A Grand 4th of July Celebration in Bristol, RI
Article and photo (downtown Bristol, RI) by Eric H. Looking for a great fourth of July celebration? Then try the 4th of July celebration in Bristol, RI, America's oldest continuously-running 4th of July celebration. This year's parade begins at 10:30 a.m., at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street (Rt. 114) and ends on High Street, between State Street and Bradford Street. Special events are planned throughout the day, with a fireworks display at 9:45 a.m. I attended a few of these celebrations many years ago, and remember it as one of the best I've ever been to -- no surprise, given Bristol's dedication to patriotism, small town living and maintaining and enhancing its town's big, old homes and stately buildings. What's more, Bristol is close to Newport, RI, known for its spectacular mansions, ocean beaches and myriad shopping, lodging and dining opportunities. Bristol, however, is a great travel destination in its own right, with a classic downtown wit...