July Fourth with the Tourist Network

I know it's not quite right around the corner...BUT July 4th is what the summer is all about...and it's truly never too early to start planning your events. The 4th is a special day in the summer, a time of families, fun, food, and of course fireworks...

Jimmy Buffet wrote a song entitled "The Night I Painted the Sky." In the song he talks about Independence Day:

"Independence Day
And all I remember
Was a midnight rainbow
That fell from the sky
As I stand on the beach
I slowly surrender
To the child in me
That can't say goodbye"

As Buffett so often does, he captures the wonder and amazement of life near the beach. Everytime I hear the song I think of my family vacations on the East coast in destinations like Rehobeth Beach and Ocean City...and now when I hear it I cannot imagine being anywhere else BUT the wonderful shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Laying in the sugar sands, watching the sky filled with fire, enjoying the company of my wife and friends...July 4th is a magical time of year and spending it in one of our destinations only adds to the story and experience.

I wish everyone an incredible fourth and if you have not made your plans yet, I encourage everyone to pick a destination, hop in the car and head to a three or four day weekend filled with whimsy and memories. Once you pick your July 4th spot, let us help you make the memories - if you find yourself heading to one of our markets, check out the stations online ahead of time to see the who, what, when and where of the 4th. Tim Creehan will have some great BBQ ideas and tips with his chef show, Nick Vavas will be covering the general July 4th info on our Local News...and of course tune into Club Hour for a look at some of the best bars to witness the explosions and some great places to enjoy a cocktail or two after the main event.

Speaking of cocktails...thanks to my friends at Cocktail Times here are a few July 4th drink ideas:

Recipe 1:

Patriotic Punch
- 1 part UV Red Cherry-flavored vodka
- 3 parts lemonade

Pour the ingredients into a rocks glass over ice. Stir and serve.

Recipe 2:

Yankee Doodle
- 1 part UV Blue Raspberry-flavored vodka
- 2 parts sour
- 1 part tonic

Pour vodka, sour and tonic into a rocks glass over ice. Stir and serve.

And for the incredible ribs to go with your fireworks and fun, check out Tim Creehan's BBQ show.

Again, I know it's mid-June but its never too early to plan your memorable 4th...hope to see everyone on the beach standing under the "midnight rainbow."