Celebrate the 4th of July in Boston on the cheap!

by Annie Scott on

The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel is running a very special … special.

The Marriott-owned South Boston treasure (near Logan International Airport, downtown, and, you know, the waterfront) has announced a great package for you patriots to experience Beantown July 1-10 and celebrate the spirit of ’76!

The independence-themed “Boston Summer Renaissance” deal includes:

  • Rate of $149 per night, based on double occupancy
  • Deluxe overnight accommodations
  • Boston historical attractions and walking map
  • Faneuil Hall Marketplace “Passport of Savings” booklet
  • Use of health club and lap pool

The hotel is within walking distance to Boston’s Children Museum, New England Aquarium, Institute of Contemporary Art — why not take your children to Boston for a little cleverly-masked summer school?

There’s also a terrific restaurant; 606 Congress, run by executive chef Gregory Griffie with the creative direction of celebrity chef Michael Schlow.

To take advantage of the deal, enter the word “BAR” when making online reservations, or call 1-800-HOTELS1 and ask for the “Boston Summer Renaissance” package. The usual taxes and gratuities may apply. Check out the gallery below for more pics — this hotel looks as good as apple pie!
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More Independence Days to Celebrate

by Jamie Rhein on

August is another Independence Day bonanza. The shifts of power didn’t happen all at once, but 1960 was a big year. If you’re in any of these countries expect a holiday. Maybe there will be fireworks or a parade or a speech or two.

  • August 1 – Benin gained independence from France
  • August 3– Niger gained its independence from France
  • August 5 –Burkina Faso also gained independence from France.
  • August 11–Guess which country Chad gained independence from? That’s right, France.
  • August 13–Central African Republic also gained independence from–you guessed it–France.
  • August 14- Pakistan from the U.K. in 1947.
  • August 15- India from the U.K. in 1947.
  • August 17- Gabon. Can you guess the country and year? If you said France and 1960, ***ding ding ding ! [Did you hear the you win bells?]
  • August 19- Afganistan from the U.K. in 1919. Wow, that’s early.
  • August 24- Ukraine in 1991.
  • August 25- Uruguay from Brazil in 1825.
  • August 27- Moldova from U.S.S.R. in 1991
  • August 31- Kyrgystan from the U.S.S.R in 1991 and Trinidad and Tobago from the U.K. in 1962.

*The information is from the International Calendar published by the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Madison, Wisconsin. They put this calendar together every year and other Peace Corps groups sell it as a fundraiser.

The Best Fourth of July Celebrations, According to Forbes

by Martha Edwards on

Happy Fourth of July to all you Americans out there! I hope you’re celebrating your nation’s independence with plenty of food, beer, friends and laughter. No matter where you are in the states, there’s bound to be a celebration of some sort to mark this historic day. In fact Forbes has put together a list of the best Fourth of July celebrations. Not surprisingly, the festivities at the nation’s capital top the list, but there are a few other places renowned for their talent for putting on a good Independence Day show, including:

  • Philadelphia, where the celebration goes on for a full week and includes celebrity performances and a carnival. This years special guest is Chaka Khan
  • Houston, where a mind-blowing fireworks display lights up the sky and event-goers are dazzled by a star-studded country music line-up.

To see the Fourth of July celebrations in pictures, click here.