I am a Floridian by birth, but Bristol, Rhode Island feels like home. The warm welcome of locals such as Brian Travers, owner of the Bradford-Dimond-Norris House bed and breakfast, where we stay every time, or the quintessential New England Americana of the place—especially at the beginning of July.
The oldest continuous settlement in the world is located here. Independence Day celebration in the country—and this year, Bristol is marking its 240th year doing it big on the Fourth of July.
As the unofficial capital of Fourth of Jul. in the U.S. Bristol On June 14, a Flag Day Ceremony kicked off a nearly month-long celebration of patriotism. The patriotic momentum continues to build over the next few weeks with free outdoor concert, orange crate race, pageants and fireworks.
The tradition of the 2.5-mile long procession dates back to 1785. It winds through Bristol, with red, blue, and white stripes painted on the historic Hope and High Streets.
Expect to see drum corps, marching bands and elaborate floats. (Awards are given out for Most Patriotic, Most Beautiful and Most Original) and the newly-crowned Miss Fourth of July or Little Miss riding with style. The star-studded cheer and American pride is contagious—it’s by far my favorite place to be on the Fourth of July.
The town fills up for the celebrations, understandably, so plan to arrive (very) early if you want a spot along the parade route, or find accommodations along the route—the grassy yard of Bradford-Dimond-Norris House gives you a front-row seat to the parade, a huge perk for guests staying during the Fourth of July festivities. The nearby towns of Newport and Providence are also good options. Seastreak Ferry Bristol connects these charming towns.
Bristol is known for the parade but don’t forget that summer doesn’t end July 5. Bristol’s Gilded Age architecture and Colonial Revival, its quaint harbor views and all-American atmosphere make it a destination worth visiting even after the fireworks have faded.
You can visit historic estates any time of the year. Mount Hope Farm It was once the home of George Washington. Linden Place Enjoy live music in the bayfront lawn of Blithewold.
If you stay at the Bradford-Dimond-Norris House (as you should), breakfast will be served, but let Brian know that one morning you’ll skip and cross the street to Bristol Sunset Café—which is not, in fact, open at sunset, but does start serving cinnamon rolls as big as your head soon after sunrise. Order one grilled—trust me. You can also visit the long-loved humble burger. Hope Diner Their famous blueberry muffin is available as a grilled version that is mouthwateringly tasty.
For lunch, The Beehive Café Offers lighter, locally-sourced fare while Buck-a-shuck Oysters at Bristol Oyster Bar You can get a delicious lobster roll in a family owned restaurant Quito’s Restaurant and Bar The hot buttered Connecticut style is my favorite, and not the cold version that most places serve. Round out the perfect New England meal.
Bristol, New England’s gem, is perfect for those who want to celebrate the Fourth of July in a quieter way.
