4th of July Favorites

WHO: Charlotte Steinway, Editorial Producer

WHY: "Block Island is a more laid-back alternative to über preppy Nantucket or the sceney Hamptons. The 4th of July festivities revolve around the 11 a.m. parade, which makes its way from New Harbor to Old Harbor, and are followed by a 9 p.m. fireworks show from Town Beach Pavilion. In between, stock a cooler with 'Gansetts and hit the beach."

DON'T MISS: "Barbecue and cornhole at Poor People's Pub on Ocean Ave. Get one of the bartenders, Karl or Joe, to whip you up one of the island's famed mudslides and be sure to nab a table outside — it's prime real estate during the parade."

WHO: Sean Murphy, Editor in Chief

WHY: “Montauk's beaches, breaks, bars and backyards vibrate with activity in celebration of America’s birthday. The vibe is decidedly un-Hamptons, but there's quite a hipster scene if that's your thing. We prefer to embrace Montauk’s real and raw roots, pack a cooler and enjoy the over-the-ocean Grucci fireworks on Umbrella Beach."

DON'T MISS: “Lunch or even better breakfast at Joni's, Ditch Plains Beach for the best surf break, bikinis and Ditch Witch burritos, Herb’s Montauk Market for killer fried chicken and Duryea’s Lobster Deck for the best sunset and shellfish combo. And if you’re interested in finally learning to surf, rent a board and sign up for lessons at Air and Speed."

WHO: Aaron Clossey, Social Media Marketing Manager

WHY: “You can’t go wrong with white sand beaches, Gulf views and some serious rays. Catch the parade in town at 10 a.m. or opt out to pack in some extra beach time. Later on, pack a cooler and reclaim your spot in the sand so you can watch the sunset before the 9 p.m. fireworks display at the Naples Pier."

DON'T MISS: “An early morning chartered fishing trip or some shopping on Fifth Ave. South. For some Naples dining, set your sights on seafood and drinks at Bistro 821 or Truluck’s.”

WHO: Felipe Araujo, Senior Pricing Analyst

WHY: "Sag Harbor is East Hamptons’ quieter Northern cousin. It’s a nice escape from the frenzied 4th of July crowds, but still close enough to Montauk that you can drive up for dinner and get in on a piece of the action."

DON'T MISS: "Walking up Main or Division Streets for Sag Harbor’s best boutiques and restaurants; check out the Dock House for the town's best lobster roll. Come afternoon, drive over to Montauk to catch the sunset and concert series at Surf Lodge. St. Lucia is playing on 4th of July weekend, but I’ll never forget the 2013 MS MR concert there — they put on LCD Soundsytsem and the rest was history."

WHO: Colleen Clark, Senior Editor

WHY: “It may sound clichéd, but I love reveling in the pomp and circumstance of DC on the 4th. Pack a picnic and laze the day away on the National Mall flanked by the Capitol, the monuments and Smithsonian museums. Then head to the W Hotel, where the bar overlooking the White House and monuments offers the best vantage point for the fireworks. Bonus points because you can have a cocktail…or four (drinks aren’t allowed on the National Mall)."

DON’T MISS: "There’s nothing more American than a baseball game, and the slick Nationals Park has killer food options, such as local (and Obama) favorite Ben’s Chili Bowl. Get a half-smoke (a hot dog-like sausage) smothered in cheese sauce, chopped onions and chili.”

WHO: April Ellis, Associate Photo Editor

WHY: "The Eastern Shore of Maryland is the place to unwind in the splendors of the Chesapeake Bay in true Southern hospitality style. Explore the water around Cambridge: if you don't know a local to take you for a sail, there are plenty of charters for hire. Go old school with a skipjack or take the Oxford-Bellevue ferry to St. Michaels for a stroll down Main Street. Discover the waterways and estuaries by kayaking through Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, where you're sure to spot at least a few bald eagles. Scoot over to Assateague Island for the day and sun bathe with the wild ponies."

DON'T MISS: "The local fare found in the historic towns dotting the Eastern Shore's coastline - raw bar, fried oysters, steamed crabs swimming in Old Bay and soft-shell-crab sandwiches. Don't forget to search for the perfect crab cake too."

WHO: Lindsay Bradley, Market Manager

WHY: "As the hometown of Katharine Lee Bates (author of America the Beautiful), Falmouth takes our nation’s birthday seriously. Festivities are already in full swing by 10 a.m. on Main St., where friends and families dress in their red, white and blue regalia for the Bike and Carriage Parade, colonial games and prizes. The revelry continues into the evening at Falmouth Heights with the beachfront fireworks display. Many gather hours in advance to gain the perfect vantage point for the show, which typically kicks off just after dusk."

DON'T MISS: "The Clam Shack serves up one of the best “lobstah” roll and fried clams meal in town. Take your fare out to the picnic tables and enjoy a quintessential Cape Cod harborside lunch. If you still haven’t had enough, make your way to Ben and Bill’s and dare yourself to try their famous lobster ice cream."

WHO: Christina Idol, Editorial Intern

WHY: “With its charming beaches, outstanding restaurants and patriotic ambiance, the small island of Nantucket lends itself as the perfect ‘All-American’ getaway to celebrate the 4th of July. Join in on the fun at the island’s annual parade beginning at 10 a.m. downtown and ending midday with the famous water fight at the Nantucket Fire Department. Need to dry off? Visit the picturesque Siasconset beach and enjoy the warm sunny weather.”

DON’T MISS: “A beautiful dinner just steps away from the Jetties beach fireworks: for a fun-filled night with family and friends, be sure to dine at the acclaimed American Seasons Restaurant, famous for its fresh local seafood. Once you’ve had your fill, head down to the beach to celebrate and watch the fireworks.”​