Bring on the Fourth!

With the holiday weekend upon us, I’m super-stoked to be heading to good ol’ Nashville, Tennessee, to light up some fireworks. When my out-of-town family and friends heard that my Florida crew was already in tow for a fun-filled weekend of music, barbecue and bull riding, it didn’t take long for them to decide to join us (even those from Kansas!). And with nonstop flights available from most U.S. cities, a no-hassle airport, a ton of amazing restaurants, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and a plethora of galleries and historic hotels, it wasn’t hard to talk even my non-country-music-loving friends into coming.


But as we are counting down to departure (my boots are already packed), I couldn’t help but notice how easy it was to plan a Nashville trip with so many people — a destination wedding here would be a cinch! We’re forgoing rental cars and staying downtown, where we can walk to all the great spots — like Tootsie’s, the old stomping ground of legends like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. But here’s the best part: Every Fourth of July, Riverfront Park hosts the Music City Festival — a jammed-packed day of live music from top names like Wynonna Judd and the Gabe Dixon Band. And for a finishing touch — the fireworks finale is serenaded by the Nashville Symphony. Now that’s the way to watch the show!



But no matter where you decide to celebrate this weekend — or where you are in your wedding-planning process — try to take some time off to enjoy the simplicity of this all-American holiday: grilling outdoors with friends, cold beers by the water and of course, lighting up a sparkler or two.