5. Yorktown Fourth of July Celebration

The Buzz -- A lot of cities around the US have spectacular fireworks displays and impressive parades on the Fourth of July, but in Yorktown all the celebrating seems to have so much more meaning behind it ... After all, this is where Lord Cornwallis surrendered to Washington's forces on 19 October 1781. The festivities kick off at 11am with the parade down Main St, which is usually accompanied by a USAF fly-by, and culminate at 9:15 that night, when the sky over the waterfront area is illuminated by the "rockets' red glare." Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as the parking lots at the National Park Service Battlefield area tend to fill quickly during the hours prior to the fireworks show. Good to note: The National Park Service Visitors Center waives admission fees on the Fourth of July.