as they celebrate the 4th in downtown Seattle with a fantastic fireworks display overlooking scenic Lake Union. And, If you're into beer, here's your chance to sample over 130 different beers from over 15 countries.

If you have the time, stick around for the Chinatown International District Summer-festival. This is promoted as the largest Asian-American street fair.

Other notable attractions include The Space Needle, Underground street Tour, and the Seattle Aquarium.

3. Let Freedom Sing

When: July 3 - 4, 2012

Where: Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville invites you to join them for their patriotic birthday bash with food and live music and a kid-friendly Family Fun Zone. Tracie Adkins and the Nashville Symphony will accompany a grand fireworks display at Riverfront Park.

While in Nashville, you can visit the Historic RCA Studio B (Elvis and Dolly Parton recorded here), Grand Ole Opry and Museum, and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Museum.

4. Essence Music Festival

When: July 1-4, 2012

Where: New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans extends the welcome mat for this music festival and women's empowerment event held over the 4th. Famous New Orleans attractions include the French Quarter, the National World II Museum, and Jackson Square, or you can get a sample of some great good and take a class at the New Orleans School of Cooking.

5. Fireworks Spectacular

When: July 4, 2012

Where: Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville joins the nation in celebrating the 4th with food, music and fireworks on its downtown Riverfront. While in Jacksonville, make time to visit the city of St. Augustine which was founded in 1513 by Ponce De Leon.

In Jacksonville visit the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, BEAKS (Bird Emergency Aid and Kare Sanctuary) and the Museum of Southern History. St. Augustine is a 30 minute drive from Jacksonville. Visit the Castillo de San Marcos, The St. Augustine Alligator Farm or take a kayak tour while there.

6. Rockin' on the Landing, 134th Veiled Prophet Parade, Fair Saint Louis

When: July 2-3, 2012

Where: St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis has planned multiple celebratory events to commemorate the nation's birthday including a parade featuring more than 100 units, giant balloons, dueling bands, and custom floats. John Legend, The B-52s and Jordan Pruitt will perform at a free patriotic fair that includes four air shows, K-Town Kids Zone, and, "yes . . . there's FIREWORKS.

Of course, you'll want to take in the spectacular Gateway Arch and Museum, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Saint Louis Zoo and the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales at Grant's Farm, also.

7. AT&T San Jose Jazz Festival

When: August 2012

Where: San Jose, CA

Combine 1,000 great artists with 100,000 music fans, with a great location and toss lightly -- and you have another great celebration. In 2010, San Jose features three days of various music genres including jazz, blues, salsa, Latin, R&B and electronic. George Clinton, Maceo Parker, Irma Thomas, The Yoshiyaki Miyanoue Tokyo Quartet, Grupo Falso Baivano are slated.

Other San Jose attractions include The Tech Museum, Winchester Mystery House, the Rosicucian Egyptian Museum, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

8. Scotiabank Caribana

When: July 2012

Where: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Want a taste of the Carribean without traveling there this Summer. If so, plan on trekking to cool Toronto for their 1.5 million strong street festival, Caribana. This festival features an over-the-top parade of wildly costumed dancers and bands (audience participation encouraged), ample food stands with delicious island-theme goodies, musical competition and galas galore.

Toronto is an international city with numerous attractions. Notable attractions include the Royal Ontario Museum, CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, Fort York, Canada's Walk of Fame and St. Michael's Cathedral. Note,also that Detroit, Michigan and Niagra Falls are within driving distance.

9. Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival

When: July 2012

Where: Grand Haven, Michigan

This is the 86th run of this annual festival held by the Coast Guard. Last year's events included waterfront entertainment by Three Men and a Tenor, Abbamani and a musical tribute to Frankie Vali and The Four Seasons. Car aficionados will enjoy the Cruise-In Car show which features a parade of classic, vintage, street rods and antique cards. The festival also has the Coast Guard Craft Fair with 165 exhibitors and food vendors, a Carnival Midway, a Grand Parade and concludes with a Fireworks Extravaganza.

In between the festivities, you can tour Coast Guard cutter ships, or you can relax on the beautiful Oval Beach or visit nearby Saugatuck Dunes Park or take a ride on the Saugatuck II Paddleboat.

Check out the referenced visitor websites as well as travel discounters to get discounts and promotions. Also, ask about any travel brochures available; your local travel bureau such as the AAA Motor Club can provide additional information. The listed information was accurate as of publication; however, always confirm artists and activities prior to booking your travel.

Don't see a venue right up your alley, check out additional annual celebrations. So plan, pack and CELEBRATE!