Boston has a fireworks show, with the Boston Pops providing musical accompanyment. It is also televised on A&E, however fireworks on TV just doesn't make it.

But that is only PART of the July 4th experience in Boston.

July 4th is also the day the USS Constitution is taken out into the harbor. (They turn it around so it weathers evenly on both sides of the hull.) It used to be a great local tradition, but then the Hollywood Beautiful People caught wind of it. Hopefully they've found some other event to take away from the locals.

Being such a focal point for the Revolutionary War, there is a lot of history to explore. The re-enactment of the Battle of Lexington Green is very well done.

The historical landmarks in Boston are within walking distance, and the National Park Service has done a great job preserving the sites. Walk the FREEDOM TRAIL (a big red line printed on the sidewalk) and it will bring you past dozens of historical sites, such as the Old North Church ("one if by land...")

PS) Except for getting to Lexington, you can do the rest of this without renting a car --- and I STRONGLY advise to. With so many New Englanders converging on the city, the streets (bad on a GOOD day) turn into parking lots.

------------------
"I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own."

[This message has been edited by Jon Toner (edited 06-09-2000).]