We've been discussing Independence Day alternatives mostly just for fun, but there are more serious reasons to consider alternative celebrations on this day. Though conditions have improved, our country has long been dominated by white men and their values. To celebrate an independence day that occurred years before slaves were freed and women could vote is to celebrate an independence that was not inclusive. Our society has made significant progress in 232 years, but we......

Fireworks photo tagged Bostonist by Aero Racer E on Flickr Here are some more most-awesome modes of non-traditional celebration of an American tradition. Did that make sense? Probably not. Regardless: Fire It Up (Not the Grill) The state pretends it limits fireworks for our "safety," but maybe they just don't want us to have any fun. Massachusetts has some of the country's most restrictive fireworks code. Pennsylvania is the closest state with lax laws,......

Image by Chris Klein Summer Beckons on the Boston Harbor Islands Even though summer is only days old, the word "staycation" has already earned the honor of being the season's most annoying buzzword. But if $4-a-gallon gas and the shaky economy does have you rethinking that trip to the Cape or "the islands" (a.k.a., Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket), you'll still be able to find plenty of island adventures close to home at the Boston......

Image from Flickr user DJ Durutti Boston is the greatest place in the country to spend Independence Day. It's the historical center of America, the place where it all happened, the site of the greatest fireworks, yar yar yar, blah blah blah. You're here; you know this. But is there anything you don't know about Independence Day in and around Boston? We're trying to find that out. The Globe covers tired--'scuse us, "tried"--and true......