the gig:
A few days ago someone asked me when I usually make my 4th of July plans.
I sat and thought for a minute and then answered, “Like, maybe, July 4th morning?” Yes, I said it as a question. I’m that pathetic at pre-planning the 4th.
You’re probably saying, “Not me. We always have the same plans every year, so I always know what we’re doing.”
Sure, if you consider grilling hot dogs with the neighbors and then loading the family up in the van and heading to the Wal-Mart parking lot to sit on the ground and watch the fireworks plans, you are set.
But, it’s Independence Day. Our nation’s birthday. Our forefathers would be ashamed that we aren’t using our independence to make cooler and more exciting plans to honor all they did.
Well, we’re here to save you from the shame and boredom of another burnt-hotdog-filled, rollin’-up-to-the-Wal-Mart-in-a-packed-out-mini-van type of 4th of July. Because we’ve got multiple awesome plans for you to choose from…even one ITP…so you can be REALLY awesome.
Marietta: The Strand
If you do want to stick close to home, you can make a day of the fourth. Kick the day off watching the Freedom Parade on The Strand’s rooftop. No fighting for a view of the floats, marching bands, beauty queens and military as they make their trek through the Marietta Square. A cash bar will include bloody marys, mimosas, screwdrivers and other morning beverages. Talk about kicking off the day!
Later in the day, come back to The Strand for a Tribute to Motown, where performers will add a patriotic twist to a show centered on Motown classics like “Stop in the Name of Love” and “My Girl.” If you won’t be able to make this show on the fourth, don’t worry – it runs July 1-4.
Feeling up for a night out? You can come back to The Strand to watch Marietta’s impressive fireworks display from the fourth-level Cobb Terrace, with a cocktail in hand. Not to mention, the view of thousands of people in the Square’s streets (who obviously didn’t have as awesome plans as you) is pretty unbelievable, too.
view from The Strand
Atlanta-Buckhead: W Hotel
If you want to step out for the fourth in city style, then leave the kids with the grandparents for a don’t-call-us-we’ll-call-you-type of weekend at W Atlanta – Buckhead. A short drive into Atlanta gives you these spectacular patriot options:
4th of July All Access Package
- One wonderful room – which you’ll love
- Complimentary valet parking
- Bottomless mloody marys or mimosas for two at Market Restaurant’s Peachtree Road Race Viewing Party and champagne pops at 7 a.m. on Monday, July 4.
- Two access passes to watch the fireworks light up the sky at your choice of Whiskey Blue’s rooftop bar or Market’s Sundeck.
- Did we mention the bottomless bloody marys and mimosas?
4th of July View Package
- Complimentary upgrade to a fabulous room with a guaranteed in-room view of fireworks
- Complimentary valet parking
view from Whiskey Blue
the guide:
The Strand Events
rooftop view of the parade:
time: 9 a.m.
cost: $10
note: Only 100 spots available. You can get your tickets in advance, which is strongly recommended.
tribute to Motown:
dates and times: Friday and Saturday, July 1 & 2 at 8 p.m. and Sunday and Monday, July 3 & 4 at 3 p.m.
cost: $12 in advance and $15 day of show
rooftop view of fireworks:
time: doors and bar will open at 6 p.m., and fireworks begin after dark, estimated to be between 8:30 and 9 p.m.
cost: $15
note: admission is limited to 120 people
more info: www.earlsmithstrand.org
W Atlanta – Buckhead Events
4th of July All Access Package:
cost: $349, with an option to stay a second night at a rate of $99 – valid Monday, July 4 only
to book your package: www.watlantabuckhead.com/july-fourth-fireworks or call (678) 500-3100; request rate code JULY4ALL
schedule: check-in is Sunday, July 3 and enjoy a late checkout of 11:59PM on July 4, if you don’t stay the second night.
4th of July View Package:
cost: $309
to book your package: www.watlantabuckhead.com/july-fourth-fireworks or call (678) 500-3100 and request rate code JULY4VW – valid Monday, July 4 only
