FOX 13's Fourth of July Getaways

Thinking about a patriotic getaway for the Fourth of July this year?  Watch The Getaway Girl's recent FOX 13 Tampa Bay for some festive ideas!
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Fun Fourth of July Getaways

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Nothing says Independence Day like fireworks, and Travel Expert Casey Wohl, known as The Getaway Girl®, has some amazing cities across the country to see the colorful shows in style.

Wilmington, NC

Located on the southeast side of North Carolina, Wilmington is a perfect summer getaway retreat that’s surrounded by water, history and natural beauty.  It features nearly two miles of scenic Riverwalk along the historic Cape Fear River. Lose yourself in a vibrant array of locally-owned shops and restaurants, as well as colorful attractions - including a thriving arts and cultural scene, riverboat cruises, and a World War II battleship. Stroll along the 230+ block National Register Historic District, brimming with Victorian-era homes and gardens. The brick paved streets of downtown take you back in time as you ride along in a

horse-drawn carriage.  Its beach towns - Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach - all charm visitors and residents alike with an independent spirit and energy that nourishes and recharges the soul.

And Wilmington is the perfect site for the best family event in July. There is nothing that screams family fun and patriotism like watching fireworks over a World War II Battleship. On July 4 each year, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, across from downtown Wilmington, proudly presents a spectacular pyrotechnic show that will knock your socks off. Already noted as one of the top places to being during the holiday, onlookers walk away with a sense of pride in their country. Before the fireworks begin at 9:05pm the streets of Wilmington come alive with band performances and vendors showcasing the best of the best this coastal town has to offer. It is an event you will never forget.

Newport, CA

Co-sponsored by City of Newport Beach, Newport Dunes Resort’s annual fireworks presentation has become one of the area’s most popular 4th of July destinations.  Located 10 miles south of

Downtown Santa Ana, CA, Newport Beach is the perfect Fourth of July location for anyone who loves rock n’ roll music, beach and fun in the sun.  Tribute bands honoring these legends of rock will take the stage from 3-9 p.m. as the Dunes carries on its half-century-plus summer tradition with all-day family fun festivities followed by one of the regions finest fireworks presentations. From 11 a.m.-7 p.m., attendees can enjoy a number of fun activities including a Velcro wall, dunk tank, bungee run, cake walk, limbo contests, inflatable jumpers and bounce houses.

Newport Dunes Resort is a 100-acre waterfront resort featuring a 386-site state-of-the-art RV park, 450-slip marina and a private waveless beach and playground that has been enjoyed by families since 1958. It is also is home to 24 mobile cottages that the public may rent. Each May, the Dunes will open up its Aquatic Fun Park and visitors can also rent kayaks, windsurfers, pedal boats, bicycles, and electric boats. 

Mt. Rushmore, SD

There is little to compare to celebrating America's Birthday under the faces of the country's

most famous men.  Each year the Fourth of July or Independence Day Celebration at Mount Rushmore provides the visitor with great entertainment. During the day music is provided by live performers which are sure to please everyone. In addition there are performances along the Avenue of Flags, Military honors, a flag folding ceremony, Declaration of Independence reading, a US Air Force flyover and the monument lighting complete two days of activities.  Acclaimed as one of the 10 man-made wonders of the world, celebrating the Fourth of July here is truly a tribute to American history. You can get up close to the famous visages of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt by following the Presidential Trail. Or, you can celebrate by night, at the July 4th fireworks display.

Boston

Home to many of the pivotal historical moments leading to American Independence, few locations could be more patriotic. More than 200 events make up the six-day long annual Boston Harborfest that’s celebrated in conjunction with Boston Navy Week. Warships and military tall ships from

several nations are expected to be in Boston for the festivities as there will be a Parade of Ships in Boston Harbor that will be open to the public throughout.  Annual Party on the Plaza will be held, featuring Disco Inferno.  Over 200 events during these six days will provide entertainment throughout the festival.  The schedule includes historical reenactments, walking tours, sunset harbor cruises, and free noontime concerts throughout the week on City Hall Plaza.  Visitors to the 31^st Annual Chowderfest will vote for “Boston’s Best Chowder” after sampling traditional New England style clam chowder from top Boston area restaurants.  Free admission to over half of the over 200 events makes the celebration accessible to all.

