Pennsylvania Spot Named Best to See Fireworks by USA Today
Fireworks season is officially here. As it turns out, Pennsylvania has one of the best spots to see fireworks in the U.S., according to the experts at USA Today. I’ve already heard a bunch of people setting off fireworks when the sun goes down by where I live, and that trend is only going to continue as the summer moves forward. Of course, it may be illegal to shoot off fireworks outside of the July 4th holiday, so do your research and check your local laws before going to town on launching your town fireworks.
Pennsylvania Spot Named One of the Best to See Fireworks by USA Today
USA Today recently had a poll asking readers to vote for their favorite fireworks displays in America, under their 10Best.usatoday.com section. First, they had their panel of experts pick a handful of national fireworks displays to have in the poll. Then, USA Today had readers vote for their picks. “The first 4th of July fireworks display dates back nearly 250 years, and fireworks have long been a mainstay for a wide variety of other holidays and festivities as well,” the publication states. “Beyond being such a feast for the eyes, public fireworks displays are a shared experience that can bring a community together.”
Before we get to Pennsylvania, let’s check out the No. 1 place to see fireworks in America. According to the USA Today experts, it’s Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. So, that’s not even very far from Michigan. “One of Chicago’s secret pleasures is that you can enjoy fireworks at the iconic Navy Pier almost any time of year, including shows twice a week during the summer and when welcoming in the new year with a blast every December 31,” they write. What’s cool about these fireworks is that you can watch them from a boat off Lake Michigan.
Now, let’s get to us. Which Pennsylvania spot has been named one of the best places to see fireworks in America? It’s Wawa Welcome America in Philadelphia. It totally makes sense that this would be on the tally, but it’s No. 6, and I would push to have it higher. USA Today, writes, “The free Wawa Welcome America festival runs for more than two weeks, starting on Juneteenth and culminating in a free concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.” They also suggest to watch the fireworks from the parkway between Eakins Oval and Logan Circle.
Tips to Maximize Your Vacation
1. Save Money
One great way to maximize your vacation is simply to save money. You’ll feel so much better on vacation knowing that you’re saving cash by doing things the right way. One major way to save money is to travel during an off season. Every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, look at the cheapest time to visit your destination, and go then. Find more tips on saving money on vacation, too.
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2. Don't Plan Every Minute of Your Vacation
Sure, you want to do some planning so that you don’t miss the big tourist stops in your destination. But, don’t book every blasted minute. Maximize your vacay by saving some time to be spontaneous. Take a day to just figure out what to do when you’re there. Maybe some locals will recommend a secret spot for you to visit during your “day off.”
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3. Do Plan Ahead, Though
While you don’t want to overbook your trip so that you’re always running from spot to spot, you do want to plan a bit. It’s not a good idea to do zero planning and just feel things out when you get there. Plan some big activities ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling last-minute.
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4. Plan Regular Mini-Vacations
If you only have one big vacation every year, you might feel under a lot of pressure to make it the most amazing experience ever. So, take away that stress. Plan mini-vacations throughout the year, so you aren’t under as much pressure to make your big trip the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your family. For example, in the fall, if you live in an area with beautiful colors, make an annual fall color tour trip and just drive around the state.
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5. Stay an Extra Day
If time and money allows, adding just one day to your vacation can open up a world of possibilities. Many people plan too short a trip, not realizing just how much they’ll want to do in their destination. So, add an extra day. You’ll be glad you did at the end of your stay.
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6. Take Time to Sleep
Sure, you’re on vacation. You want to soak up every minute of your trip. But, if you’re up late every night partying in the clubs and then up early to enjoy the sunrise, pretty soon, you’ll be too tired to enjoy your vacation. So, take time to get some sleep and feel rested.
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7. Let the Small Stuff Go
They say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s certainly true on vacation. Nothing is going to go totally as planned. So, expect the unexpected, and roll with it.
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8. Plan Some Recoup Time
When you get back from your vacation, don’t plan to start work the very next day. Take an extra day or two off after your vacation to recuperate, so that you hit the ground running when you’re back at work. The extra time at home will also give you a chance to savor your vacation.
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9. Pick an Experience
People often find experiencing more rewarding that physical things. So, make sure to plan an experience with your trip. Maybe there’s a huge concert you want to see on vacation. Perhaps it’s a sporting event. Whatever it is, plan an awesome experience.
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10. Learn for Next Time
Finally, when you’re home from your trip, decompress and look back on your vacation. What went wrong? What went right? Take notes and learn from your vacation, so you’ll know what to do better next time.
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