by Dawn Hawkins

Created on: June 21, 2008   Last Updated: July 08, 2008

Independence Day is a day of great day of celebration in the United States. Nearly everyone here will celebrate in one fashion or the other. If you are one of the few brave that are planning on hitting the road this Fourth of July you will want to make it a trip to remember. This holiday celebrates a beautiful day in our history. We should all take the time to remember exactly what this holiday is all about. We should start at the beginning. Here are my top picks for great Independence Day travel places:

1. Philadelphia, PA- This is where history comes alive for July Fourth celebrations. This is where the Liberty Bell's home is along with an array of other great historical sites that scream Independence Day. Try Congress Hall or the Declaration house which is where Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. How about the Benjamin Franklin National Memorial or the Betsy Ross House. There is just no end to the great history that lies within the city of Philadelphia.

2. Washington DC- The Smithsonian Institute is enough to keep any family busy for days. If you want to know about the history of the United States, this is the place to go. While you are at it, be sure to visit the Wall which houses the names of thousands of POW and MIA soldiers from the Viet Nam war. Arlington National Cemetery is just across the way and is full of wonderful historical information. This trip wouldn't be complete without seeing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Watching the guards as they keep vigil over these fallen soldiers is absolutely awesome. Be sure to get the facts about what the guards have to do in order to have the honor of guarding this tomb. It will surely open your eyes to the sacrifices that are made in order to do this most important job. Drop into the Holocaust Museum also. A trip to Washington DC isn't complete without having walked through Danny's room as you hear of the experience of those unfortunates that had to live through the Holocaust. It's an eye opening experience.

3. Colonial Williamsburg, VA- Another historically rich town. If you are an American History buff, you need to visit this amazingly fun place. I was taken there as a young child and credit that trip with sparking the American History buff in me. You can see what it was really like to live back in colonial times. They truly bring it to life.

4. Boston, MA- This city has a lot to offer in historical value to our country. So many things happened there that brought us to the free country

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