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Oldest July 4th bash? Bristol, Rhode Island, has that and more
Oldest July 4th bash? Bristol, Rhode Island, has that and more

USA Today

time3 days ago

  • USA Today

Oldest July 4th bash? Bristol, Rhode Island, has that and more

Bristol, Rhode Island, takes pride in its 4th of July celebration – Photo courtesy of Eric Dickervitz / Bristol, Rhode Island When it comes to July 4th celebrations, no one has celebrated longer than the citizens of Bristol, Rhode Island, which began "patriotic exercises," as they're called, back in 1785 under the leadership of Henry Wight, reverend of the First Congregational Church and a veteran of the Revolutionary War. Today, this waterfront New England town about 20 miles from Providence celebrates Independence Day for a solid three weeks. Festivities kick off on June 14 (Flag Day) and wrap up with a parade on July 4. In between, there are concerts, fireworks, a Flag Day ceremony, a firefighters muster, a 4th of July ball, and much more. Of course, celebrating the 4th of July is just one of many reasons to visit Bristol. This town offers outdoor recreation, a healthy dose of arts and culture, an appetizing culinary scene, and the coziest accommodations, from bed-and-breakfasts to historic inns. Advertisement Things to do in Bristol, Rhode Island Bristol, Rhode Island, enjoys view of Narragansett Bay – Photo courtesy of Eric Dickervitz / Bristol, Rhode Island Bristol offer plenty of outdoor recreation, and a good starting point is Colt State Park, which sits along the waters of Narragansett Bay. You can launch your canoe or kayak from here, or cast your line from shore for some saltwater fishing. Other activities include biking, hiking, birding, and picnicking. If you prefer long-distance biking, hop on the East Bay Bike Path, a 14.5-mile trail that stretches from Independence Park in Bristol to India Point Park in Providence. If golf is your game, book a tee time at Bristol Golf Park, a nine-hole course. Bristol Golf Park is a public, par 3 golf course – Photo courtesy of Eric Dickervitz / Bristol, Rhode Island To learn more about Bristol, set out on the self-guided walking tour of the downtown area. Starting at the visitor center, you'll pass many notable buildings, such as St. Michael's Episcopal Church (founded in 1718), Namquit Mill, and Colt Memorial School. The total tour is approximately 1.3 miles, so you can move along at your own space. Advertisement Other notable sites in Bristol include Blithewold, a 33-acre summer estate with a 45-room mansion and extensive gardens; the Coggeshall Farm Museum, which gives visitors a taste of farm life in the late 1700s; and the Herreshoff Marine Museum, which features a hall of more than 60 historic boats. For art lovers, not-to-miss attractions include the Bristol Art Museum, The Graham Gallery, and the Kendall Reiss Gallery & Studio. Music and dance enthusiasts will delight in performances at Bristol Theatre Company and The Dance Theater at Roger Williams University. During the summer, Blithewold hosts the Music at Sunset Summer Concert Series on Wednesday nights. From May through August on the last Thursday of the month, check out Art Night Bristol Warren for artist talks and demonstrations, live music, dance, and much more. Where to eat and drink in Bristol, Rhode Island Sunsets along the water are the perfect way to wrap up a day in Bristol, Rhode Island – Photo courtesy of Eric Dickervitz / Bristol, Rhode Island You can't be this close to the water without having some fresh seafood, and several Bristol restaurants offer some of the best. For instance, at Bristol Oyster Bar you can order as many oysters as you like, from a few Narragansett Bay littlenecks to dozens of Rhode Island oysters. Other menu items include salmon, crab cake, swordfish, and more. Advertisement Pizza also is a popular staple in Bristol, with many restaurants serving up pies all day long. These include the Bristol House of Pizza, the Brick Pizza Co., and Classic Pizza & Grill. For a mix of great menu items, check out Leo's Restaurant, Common Pub & Grille, or Portside Tavern. When you're ready to wet your whistle, Bristol has plenty to offer from brews to wine to cocktails. At Aidan's Pub, you can have a pint of Guinness, while O'Brien & Brough Whiskey features a selection of, yes, fine whiskey. The team behind Pivotal Brewing Company serves up everything from ales to lagers to experimental beers in an industry setting with a sleek finish-out. Where to stay in Bristol, Rhode Island As a small town ensconced in history, it seems only right to choose accommodations that celebrate that history. In Bristol, there are several small inns and historic homes that will have you feeling like you've stepped back in time without sacrificing any modern comforts. For instance, built in 1792, the Bradford-Dimond-Norris House has five rooms, each with private baths, all within walking distance of many of Bristol's attractions. Another option is the William's Grant Inn, an 1808 colonial federal-style home with six guest rooms. When you check rates and book independently reviewed hotels through our site, we may earn a small commission. Overlooking the water, the Bristol Harbor Inn offers 56 guest rooms and suites that honor the Narragansett Bay with nautical-themed decor. The property also features a micro spa where you can indulge in a massage, body treatment, facial, or other treatment.

This town holds the record for the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebrations
This town holds the record for the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebrations

USA Today

time4 days ago

  • General
  • USA Today

This town holds the record for the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebrations

Cue the fireworks and fire up those grills, because the Fourth of July is almost here. The origins of the national holiday date back to July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed. However, the annual observation of the holiday only became a regular occurrence after the War of 1812, when events such as groundbreaking ceremonies for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad were scheduled to coincide with Fourth of July festivities, according to the Library of Congress. By the 1870s, Independence Day had become the most important nonreligious holiday for many Americans, and on June 28, 1870, Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday. As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, here's what to know about the event's history and which town hold the record for hosting the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebrations. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle Fourth of July: What are the top destinations for this year? Which town holds the record for the oldest continuous Fourth of July celebration? The Town of Bristol in Rhode Island, located about 16 miles south of Providence, holds the record for the oldest Fourth of July celebration in the country, according to the town's website. When did Fourth of July celebrations begin in Bristol? The annual celebration in the waterfront community of Bristol began long before the Fourth of July became a federal holiday in June 1870. According to the town's website, celebrations in Bristol started in 1785 when Revolutionary War veteran Rev. Henry Wight of the First Congregational Church conducted the first of what's known as the patriotic exercises, an event honoring military veterans. "It is not known exactly when the Parade started but it is thought that it evolved from the procession of community members walking to Patriotic Exercises," the website says, adding "the Parade, the Military, Civic and Firemen's Parade, is believed to have begun in the early 1800's." How does Bristol celebrate Fourth of July? Fourth of July celebrations in Bristol kick off on June 14. After the Flag Day ceremony comes a nightly concert series at Independence Park, a Fourth of July ball, the Orange Crate Derby and numerous other events, according to the town's website, before culminating with a 2.5 mile Military, Civic and Firemen's Parade on July 4. In past years, residents have come as early as 4 a.m. rain or shine to stake out a prime spot along the parade route and have decked out their houses with elaborate displays including a nearly life-size replica of the Iwo Jima Memorial, USA TODAY previously reported. When are Fourth of July celebrations in Bristol in 2025? Fourth of July celebrations in Bristol will take place on Thursday, July 3 at 9:30 p.m. with fireworks followed by a parade on Friday, July 4 at 10:30 a.m. Fireworks will be set off over Bristol Harbor, according to USA TODAY reporting, while the parade begins at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hope Street and ends on High Street. Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY / Catherine Messier, USA TODAY NETWORK - New England Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.

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