Ok, took a bit of a hiatus--had a few family and friend-related life events that took some time. But I am back, with a new design for July, and some fun things to write about!  How did you spend your Fourth of July?  We went to Baltimore for the week and it was AWESOME (although VERY hot).  When you are considering your travel plans for next summer, you might want to consider Baltimore.  Some highlights:

• There are two sets of fireworks over the Inner Harbor--one highlights the big, "bloom" sort of fireworks that explode high in the sky and change color or shape; the other features lower fireworks that shoot upwards like colorful sprays of water.  If you sit in the right spot, you can see them both at the same time.  We figured out that the best spot is most likely Federal Hill, which is across the Bay from the Inner Harbor.  If you want to stay on the Inner Harbor side, then the best spot is probably near the new Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum (open late on July 4th, btw). 

• For those who want a really great view, (and have cash to burn) several of the venues had special viewing options--several of the restaurants had reserved outdoor seating, the USS Constellation was hosting a fireworks party on deck, and even the electric boats vendor was offering his boats for fireworks viewing--for a mere $50!

• Lots of music leading up to the fireworks, all along the Inner Harbor-two of the best were at the Hard Rock Cafe, (classic rock) and the bandstand near the USS Constellation (dance music & hip-hop). But all along the walkway were smaller sometimes impromptu musicians playing every type of music--street music, rap, jazz--something for everyone!

• Ft. McHenry had family events all day--the only fee was the admission fee. There was flag hoisting (of the giant replica of the original Star Spangled Banner that flew there, fife and drum concerts, musket and cannon firing demonstrations, and the reading of the entire Declaration of Independence. Lots of fun, and informative, too!

• The National Aquarium, Maryland Science Museum, and Port Discovery Children's Museum all had special, kid-friendly hands-on events, and the Star Spangled Banner/Flag House had free admission and tours (Baltimore is in fact the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner, created for the War of 1812).

This is just a sampling of all of the activities offered throughout Baltimore on July 4th.  Lots of fun, entertainment and history all rolled into one great day!