Nashville's big Fourth of July celebration is usually at Riverfront Park. I haven't been yet, but the symphony is there and looks like this year they'll have Phil Vassar and Michael McDonald performing before the fireworks.

http://www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/july4th

Thanks for the info. Is this a mob scene? I'm used to the fireworks in NYC. When would you need to get there or does it matter? Can you see the fireworks from other parts of Nashville for example from Opry Mills or Opryland? Is there a cruise you could see them from on the General Jackson?

The General Jackson's web site calendar (generaljackson.com) only lists a midday cruise on the 4th. Opryland is having a "Poolapalooza" series on Fridays this summer, but it's 21 and up only (you don't say how old your children are), and I don't see anything special listed for the 4th. I seriously doubt you'd be able to see the downtown fireworks from the Opryland area.

Again, I haven't actually been to the downtown fireworks and definitely can't compare them to New York. But it's generally pretty well attended. If I were going, I'd plan to get there late afternoon-ish and just walk around, get some food or enjoy a picnic, and listen to the music before the fireworks.

I don't think the mob scene will be comparable. For one, because Nashville has nowhere near the amount of tall buildings as NYC, you can really see the fireworks from several points around the city without actually being at the riverfront. I have watched them from our car parked near Opryland Hotel before and you can tune your radio to hear the music they play for the fireworks. Have fun!

Thanks for the responses. My 21 year old son and my husband are attending the Opry on July 4th. I am trying to figure out if I can watch the fireworks with my 16 year old daughter from a nearby spot or if I should go with her to Riverfront Park. Maybe staying near the Opry will work.

For something different, consider an early start from Flagstaff to Williams and take the train into the Grand Canyon Park. Otherwise, best bet is still an early start from Flag and into the park. Then park your car and walk where ever you can.

I had considered the train but thought we would have too short a time to look around the Canyon. How early are you allowed to arrive by car? Also I read that the east entrance was less crowded than the south entrance. What's your advice?

It's been many years since I've been to the Ozark Folk Center, but we really enjoyed it. I live in Arkansas and can recommend all of the state parks--they really do an outstanding job. Since you'll be coming through on I-40, you might also want to go to the Clinton Library in Little Rock and, of course, don't miss Memphis: barbecue and jazz.

happytourist - I thought visiting the Ozark Folk Center would be a chance to experience something very unique. Glad to have your recommendation. One reason I agreed to go on such a long road trip was the opportunity to visit parts of the country that are so differents from each other.
My husband and I visited Little Rock many years ago. I am not sure if we can fit it in again this trip.
However we are definately stopping in Memphis even though we have been there before. We would like to show it to our children.

You don't see any of the canyon from the train and from what I hear, you don't get much time at the rim. You see the same scenery from the road as the train, so I'd drive up and be able to stay as long as you want.

Go to the Grand Canyon going up on Hwy 64 entering at Tusayan. Spend time at the Village overlooks. If time permits walk along the canyon rim up towards Hermits Rest and take the free shuttle back. Then drive towards Desert View stopping at the overlooks along the way. Exit the park on Hwy 64 at Cameron and then drive south on 89 to Flagstaff.

Utahtea