Celebrating July 4th In and Around Borderstan
Where are the good spots to watch the fireworks? (Fox Deatry)
From Fox Deatry. Email him at fox[AT]borderstan.com.
The Fourth of July is upon us. That means one thing for Borderstan residents: mass exodus to the Eastern Shore or some tropical holiday miles away for the July 4th holiday. Those of us who stick around either get invited to some awesome roof party or — with reservations — head to the National Mall in the company of heat-and-humidity stricken tourists. Of course, there are some of you who have connections and will end up on the White House lawn, rubbing elbows with the First Family.
For those of us who will be around, it will be festivities galore. The biggest is the fireworks at the National Mall complete with the musical tunes of the 1812 Overture. Here are a few viewing places:
- Meridian Hill/ U Street – You know that friend/acquaintance of yours who lives in one of those high rises? Well, time to give them a call ’cause chances are they’ll be drinking their mint juleps and margaritas on their rooftops while watching the bursts of red, white and blue. From what I hear, The Ellington Apartments is the best location.
- Just wanting to cool off, relax in your two-piece and dip your legs in a pool instead of the Dupont Circle Fountain? The perfect place is The Donovan House. While this destination does not provide a 360-degree view, it is a good alternative for DC locales who don’t quite fancy the pyrotechnics anymore. Besides, it is entertaining to watch some people on one edge of the lounge, gawking and rubbernecking for a mere flare.
- Fourth of July falls on the middle of the week this year. It will therefore not be surprising to see some workaholics in the office. For those of you on K and Connecticut Streets, it will not be a bad idea to kick it around the office until 9PM, bring non-ALCOHOLIC drinks and maybe even arrange a viewing party with fellow workaholics. This bonding time will either be quality or awkward, especially when a co-worker shows up in full colonial regalia. But with non-ALCOHOLIC drinks, who knows.
- Naturally the National Mall is the best place to be, and it is only a few blocks from the Borderstan neighborhood. If you do decide on this location, come early and enjoy the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. The Festival will be featuring the AIDS Memorial Quilt, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Also, PBS is hosting its Capitol Fourth concert a stone’s throw away with white guy with guitar Phillip Phillips and conductor John Williams.
Be safe and have fun. Don’t light ’em fireworks. This time watching rather than participating is more pleasurable.
