Every year, summer comes and goes far too quickly—my sunscreen bottle is only halfway empty for crying out loud! Luckily when we all start to get the end-of-summer blues, Labor Day weekend saves the day by giving us one last change to soak up the sun, explore new destinations and say goodbye to everyone’s favorite season in style.

View from Dolores Park. Photo: Loose Charm Productions

Vegas Pool Parties
If you feel like getting a little loco this Labor Day weekend, head to Las Vegas for some of Sin City’s infamous pool parties. Labor Day is one the busiest times of year for these pool parties, which isn’t a surprise considering that the temperature is still sweltering. Check out Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on September 5 for strong mix drinks, private cabanas, celebrity guests and incredible DJs. Most of the major hotels in Vegas will have some sort of pool party, so research your favorites to find your perfect pool party.

San Francisco Picnics
Mark Twain allegedly said that the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco. While that might seem to be an extreme statement (unless he lived year round in Hawaii), San Francisco can be quite foggy during the summer. Well, usually (*fingers crossed*) come Labor Day, San Francisco is enjoying some late summer sunshine. To take full advantage, pack up your picnic basket, a big blanket and your favorite lunchtime goodies and head to one of the city’s finest parks to enjoy your Labor Day in true San Franciscan-tradition. Dolores Park has great views and is known for its ample supply of sunshine, even if it’s foggy elsewhere. The park is small and can get crowded—so be sure to get there early so you don’t have to fight the hipster kids for blanket space. San Francisco has an abundance of awesome parks, so be sure to find one that fits your needs.

Chicago Jazz Concerts
Boogie down this Labor Day to Chicago’s 32nd annual Jazz Festival. With four days and three locations to choose from, this year’s event is taking place Sept. 2 through Sept. 5, with shows at Grant Park, Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center—plus admission is free. So get ready to see some national and international acts alongside some Chicago jazz greats.

Cleveland Air Shows
The Cleveland National Air Show takes flight over Labor Day Weekend, so gather the family and head over to the Burke Lakefront Airport on Sept. 4, 5 and 6. This year the Cleveland skies will be filled with the aerial skills and tricks of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle and more. With three days to chose from, you can pack some excitement into your long weekend and still have time to throw that barbeque you’ve been mentally planning.

Seattle’s Bumbershoot
One of my favorite parts of summer is rocking out at music and arts festivals, so it’s always a relief to see a few end-of-summer festivals trying to cling to the last days of warm weather and the carefree life. At Seattle’s Bumbershoot, you can  check out musical acts such as Neko Case, Bob Dylan and Weezer; watch indie films; get your jollies at a stand-up show; and peruse the crafts that are for sale.

The Seattle skyline is exceptionally impressive at night. Photo: James Marvin Phelps.

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If you have prospective college students in your family, consider utilizing your next family vacation to check out universities. There are first-rate colleges and universities in virtually every corner of the United States, so you can work some college visits into your vacation itinerary or, even better, plan your vacation according to where you’re college applicant is interested in applying.

This post we’ll explore colleges in Seattle, but stay tuned in the coming weeks for insider looks at college towns across the United States:

Washington University. Photo: eyspahn

There is a multitude of colleges and universities within the city radius: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Cornish College of the Arts, Gage Academy of Art, as well as a plethora of local community colleges.

Capitol Hill: the Art Student

For the aspiring student artist, explore the Capitol Hill area, which boasts Seattle University, the Gage Academy of Art and Cornish College of the Arts. Exploring the Hill on foot is demanding, since it’s quite hilly.

A short walk south of the Hill off Broadway Street, you’ll find Seattle University. The campus is a green enclave that climbs south towards First Hill and descends east towards 12th Street. Opposite SU, the Gage Academy of Art is on the north side of the Hill where Broadway crosses 10th Street. The historic Gage Academy building has one of the most spectacular views of the city—a spread including Lake Union, Queen Anne Hill, the downtown skyline and the Olympic Mountain range.

If your journeys north and south haven’t totally fatigued you, stroll down to Cornish College of the Arts. The Cornish campus is on the invisible border of lower west Capitol Hill and downtown Seattle. Perfectly located, Cornish is luckily just a leap from many artistic ventures. Music fans will delight in the Experience Music Project, just a 10-minute walk from campus. Another artistic wonder, the downtown branch of the Seattle Public Library, is a sculptural masterpiece that would be a shame to miss.

Dining in Capitol Hill/Downtown:

• Coastal Kitchen—Northwestern food with a rotating menu that explores different Regions of the world. 429 15th Avenue East, tel. 206-322-1145.

• Dahlia Lounge—Tom Douglas’ renowned restaurant serving comfort food with a Northwestern twist. 2001 Fourth Avenue, tel. 206-682-4142.

U-District: the Student Athlete

The University of Washington (UW), located in the Montlake and University area, offers something for everyone. The school hugs Lake Washington and peers out towards the North Cascade range. The Montlake Cut, the link between Lake Washington and Puget Sound (Portage Bay), is famous, while “The Ave.” is an infamous party zone. Student athletes and outdoor enthusiasts can take pleasure in the trails that reach over the Cut and converge at the Washington Park Arboretum.

