by Colette Driscoll Long

Created on: June 23, 2008

Nothing embodies the 4th of July better than the city of Boston. Where else can families find an entire day's lineup of free events celebrating Boston's maritime and colonial history for only $1.70? For the cost of one Charlie card on the MBTA (kids under 11 ride free with an adult), Boston's 27th annual Harborfest offers no better way to celebrate our nation's independence.

The Declaration of Independence is the heart of our countries freedom; Start your historical Bostonian 4th of July off with a flag raising ceremony at city hall plaza followed by a parade to Granary Burial Ground where wreaths are laid on the graves of patriots. Who's buried here, one might wonder? Established in 1660, the graves of John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and Robert Treat Paine, Paul Revere and Benjamin Franklin's parents whose tomb is marked by a 25-foot-tall obelisk. The parade ends at Boston's old state house where the Declaration of Independence is read from the balcony, as it was on July 18 1776.

Your historical Independence Day moves to Faneuil Hall & the Boston waterfront; stroll down Congress Avenue to the Samuel Adams statue to experience New England's premier fife and drum core, the Middlesex Country Volunteers Fife & Drums, for a salute to the fourth performance. Move inside the great hall to hear a prominent Bostonian recreate James Otis's Cradle of Liberty address, delivered on March 14 1763 when Faneuil Hall was re-opened and dedicated to the cause of liberty.

Secure a spot along the harbor for one of the highlights of Boston's 4th of July celebrationthe turnaround and 21-gun salute of the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Old Ironsides has sailed under her own sail power for the last 11 years following a complete restoration.

For lunch, stroll over to the Quincy Market Colonnade, one of the most visited food halls in the world. Local favorites include Pizzeria Regina, the Brown Derby Deli, Carol Anns Bake Shop, and Joeys Gelateria. With over 40 restaurants representing food from all over the world, your choices are infinite.

Two walking tours along the northern end of The Freedom Trail fill your afternoon;
First, take a walk in Paul Revere's shoes with a walking tour of Boston's North End led by a colonial guide. Following the red line from Faneuil Hall across to Hanover Street stop in at Paul Revere's house, The Old North Church and Copp's Hill Burial Ground.

Proceed across the Charlestown Bridge to the Charlestown Navy Yard's visitor's center for a guided walking tour of the Battle of Bunker Hill's battlefield. End your historical 4th of July tour of Boston by heading over to the Battle of Bunker Hill Museum to learn about the life of an 18th century soldier in the Colonial Militia.

Grab your blanket head over to the Fourth of July on the Esplanade. Enjoy a dazzling performance by Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra immediately followed by a spectacular fireworks show timed to Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. A 25 year Boston tradition began by the late Arthur Fielder, there is no better place to be on the fourth of July.

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