So who has made their Fourth of July plans already? Living in our Nation’s Capitol is pretty great this time of year if you don’t hate the tourists – I actually don’t mind them since they are a huge source of revenue for a city that doesn’t technically produce a saleable “product.”

The activities for July 4th celebrations are endless. From fireworks on The Mall to the National Independence Day Parade that trucks along Constitution, or anywhere in between there’s just something about being here on that day to celebrate what has turned in to a hokey marketing of three colors. Despite the funny glitter hats and the inevitable article the next day about a kid getting hurt by fireworks, I love the Fourth, if nothing else it’s a ping to remind myself of our freedoms and hey, get out and celebrate with the friends on a day off from work!

So what will you be doing? The Capital Fourth concert before the fireworks start? A picnic at a local park? I know it seems early but plans are a-flying especially for those events with ticket sales.

Me myself will be traveling for the first time in five years of living in DC and am bummed – but I’ll be on a trip to middle America, where I’m betting the patriotic sentiment will be just as, well, good and hokey.