Dining in the U-District:

• The Ram Restaurant & Brewery—Burgers and brews. 2650 University Village, tel. 206-525-3565.

• Café Solstice—Fantastic coffee, pastries, sandwiches and a favorite place to study. 4116 University Way NE, tel. 206-675-0850.

Queen Anne Hill: Traditionalists

Seattle Pacific University sits at the base of Queen Anne Hill. The campus is extraordinary with sprawling lawns and tree canopies. SPU offers several different degree choices and is definitely a place to check out both because of its academic credibility as well as its location. Spend the day at the river trail across the street from the school and then cool off in the shade of a large maple on campus.

Dining in Queen Anne Hill:

• 5 Spot—All kinds of omelets to choose from for breakfast; salads, sandwiches, and burgers for lunch and dinner; great place to grab late-night food as well, since the Spot is open until midnight! 1502 Queen Anne Ave N 98109, tel. 206-285-SPOT.

• Tup Tim Thai—A great place for tasty, mid-day Phad Thai! 118 W Mercer St 98119, tel. 206-281-8833.

Where to Stay

Seattle has several terrific hotels. Here are three that are family friendly:

Fairmont Olympic Hotel
411 University Street, tel. 206-621-1700.
www.fairmont.com/seattle

Sheraton Seattle Hotel
1400 Sixth Avenue, tel. 206-621-9000.
www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton

Inn at the Market
86 Pine Street, tel. 206-443-3600.
www.innatthemarket.com

Plan your Seattle vacation on TravelMuse.

Adapted from “College Visit Guide: Seattle” by Ray Rogers.

Maybe it’s a guy thing, but I really love fireworks. When I was a kid, I always looked forward to the Fourth of July with great anticipation. Sure the barbecues and pool time are great, but it’s the fireworks that really define the Fourth.

Big, small, ornate, booming, choreographed to music or just launched from the neighborhood cul-de-sac, nothing quite says Americana like Fourth of July pyrotechnics (and singed eyebrows).The sights, the sounds, the smells—all combine to create an exhilarating experience.

Following is a list of some of the best BIG shows in popular U.S. vacation destinations. So gather up the family, get the glow sticks ready for the kids, and head out for an evening of oohs and aahs.

10. Lights on the Lake—Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to watch fireworks over a picturesque mountain lake. The show is set to music and lasts more than 30 minutes. http://www.bluelaketahoe.com/page.php?p=july4

9. Freedom Over Texas—Houston

An all day shindig with country performers and food and brew, culminating in a rockin’ aerial display. http://www.houstontx.gov/specialevents/cfot/index.html

8. Friendship Festival—Buffalo, New York

The Friendship Festival celebrates “nearly 200 years of peace” between the United States and Canada. It’s a week-long celebration that ends in a fireworks display on the Fourth, visible from both the U.S. and Ontario shores of Lake Erie. http://www.friendshipfestival.com/events.html

7. Go Fourth on the River—New Orleans

Just when you thought New Orleans couldn’t get any better, it does. Live jazz and great food paired with “dueling fireworks barges” on the Mississippi. Yeah, that definitely sounds like fun. http://www.go4thontheriver.com/

6. Fourth of July Waterfront Celebration at Pier 39—San Francisco

A solid fireworks display to be sure, but what makes this one special is the music of Tainted Love—possibly the world’s greatest ‘80s cover band. Warning: potentially dangerous combination of hair spray and explosives. http://www.pier39.com/Events/events.htm

5. WaMu Family Fourth at Lake Union—Seattle

Hailed by Time magazine as one of the “Top Five Fireworks Displays” in the country, this free admission, family-friendly celebration is in its 20th year of bringing together the local community for a unique day of commemoration. http://www.wamufamily4th.org/

4. Welcome America—Philadelphia

What better place to celebrate the Fourth of July than in Philly: the birthplace of our nation, Rocky Balboa and the cheese steak. http://www.americasbirthday.com/

3. Central Pennsylvania Fourth Fest – State College, PA

This extravaganza bills itself as “the greatest volunteer fireworks show in the nation. ”Where do I sign up? Central Pennsylvania Fourth Fest combines live entertainment, the Firecracker 4K fun run, food and drink with thousands of pounds of high explosives launched by amateur pyros. Rock on!  [http://www.4thfest.org/]

2. Macy’s Fourth of July Fest—New York City

See one of theworld’s biggest fireworks displays in the greatest city in the world. ‘Nuf said. http://www.ny.com/holiday/july4/

1. Fireworks on the Mall—Washington D.C.

Yes, the crowd is insane, and you’ll want to claim your precious patch of real estate on the National Mall way early, but this is a show not to be missed. The fireworks are set against the backdrop of iconic U.S. landmarks and coupled with patriotic music performed by the National Symphony Orchestra. Having grown up in the D.C. suburbs, it’s one of those experiences I’ll always remember. http://www.nps.gov/mall/planyourvisit/fireworks.htm

Happy Fourth of July!