Savor American History This 4th of July at a Bed and Breakfast

Summer is already upon us, and the Fourth of July is just around the corner. Why not skip the backyard barbecue and really jump into the spirit of the holiday. These historic bed and breakfasts provide not only a glimpse into our nation's past, but also ideal locations from which to enjoy some of the best fireworks shows and Independence Day events in the country. With all the romance of a bed and breakfast, you might even make some fireworks of your own.

Massachusetts Bed and Breakfast Provide Glimpse of Nation's Beginnings

Stay where it all began -- in the village of Concord. Located about 20 miles from Boston , the town is not only the location where the Revolutionary War began; it also was the home of some of the country's most famous citizens, including Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Each year, the town celebrates its rich American history with a parade and other festivities at Emerson Field.

Concord offers plenty of possibilities for bed and breakfast enthusiasts. The Hawthorne Inn, which was built in 1870, is full of historic charm. The property was at times owned by Louisa May Alcott and also Ralph Waldo Emerson. The inn is decorated with antiques and several guest rooms have a canopy bed. At The Colonel Roger Brown House, guests enjoy hospitality at a Colonial-style home built just a year before the Revolutionary War. The comfortable rooms include some antiques, and all have the modern convenience of a kitchenette.

From the Old North Church to the site of the Boston Tea Party, Boston is all about the Fourth of July. Take a stroll along the two-and-half-long Freedom Trail and you'll be taking a trip back in time and gaining plenty of knowledge about the American Revolution. After a day exploring Boston and a night enjoying the city's world-famous display of pyrotechnics with the Boston Pops, you will happily retreat to your bed and breakfast and settle down for a great night's sleep.

The Clarendon Square Inn, located in a historic, six-story townhouse, is close to many Boston attractions. Guest rooms are decorated with a modern flair that complements the inn's historic ambiance. The College Club, another historic choice, includes eleven guest rooms, each decorated with antiques. The College Club is also home to the nation's oldest women's college club, and is host to many interesting events throughout the year. The inn is a short walk from the Charles River, a perfect viewing spot for Fourth of July fireworks.

Celebrate Life, Liberty, Happiness at a Pennsylvania Bed and Breakfast

There is a lot to love in the City of Brotherly Love, especially around the Fourth of July. Philadelphia pulls out all the stops for its family-friendly Party on the Parkway. The event includes an all-day festival, parade and after the sun sets, there is the Liberty Concert and Fireworks event. Add to that a city filled with historic sites, and you can create your own perfect Independence Day getaway. Travelers can tour Independence Hall, where the first Continental Congress met, or snap a picture of the Liberty Bell.

Enjoy easy access to all of the historic gems of Philadelphia at the Thomas Bond House. This Philadelphia bed and breakfast was built in 1769 and boasts rooms filled with period reproductions and four-poster beds. The home is located in the Independence National Historic Park and is within walking distance of Independence Hall.

Spend the Fourth at a Washington, D.C., Bed and Breakfast

The perfect Fourth of July getaway awaits you in Washington, D.C. From the myriad of historic sites to the spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky above the Washington monument, you can immerse yourself in Americana. The city's yearly celebration starts off with a parade along Constitution Avenue. Spend the day touring the sites, an evening watching the rockets red glare (so to speak) and spend the night in the height of luxury at a local bed and breakfast.

DuPont Circle, resting at the intersection of Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire avenues, was once home to some of the wealthiest of the city's restaurants. The picturesque neighborhood is filled with architectural gems and none so fine as the Swann House. The Richardson-Romanesque-style manor home boasts a second-story balcony and a turret. The interior still includes many of the original features, such as carved marble fireplaces, crown molding and wall panels. Guest rooms are decorated in a romantic style with a selection of antiques, and some rooms include a fireplace. The bed and breakfast is close to all of the city's popular attractions, shops and restaurants.

Celebrate Independence at a Texas Bed and Breakfast

Popular with tourists, Texas Hill Country boasts several charming towns that will remind you of days gone by. Chappell Hill is such village. Throughout the year, the town hosts a historic home tour, scarecrow festival and bluebonnet festival, but on Independence Day they hold what is known as "the Best Little Small Town Parade in Texas." Watch as parade floats, antique cars, cowboys and even a marching kazoo band entertain the crowd. Residents of Comfort, Texas, have declared their burg "the Most Patriotic Little Town in Hill Country," and celebrate with a parade and huge barbecue, as well as a family-friendly carnival.

Texas Hill Country is famous for its bed and breakfasts. For those who seek the privacy of a quaint, country retreat try Kriegal's Guest Haus in Chappell Hill. The innkeepers offer a room in the main historic home, which dates to 1868, and private accommodations in the Country Cottage. Part of the cottage once served as summer kitchen for the main house. The Holekamp House Bed and Breakfast in Comfort, is another Texas Hill Country Bed and Breakfast. The historic home features five individually decorated guest rooms, as well as a rustic wood-paneled cabin with a two-person Jacuzzi tub.

Enjoy the Fireworks at a West Coast Bed and Breakfast

While California might not boast the Revolutionary War history of Philadelphia or Boston, it can hold its own as a fabulous vacation spot. From the sunny beaches of San Diego to the historic charm of Pasadena, there are plenty of options for Fourth of July Fun. California 's bed and breakfasts are some of the best around, as well.

The Victorian Heritage Park Inn is part of a seven-acre historic park that includes more than half a dozen restored Victorian buildings. Two of the structures are part of the inn. The guest rooms are decorated in an opulent, period style with antiques. The bed and breakfast is close to many major San Diego attractions. Firework shows at Mission Bay and Sea World are just minutes away.

When you think Pasadena, you probably think about the Rose Parade. But this historic town offers plenty of other attractions. There are historic homes, museums, luxury shopping and great restaurants to enjoy. For Independence Day fun, head to the Rose Bowl where you can enjoy a concert and huge fireworks show. The Bissell House Bed and Breakfast, located in the town's Orange Grove Mansion District, is close to all the fun. The historic Victorian features six beautifully appointed guest rooms filled with amenities, such as luxurious bath products, pillow-top beds, and fluffy bathrobes. The Garden Room includes a two-person Jacuzzi tub. Two other guest rooms have an antique clawfoot tub. A full, gourmet breakfast is served on a table set with fine china, crystal and fresh flowers.

About the Author

Jane Leisteiner loves blogging about inns, novels and traveling. For more details on Texas bed and breakfast inns or Pennsylvania bed and breakfasts, check out the iLoveInns website.