In addition, to Harborfest, there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence from the Old State house and the Boston Pops Firework Spectacular, which is known as the premier Independence Day celebration in the nation. Each year, since its inception, hundreds of thousands of people come from all over the country to the banks of the Charles River to celebrate America’s birthday while another seven million tune in nationally on the CBS Television Network to view the event during a live one-hour primetime special.

Back to School Getaways

For most parents, the approaching end of summer means mixed emotions. With the kids back in school, you will have more freedom to get work done, but it also means that hectic schedules are back, and what’s even worse, family vacation season is over.

But if you are looking for one last family vaca to help you beat those back-to-school blues, The Getaway Girl Casey Wohl has some great Back to School Getaway ideas.

San Antonio, TX

Famous for its Riverwalk and the Alamo, San Antonio is a great place for kids of all ages.  On paper, the Alamo reads like a garden-variety relic. In the flesh, it's got personality. The mission-turned-battleground is a living piece of history. Kids standing in the antiquated hallways -- the very spots where the battle was fought -- will no doubt be struck by the enduring presence of those who died here. It's cool, not creepy. They might actually come out interested in a good read about Texas history.  Toddlers & Pre-K: At this age, the story is lost on them. But count on pleas for a coonskin cap, inevitably for sale in the gift shop.

School-Age Kids: They'll be singing that song: "Day-veeee, Da-vy Crockett. King of the Wild Frontier"

Pre-Teens & Teens: They might groan at the thought of a history lesson. Once inside, most can't help but get caught up in the drama of the place.

• There's more to the story. Make sure to check out the museum and it's new exhibit, "The Alamo: a Story Bigger Than Texas," that adds some new dimension to the legend.
• Get the scoop. On-site tour guides give talks about the Alamo every 20 to 30 minutes in the courtyard.

From now until August 20, you can enter to win a Back-To-School Getaway Giveaway on The Getaway Girl’s website.  Just visit www.GirlsGetawayGuide.net and enter to win a trip worth almost $600.  

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are celebrated throughout the world for their unique natural wonders and the rare and intriguing wildlife that played such an important role in Darwin's theory of Natural Selection. The wildlife that amazed Charles Darwin still invites travelers to this treasured region today.  The Galapagos Islands provide one of the most quintessential wildlife experiences on the planet. Children can snorkel with sea lions, step across giant land iguanas, admire newly hatched birds, and marvel at 200 year old giant tortoises. Some yachts have special family departures that include additional guides and activities for kids. Others offer suite accommodations, onboard swimming pools, games rooms, and more flexible meal options. Because of this wide range of Galapagos tour options, children of nearly any age can be accommodated. 

On your last family retreat of this summer, visit the islands of Santa Cruz, Floreana, and Isabela while staying on the islands during this 8-day trip in the Galapagos. The excursions will take you along the coast and up into the highlands to see the Galapagos' biodiversity and to witness first-hand the wildlife and unique scenery of the "Enchanted Islands." Travelers stay active with hiking and snorkeling excursions, but there is plenty of time to relax at the lodges and or on the beach. To learn more about the intriguing natural history of the islands, your park service guide will introduce you to historical sites on the Galapagos as well as an unforgettable visit to the famous Charles Darwin Research Center. Trip details at http://www.adventure-life.com/tours/darwins-islands-1415/  Fly in/out of Quito, Equador (due east of islands).  Starts around $2,170 based on double occupancy.

Cambridge, MA

The weather in Cambridge is fantastic, and Kimpton's Hotel Marlowe has a great kid-friendly Back to School getaway also has kayaks and bikes, free of charge, for a great family outing. The hotel is located directly across from the Charles River; a perfect spot to ride a bike or grab a kayak and paddle out to view the beautiful Boston skyline. 

Kids Discovery Package includes:

* One-night deluxe overnight accommodations
* Four passes to the Museum of Science
* Plate of fresh baked cookies in-room
* Continental Breakfast for 4 in Bambara
* Two Kimpton Kids Kits
Book online or call 1-800-825-7140 and mention rate code PMUM
Details: Rates subject to space, availability, and change. Taxes and gratuities not included. Blackout dates may apply.

Don't delay!  Enjoy one last vacation for school starts?