Looking to celebrate the red, white, and blue in peak patriotism this year? From tiny flags waving in the summer breeze to ice cream melting on hot sidewalks and the sound of fireworks popping in the distance, these towns feel like the backdrop to a movie set. Pack the cooler and get your Fourth of July plans together in one of these patriotic small towns that are quintessentially USA.
Bristol, Rhode Island
A small, maritime charmer during the rest of the year, Bristol, Rhode Island takes its patriotic duties seriously, transforming into an explosion of all things America come June. Festivities begin on Flag Day and continue in an endless stream until the Fourth of July, when Bristol puts on the longest running Independence Day parade in the country. These elaborate celebrations have been going on since 1785, only nine years after the birth of the nation. The town is decked out from head to toe in stars and stripes, including swapping out the double yellow lines for red, white, and blue in the street centers every year. If you’re planning to celebrate the Fourth in Bristol be sure to hang out for the spectacular fireworks display, exceptionally beautiful as the sparkles are reflected in Mt. Hope Bay.
Gallup, New Mexico
This small city in the middle of New Mexico has long been dubbed the “Most Patriotic Small Town in America." It all started with a contest held by technology company Rand McNally in 2012 and ended with one happy local, Ken Riege, who had nominated the town due to its spectacular local war contributions. Located near the Navajo Nation, Gallup deployed the now-famous Code Talkers to the front lines during WWII. These Navajo men helped the United States encrypt secret messages throughout the war and were integral to the country's victory. Gallup prides itself on its many military heroes that have devoted themselves to America’s war efforts in a steady stream since WWII and Veterans Day is a particularly important celebration.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
With the distinction and honor of being one of the most historically dense cities in the U.S., the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is a tapestry of America’s past. With humble beginnings as an outpost of no more than 2,000 people, Gettysburg witnessed some of the United States' most poignant moments in history. From the most important battle of the Civil War to Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address, this town is teeming with the stories that shaped America. Visitors of Gettysburg today can still be transported to the 1800s by taking a tour of the battlefield itself at the Gettysburg National Military Park, attending a living history presentation, or exploring the lives of civilians in the many original buildings.
Arlington, Virginia
Located only miles away from the nation’s capital, Arlington, Virginia, is a great summer vacation for those looking for a historic destination. The city is the home of the Pentagon and the sprawling Arlington National Cemetery, the second largest in the country and the final resting place for many famous Americans. Those looking to pay their respects to the U.S.'s fallen heroes should be sure to stop by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the changing of the guard, which takes place every 30 minutes to an hour depending on the season, and the moving 9/11 Memorial, which pays homage to those lost in the tragic terrorist attack.
Findlay, Ohio
Findlay, Ohio earned its now official name of “Flag City” in a peculiar, but no doubt patriotic, way. Upon moving to this small town in northern Ohio, local man and member of the Sons of the American Revolution, John B. Cooke, had an idea to bring a bit of national pride to Findlay. Cooke went door to door, asking residents and business owners if they would fly American flags for Flag Day. His efforts resulted in over 14,000 flags being flown on June 14th, 1968 and the town has embraced its patriotic duties ever since. Celebrations span from June 14th through July 4th, including Juneteenth festivities. Stop by the town, wave your red, white, and blue, and by sure to sneak a peek at another of the town's claims to fame, an original 13-star flag that’s housed in the Hancock Historical Museum.
