Boston’s 4th of July Celebrations

Kellie Speed

Boston Editor

Photo Courtesy of Boston Harbor Hotel It’s America’s birthday and the bicentennial of the War of 1812. You may even have your own tall tale to tell but today it’s time to talk about the Tall Ships. Lots of them. Sailing around in Boston Harbor right now until July 6. Here you will see everything from the flagship vessel of the Colombian Navy to the only tall ship mast ship of the Barquentine – Dewaruci of Indonesia, and, of course, Boston’s own prized possession, the USS Constitution. There is no better way to catch a glimpse of these amazing vessels then by way of the Boston Harbor Hotel. Located right at Rowes Wharf, the hotel literally has a front row view to all of the city’s best festivities this week. It’s Boston Navy Week, the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, Boston Harborfest and Independence Day. On July 4, the Navy Blue Angels will be providing an aerial demonstration right in the backyard of the hotel (not to mention you will be able to see the annual turnaround of the USS Constitution). Here you will also be able to get an up close and personal look at one of the Tall Ships – the Pride of Baltimore II docked at the hotel until July 4, offering majestic day and evening sailing charters July 1- 4. Odyssey Cruises are also offering a variety of lunch and dinner cruises to celebrate the Tall Ships arrival. From a Blue Angels Constitution Turnaround Cruise to a Tall Ships dinner cruise, Entertainment Cruises has a full lineup of fun cruises that leave right from the dock at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Sip on a glass of chilled pinot grigio from Chef Daniel Bruce’s impressive wine list at the Rowes Wharf Sea Grille’s outdoor terrace while snacking on some New England seafood favorites like Wellfleet oysters, buttermilk fried Ipswich belly clams and a roasted two-pound Maine lobster with sweet corn pudding. There is always something going on at this hotel and this week is better than ever to book a stay here. From now until the end of August, be sure to check out the free Summer in the City concert series that has something going on here every night. On Mondays, head over for a Beach Party featuring tropical live bands at the Sea Grille’s harbor side terrace. Tuesdays feature soul bands with performances by Soul City, Soul Kitchen and Soul Sound Revue. Timeless tunes are held on Wednesday evenings while our favorite night is Thursday for the blues barge. From 6 to 10 p.m., the hotel creates a unique floating stage anchored directly behind the hotel and features an impressive lineup of blues bands, including James Montgomery, Bruce Marshall and Jeff Pitchell. We love free movie Friday nights shown here on the harbor. On July 6, be sure to arrive here early as Yankee Doodle Dandy is sure to be a popular evening (Other movies over the summer include An American in Paris, Jaws, Princess Bride and Moonstruck). This week’s lineup of entertainment starting at 6 p.m. includes: Monday, July 2 – The BaHa Brothers Tuesday, July 3 – SoulCity Wednesday, July 4 – Good Will and Them Apples (12 to 3 p.m.) and Legit at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 5 – James Montgomery Band Friday, July 6 – DJ Mike Amado plays tunes at 4:30 p.m. and Yankee Doodle Dandy begins at dusk. We love hanging out at the newly opened Alley Bar where you can sip on fun cocktails like the Alley Cat (Double Cross Vodka, mint serrano simple syrup, fresh lime garnished with cilantro), Harbor Whiskey Smash (Hudson Manhattan Rye, muddled lemon, mint & honey syrup) and Don’t Miss the Boat (Gosling’s Rum, Earl Grey Tea, ginger mint simple syrup, cranberry shrub, topped with Gosling’s Ginger Beer). The Boston Harbor Hotel is located at Rowes Wharf. Call (617) 439-7000 or visit BHH.com to learn more.

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