Some people still say the 4th of July is about patriotism, national celebration and the glory of liberty. Hate to call your star-spangled bluff, but the 4th of July is about gluttonous bbq’s, cold beers, really bright fireworks and weekend vacas. So with that in mind, we’re breaking down potential Independence Day vacation venues and activities. Print your itinerary after the jump.

I’m feelin’ Sedona…

Stay
The Enchantment: Named one of Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List of World’s Best Places To Stay, The Enchantment is a one-way ticket to relaxation. Nestled in Sedona’s stunning Bonyon Canyon, The Enchantment Resort combines luxury with rugged grandeur inspired by Native American culture. Mii amo, the destination spa at The Enchantment, was ranked #1 destination spa in the World in Travel + Leisure’s Worlds Best 2009 Readers Survey.
Sedona Rouge: Summer’s on sale at this red rock resort! Get a $30 resort credit for every night booked, as well as your third night free.

Dine
ChocolaTree Café: ChocolaTree is 100 percent organic eatery with a diverse, raw menu (free of gluten and processed sugar).
Pink Java Café: Grab an Iced Cherry Mocha at this coffee house owned by Pink Jeep Tours. And, make sure to snap a photo of their electric pink espresso machine. We are smitten!

Do
Disclaimer: No fireworks are permitted in Sedona due to dry conditions (and the recent wildfire in Flagstaff).
July 3rd Sizzlin’ Summer Bash at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village: This Independence Day event will feature music from a Dixie Land band, the Geritol Hipsters, and jazz and country from the Cat Black Band – all inside this beautiful, cobble-stoned Sedona landmark. For the kiddos, Tlaquepaque promises face painting, potato sack racing and an incredibly intense-sounding pie eating contest. Pre-register here. (Oh yeah, there’s a Health Waiver).
Slip ‘n Slide: Swimming at Slide Rock State Park is a 4^th of July must! The park is named after the famous Slide Rock, a stretch of slippery creek bottom adjacent to the homestead. Visitors (between the hours of 9 am and 7 pm) may slide down the slick, natural water chute or wade “Lazy River” style along the creek.

I’m feelin’ Palm Springs…

Stay
The Viceroy: A hotspot for gay and straight (but mostly gay) weddings and romantic weekend stays, The Viceroy Palm Springs offers exceptional spa services, luxury accomodations and beautifully manicured gardens. Updated to reflect the Hollywood Regency style popular during the desert escape’s original glamour era (the 1930s), the resort is completely (yes, completely) black, white and citron yellow. Treat yourself.
Parker Palm Springs: The Blanik of resort elegance. The Versailles of desert escapes. The Hemingway of architectural luxury.  Okay, you get it. Just say “yes” to paradise.

Dine
Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro: Here’s all you need to know. Flank the Fire & Smoke Pizza (fire roasted red peppers, sweet onions, fresh garlic, chipotle pepper tomato sauce with smoked gouda & fresh basil) with the Bacon Wrapped Shrimp & Grits (point reyes cheddar grits & chorizo) and the Spinach Salad (roasted pear tomatoes, candied walnuts, fresh orange, red onion, with warm bacon vinaigrette & goat cheese fritter).
Le Vallauris: The artful daily offerings are handwritten on a large board brought to your table for selection. Popular entrees include roast rack of lamb with thyme and garlic, Maine lobster ravioli with basil cream and tender grilled veal chop with Calvados sauce.

Do
The Pajama Game at Theatre 29: Admit it, you’re a sucker for bubble-gum American Musical Theatre. You know the song, “Hey There, You With the Stars in Your Eyes” (made famous by Rosemary Clooney)? That’s The Pajama Game.
The Spa at La Quinta: No, not the two-star inn and suite chain. A Waldorf Astoria Collection treasure, La Quinta Resort & Club is an original Palm Springs Resort and Hollywood hideaway since 1926. Spa La Quinta offers a unique blend of advance skincare science, innovative bodywork techniques and indigenous elements. Young spa goers (ages 8-16) may also enjoy a spa service side-by-side with a parent or guardian in a Duet treatment room. But, don’t miss La Quinta’s 41 pools and 53 hot tubs!

I’m feelin’ Las Vegas…

Stay
The Platinum Hotel and Spa: With suites rates starting at $109, the Platinum Hotel and Spa invites you to experience luxury, elegance and intimacy just steps from the Las Vegas Strip’s furious party atmosphere. With 255 spacious one- and two-bedroom suites, this non-gaming, smoke-free hotel offers the best of both worlds.
Bellagio Las Vegas: The amenities speak for themselves … Cirque du Soleil, the Bellagio Fountains, Yellowtail (make sure to request outdoor, balcony seating) and Hysrotherapy at Spa Bellagio. Glitz to perfection. 

Dine
Vintner Grill: Vintner Grill is a lively American Bistro nestled in West Las Vegas (in the neighborhood of Summerlin). The bistro’s fresh, modern décor and innovative architecture create a dynamic, elegant atmosphere (a la LGO Hospitality’s Chelsea’s Kitchen). The restaurant’s focal point? An outdoor patio with two large canopies, twinkling lights and comfy lounge seating.
Rosemary’s: Chefs Michael and Wendy Jordan draw from a variety of culinary influences to create French-inspired, creative American cuisine with unexpected, regional twists from New Orleans, the Deep South and the Midwest. Bonus: Sunday is “Wine Night.” Rosemary’s offers a 50 percent discount on bottled wine!

Do
First Friday at CAC: The Las Vegas Contemporary Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 art organization dedicated to presenting new, high quality, visual and performing art, while striving to build, educate, and sustain audiences for contemporary art. This weekend’s hours: Friday 6 – 10 pm and Saturday noon – 5 pm.
“Beach” Bummin’: Mandalay Bay Beach will host a fireworks show and concert by Mystic Roots beginning at 9 pm on July 4th. Tickets are $25. Bring a blanket to relax on the sand near the beach hotel’s pool.

I’m feelin’ like sticking around… so, where are the fireworks?

Great American Picnic Package at the Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa: For two nights (including July 3rd), join the Wigwam for the Great American Picnic – a night of fun, food and fireworks! This package includes two nights’ accommodations in an Adobe Traditional room and two dinner tickets with reserved seating to the Great American Picnic and fireworks extravaganza.

D-Backs D-Backs D-Backs: Because of positive fan reaction from the Arizona Diamondbacks inaugural post-game fireworks show at Chase Field on June 23rd, the D-backs added five additional post-game fireworks shows this season. Great seats are still available! Call the D’Backs ticket office at 602.514.8400 for your Cracker Jax / firework fix.

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