6 Fun Ways to Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America

We have a lot of candles to blow out this Fourth of July—250 of them, to be exact. And there will be no shortage of parades and firework spectaculars honoring this grand occasion. But marching through the streets to the tune of “Yankee Doodle Dandy” is just one way to show your love for America. Here are six more ways to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America this summer.

Pick a wiener

Americans consume more than 20 billion hot dogs each year—especially around the Fourth of July, when all eyes turn to the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, New York, where thousands gather to watch Mustard Belt champs devour dozens of dogs in a matter of minutes. Meanwhile, July 15 is National Hot Dog Day, so find a stand near you and dig in. We recommend Pink’s Hot Dogs, a celebrity-studded LA favorite since 1939, or Chicago’s The Wieners Circle, where every dog is served with a side of insult.

Scream at the top of your lungs

Ever since the first commercial roller coaster debuted at Coney Island in 1884, Americans have chased theme-park thrills. New coasters opening this year include:

• NightFlight Expedition, a hybrid land-and-water coaster at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

• Galacticoaster, an indoor, outer space-themed thrill ride at both LEGOLAND California Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort

• Tormenta Rampaging Run, billed as a world record-breaking dive coaster (tallest, fastest, longest) at Arlington’s Six Flags Over Texas

Pitch a tent

Sleeping under the stars has long been a cherished American pastime, thanks to our fabulous national park system, widespread car culture, and the tradition of summer camps. Celebrate Route 66’s centennial by pitching a tent near iconic stops along the Mother Road, such as Meramec Caverns in Missouri or the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

See a flick

Ever since Jaws scared the heck out of us, Americans have been obsessed with the summer blockbuster. Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, Supergirl, and Toy Story 5 promise to keep that tradition alive. Catch them at historic Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre, near Allentown, Pennsylvania, the oldest drive-in in the country, or at Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In in Gibson City, Illinois. In Los Angeles,Cinespia screens classic films in the famous Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Go for the green

Europeans may have invented mini golf, but here in America, we love superlatives—so the putt stops here! Newcomer PopStroke Nashville, for example, boasts a whopping 100,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, three 18-hole courses, and five jumbotrons. For sky-high thrills, head to Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; it rises five stories and features its famous 19th hole. And in Anaheim, Camelot Golfland stands as one of the country’s most expansive mini-golf playgrounds.

Have your ’cue and eat it, too

Fire up the grill—summer is barbecue season in America! It kicks off with the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, a.k.a. the Super Bowl of Swine, held annually as part of Memphis in May. In October, taste North Carolina ‘cue at the Lexington Barbecue Festival, a lively event famous for its 50-ton, pig-themed sand sculpture. Passing through the Plains? Don’t miss the drool-worthy Rocket Pig sandwich—pulled pork tossed in a sweet-hot glaze with bacon, pepper jack cheese, barbecue mayo, and topped with fried jalapeños—at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que.

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However you choose to join in—whether it’s hitting the road, firing up the grill, or chasing a thrill—this is a time to celebrate in big, bold, American style. After all, there’s never been a milestone quite like the 250th anniversary of America.