Hello, Reader.

Everyone's talking about America's 250th birthday and that's got me reminiscing about some of my favorite Fourth of July celebrations over the years. When I was in my teens, my family loved to watch the fireworks over Lake Tahoe. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains on the California-Nevada border, Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite places.

We'd stake out a spot on the beach, wait for darkness to fall over the mountains, and then watch the sky light up over the water, choreographed to patriotic music. There's nothing quite like it!

That experience set a kind of standard for me. To this day, when Fourth of July rolls around, I find myself looking for fireworks over water. The reflection, the mountains, the fresh air, and the trees framing the show... It doesn't get any better.

If you feel the same way, here are a few places worth knowing about this week.

Lights on the Lake | Lake Tahoe, CA

If you've never experienced it, Lights on the Lake is consistently ranked among the best fireworks displays in the country — and for good reason. The show starts at 9:45 p.m., which means you have a full day to explore before the magic starts. Rooms are still available, but not for long.

Closer to home for my fellow Hoosiers:

​27th Annual Lights Over Morse Lake Festival | Cicero, IN

Practically in my backyard, and exactly what you picture when you imagine a small-town Fourth of July. Families spread out through the community park, the day fills up with activities, and after dark, fireworks over the water!

• Fourth of July parade (11 a.m.)
• Civil War cemetery tour (1 p.m.)
• Music in the park (1-5 p.m.)
• Fireworks over the water (10 p.m.)

Fireworks at the Indiana State Parks

If you'd rather spend the day in nature, several Indiana state parks are hosting their own displays this year:

• ​Fireworks over Lake James — Pokagon State Park, Angola
• ​July 4th Fireworks — Versailles State Park, Versailles
• ​Thunder Over Patoka — Patoka Lake, Birdseye
• ​Raccoon Lake Independence Day Fireworks — Cecil M. Harden Lake, Rockville

Wherever you end up this week, I hope there's water involved and you experience the kind of peace and joy that comes with a summertime celebration.

Now I'm curious: Do you have a favorite fireworks memory? A place that set the bar for you the way Tahoe did for me? Hit reply and tell us about it. We read every response and would love to hear your story.

Until next week...

With love,

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