Eight festive cities are fired up for 4th

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Brightly painted chairs add a touch of color on the patio next to a geodesic dome in Idyllwild, Calif. The dome and other rentals are an alternative for thrifty or just plain adventuresome travelers who are tired of motels and crave a home away from home while on vacation. (Chris Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

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The Idyllwild geodesic dome comes with plenty of orange paint in the interior and interesting acoustics. Renters of vacation homes often find that properties, although rarely perfect, are unique and may offer experiences you can’t duplicate with a motel stay. (Chris Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

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There’s a bit of a time-warp feel inside a geodesic dome in Idyllwild. Looking for a vacation rental? The Web is a good source thousands of possibilities are listed on various sites. Property management companies are another option. (Chris Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

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A commanding view of the ocean and a large patio are two of the highlights of a vacation rental in Fort Bragg, Calif. But in this case, looks can be deceiving the waters near, but because of the houses placement, renters have to drive to the beach. (Chris Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

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Under a shady veranda, the seating is plentiful and comfy. Good for admiring the views from a holiday rental in Paso Robles, Calif. When considering a rental, dont be shy about asking questions of the owner or the management company. (Chris Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

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A bedroom in a Fort Bragg vacation property has a relaxed look. The rentals can be a wonderful place to stay, but theyre not for everybody. In fact, the trade-offs would crush some travelers no industry standards, no promises from online sites that their ads are accurate, no bellhops, room service or on-site restaurants. But for others, it’s like renting a little bit of serenity. (Chris Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

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Hello, sailor! Vacation rentals may offer lessons in home decorating appreciation. Bottom line: To each his own. (Chris Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)

Associated Press

June 24, 2008 4:24 PM PT

The Associated Press

NEW YORK —

Plenty of Americans will enjoy a lazy summer day on the 4th of July at the beach or a backyard barbecue.

But if you prefer an urban setting for your holiday celebration, here are eight cities recommended by ProfessionalTravelGuide.com as the best places for fireworks and other festivities.

New York City hosts a massive fireworks display on the East River. The FDR Drive, a highway along the water, is closed to cars so pedestrians can get a riverfront view of the show.

In Washington D.C., a parade takes place during the day along Constitution Avenue, and at night, folks gather on the National Mall to watch the fireworks.

In Las Vegas, casinos host their own fireworks displays, along with concerts and other events and festivities.

Boston is known for its annual concert, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, held on the banks of the Charles River, with fireworks after.

Philadelphia‘s celebration includes a Latin Fiesta on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a Philly Pops concert at Independence Hall and a parade on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, followed by a concert and fireworks.

In St. Louis, the Fair St. Louis/Celebrate St. Louis Fourth of July event is one of the largest in the Midwest. The backdrop for the city’s fireworks couldn’t be finer: the Mississippi River and the famed Gateway Arch.

The event kicks off five weekends of entertainment, including a July 25 concert by The Black Crowes and an Aug. 1 appearance by Boyz II Men.

The Mississippi is also at the center of New Orleans’ Independence Day, with its Go 4th on the River celebration in which dueling barges shoot off fireworks on the water while visitors watch from the Riverwalk Marketplace and other vantage points.

Houston expects 100,000 people at Eleanor Tinsley Park along the Buffalo Bayou to watch the fireworks and listen to several hours of live entertainment.

The ProfessionalTravelGuide.com Web site has details about each destination and recommendations for places to stay at professionaltravelguide.com/Fourth-Fireworks.

Eight festive cities are fired up for 4th

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