The 4th of July in Washington is one of the coolest, most dazzling visual displays one is able to see for the holiday. The fireworks over the monuments combine to depict a scene that seems straight out of a fictional painting; as a witness, you see probably the most beautiful panorama of the city that you could ever have of the cityscape. Still, as with most things that happen in DC, there is a drawback, an enormous one. The sheer numbers of people that will be on the Mall Friday usually reach the hundreds of thousands, plus each person must enter through a security checkpoint that forces you to get there hours ahead of time. I’m not saying the festival and concerts that accompany it aren’t fun, but if you’re not a fan of waiting and waiting and waiting some more, here is some other nearby options for fireworks.

Rockville – Fireworks begin at 9:30 on the Montgomery College Campus, and can be seen from most of the surrounding areas, including Rockville Town Center. Take Red Line to Rockville/Twinbrook/White Flint Metro Stations.

Gaithersburg – On the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, usually include a festival with live music and good cheap food. Fireworks start at dusk. Take Red Line to Shady Grove Station, and shuttles run consistently.

College Park – On the University of Maryland campus, these take place on Parking Lot 1, off Campus Drive near the University Boulevard entrance (by the Stadium). Fireworks start at 9 p.m. then go to Bentley’s or Thirsty Turtle or Santa Fe or Cornerstone or any other bar on campus to celebrate our country’s birthday. Take Green Line to College Park-U of MD Station.

Alexandria – At the Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison Street. Celebration from 4-10 p.m. with fireworks following a concert by the Arlington Symphony Orchestra at 9. Take the Yellow/Blue Lines to Braddock Road Station

Falls Church – George Mason High School. Live music at 7 followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Take the Orange Line to West Falls Church-VT/UVA Station.

Kings Dominion  – Possibly the most underrated theme park in history, this is about a 2 hour drive from downtown DC. The coasters are illnasty and there’s usually some legit concerts that accompany these fireworks. No Metro stops anywhere near there, but if you can drive there, it’s worth it.

I, meantime, will be celebrating America’s birthday at my friend’s house with some random party he won on the radio (Laytonsville, MD, if anyone is interested). Even though she’s turning 232 doesn’t mean we can’t make her do a shot for each year, does it?