A patriot’s annual, the national day of the United States, Independence Day and most importantly, the 2nd extra-summer-day-off-of-work-when-Americans-can-savor-their-ahem-freedom - yes, the Fourth of July, version 2009, has arrived.
For the staunchly independent – whether single or attached – the Fourth of July holiday can feel anything but liberating. Barbecuing with the bizarre side of the family or battling traffic to the local fireworks show can become tired, astronomically fast - like 1776 old. Our forefathers may have thought this holiday’s activities to be per-festive-fection, but fireworks, parades and picnics? Have we mentioned the word outdated?
Adding a significant other or a date to a holiday can be risky business, but we say: erroneous! It, simply, shouldn’t have to be. The beauty of being an American is the ability to do what you want, when you want. This Fourth of July, ignite a spark of your own by offering a lady or gentleman of your liberty (the plural of both genders apply) with the following Fourth of July fêtes.
Get your swim trunks and your flippie-floppies!
Whether on a boat of your own, a rented set of jet-skis or a ‘borrowed’ version of a vessel, on-water action is a sure-fire way to impress. And the possibilities are endless – set out with a group of your boys - you are bound to pick up a few sun-drenched beach-mongers along the way - or stow a bottle of Moet and some sexy snacks with your lover and let the sea be your guide – but, don’t forget the life jackets – we don’t want it to be that kind of serious.
Not stable enough to spring for a boat? Many yacht companies sponsor cruises for various occasions, and the 4th of July is no exception. Hop a chartered yacht and enjoy what an evening on the water has to offer - our guess would be dinner, drinks (generally, open bar) and some late-night waves, if you catch our drift. In this case, leave the swim trunks at home; yacht parties tend to have a stricter dress code.
Speaking of water…
There is nothing quite like a national monument, especially on a national holiday. The history in all its regal glory – whether a man in uniform mounted atop a stallion or a phallic stone piling a la the Washington Monument – would be a great “conversation” starter. Take a stroll through a local park and see what comes up? If there is no historical monument, a fountain is a close second and you would be hard-pressed to find a park or city without one. The outwardly consistent explosion of H2O provides a firm visual connotation and at the very least, a cool retreat from the hot sun.
Cook-out? Cook-in!
Everyone can get down with a summer cook-out, but for this Fourth of July, spice it up, seduce the sous chef within and cook-in – that is cook wherever your little heart desires, but cook for your special someone and dine mano y mano. Save yourself some cash and cook for two rather than a larger group of friends, who will each inevitably bring at least three more unaccounted for partiers. Sometimes, the more is not always the merrier.
Instead of the typical picnic fare, try something outside of the box - and we mean this literally and figuratively. (Unless it is Chinese take-out, then we will make an exception.) Besides, you won’t win any points with a cuisine de hot dog, even if it is the finest grade meat.
Rock and roll all night…
And party all day. You’ve got an extra 24 hours to your weekend, so explore it to fullest. Many clubs and nightlife venues sponsor themed events, holiday drink specials and longer hours of operation, so party in shifts. Attend a day party or head to the beach, catch a sunlit buzz and take an afternoon nap. Or go out hard the night before, sleep in late and try the night scene again. Either way, you will have a chance to reenergize for the evening ahead and an opportunity to scope, and hopefully, score some horizontal downtime with the lady/man of your choice.
Snap, crackle and pop!
The Fourth of July is about fireworks, but you don’t have to see the show to get a big finale. Take this opportunity to create an inspired 2009 summer holiday. Even if it is with that semi-mistake of a spring fling – after all, someone is better than no one and who knows, maybe sparks will fly again.
*For more specifics, check back with CP for our Top Fourth of July Party Picks!
