Tips for a Red, White and Blue Family Celebration!

Fourth of July is one of my all time favorite holidays. With parades, fireworks and barbecues, what kid doesn’t love it too!

Though I'll definitely be here for the big day, that won't stop me from taking advantage of a long weekend and head out to a few nearby towns.

30 minutes away:

• Head to the Marin County Fair: What's more American than the Preservation Jazz Hall Band? Check them out at the Marin County Fair on July 4. The fair runs daily, June 30 - July 4, with great activities every day. This fair is amazing by itself, but if you head down on Independence Day you can enjoy pig races, a lion dance, learn how to grow vegetables (kids will love that one), mule driving, goat milking, a pie contest, and fireworks. (They have fireworks every night! One price includes everything except food - $15 for adults, $13 for kids 12 and under.
• Another option is Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. The park has celebratory fireworks on both Sunday and Monday evening.  Park hours will be from 10:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday, and with July 4th landing on Monday, plan on a later closing time of 10 p.m, both days ending in a fantastic fireworks show.  They will also be hosting an all-you-can-eat picnic from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in the picnic groves (located next to Ocean Discovery) on Monday. Enjoy Classic BBQ fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, beans, garden salad and ice cream sandwiches! Picnic prices are General $15.99 and Season Pass Holders $13.99. Tickets for the picnic will be available for purchase only on Monday at the Explorer Outpost or Gifts Under the Sea.
• Napa County Fair- The fair will be going on all weekend with carnival rides, entertainment, animals and attractions for all ages (yes, they even have open bull-riding!). Fireworks and parade down Calistoga Avenue on Monday, with fireworks starting at 9:30 . Carnival rides are extra but the entertainment is included. (Special Tip: July 1 is $5 day and kids ages 12 and under are free.)

One hour away

Pier 39 in San Francisco, runs an all-day fourth of July festival, with music starting at noon, and running until 9:30 p.m. When the sun goes down around 9:30 p.m., stick around for San Francisco’s spectacular fireworks display over the Bay! If you want to splurge and stay over for the night in the city, check Expedia and Travelocity for last minute hotel deals on Monday night. When I checked they still had a few hotels with rooms for Monday night, for those of you that don’t have to be at work Tuesday morning!

One tank of gas (three hours)

Lake Tahoe: If you already have a place to stay, you are in luck! Lake Tahoe boasts one of the largest synchronized fireworks shows on this side of the Mississippi. And for the most memorable fourth of July weekend, start the morning off on the slopes and then hit the lake for the fireworks show. Nearly 800-inches of snow have been piling up and Squaw Valley will be running six lifts and offering lessons throughout the holiday weekend. It's the Ultimate Independence Day Weekend! Info for Squaw Valley is open Saturday, July 4, 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Lift tickets $49 adults, $12 age 12 and under (2011-12 season passes valid). (800) 403-0206, www.squaw.com.

If I didn't hit on your favorite spot, let us know. (Or check out this list of the bay area celebrations, broken down by county.) Happy Fourth of July!