How To Celebrate Independence Day If You're Staying Local

Lifestyle
Written By Maura Burchette

The second school got out for the summer, it felt like my IG feed was filled with amazing trips my friends started taking - it seems like everyone b-lined to Europe after not having traveled much during COVID. Making up for some much-needed travel time!

Welp, I wish I was headed to the Amalfi Coast this summer, but with no grand European vacation plans, I'll be making the most out of a relaxed summer with lots of little adventures and trips to the North Carolina mountains and the beach (and two weeks with one kid at overnight camp!), and I'm pumped for it. 

We especially love to be home for the 4th of July. What's more patriotic than watching the fireworks light up the sky above the monuments in Washington, D.C.?  So while everyone flees town, you'll find me happy as can be, watching the fireworks at Belle Haven on July 3 and then hanging out with best friends barbequing on the 4th of July.

Some other fun things to do if you happen to be in town for July 4th...

  • Start celebrating early! The Mount Vernon Independence Fireworks kick off the celebration of our Nation's founding with fireworks, patriotic music, and lighting of the mansion in red, white, and blue on June 24.

  • The Nationals have home games on July 1, 2, 3, and - so fun - the 4th.

  • My history buffs are a little young, but Pat wants to take the boys to the National Archives Museum to see the documents that shaped our nation – the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence. They read the Declaration of Independence on the museum steps, and George and Martha Washington, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Uncle Sam will be there throughout the day, celebrating with crafts, art, and live music. 

  • We also want to visit the National Museum of American History. When hitting the downtown Mall for museums, my boys always fight between Natural History and Air and Space (Johnny always requests the Zoo!), but we'll be making a trip to American History to see the Star-Spangled Banner.

  • And, of course, after we celebrate America's birthday...we celebrate Alexandria's birthday. The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 273rd and the USA's 246th birthday on Saturday, July 9, with a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and a grand finale fireworks display at 9:30pm. Enjoy the return of the big birthday experience of years past with cupcakes, local vendors, live music, and an extended runtime.

Bring on that red, white, and blue!

Maura Burchette

See all posts

Owner | Monday’s Child

Born and raised in Alexandria and married to a native Alexandrian as well! We love living in Old Town - just a few blocks from the store - with our three little boys and golden retriever Rumpelstiltzkin. Although my first job and real love was retail (the Lilly Pad where Mint Condition is now), I worked in Public Affairs and PR prior to buying the shop, which has really been a dream come true for me. I feel so grateful to work with our customers to find the perfect outfit for their special childhood moments. When I’m not at the store you can probably find me at an Old Town park chasing the boys or on my yoga mat.

A classic children’s boutique in Old Town, Alexandria for 40 years, we carry special occasion and play clothes for sizes newborn to 12. Located in the historic Crilley Warehouse just two blocks from the water, Monday’s Child is your go-to shop for baby gifts, baptism gowns, holiday dresses and outfits, boy’s blazers and ties, First Communion, shoes, books, toys and much more.

Monday’s Child I 218 North Lee Street I Alexandria, VA 22314 I 703.548.3505

Monday-Friday 10am – 6pm I Saturday 10am – 5pm I Sunday 12pm  – 5pm


Previous

The Sneaker You Need For Summer
Next

Why Financial Planning Matters