Happy 4th of July!

No matter where you find yourself on July 4th, the Carolina skies will darken to provide a perfect backdrop for a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate America’s 235 years of indepedence.

Fireworks from the Skyshow fireworks display explode above the Charlotte, N.C. skyline on Independence Day. Rick Havner / AP

Grab your family and friends and some lawn chairs and settle into Memorial Stadium for viewing the Presbyterian Hospital Fourth of July Spectacular to watch fireworks ignite above the Charlotte skyline.

For pre-fireworks dining, you can select from any number of diverse restaurants along Elizabeth Avenue: Nothing but Noodles, Custom Shop, Carpe Diem, 1900 Mexican Grill, Cuisine Malaya, or City Deli and Bagel . Be sure to save room for an ice cream cone at Elizabeth Creamery.

Traveling further down I-77, you can watch the WBT Skyshow at the Knights Stadium in Ft.Mill, SC immediately following the game against the Norfolk Tides.

Continuing down the Interstate, you can take part in the Red, White and BOOM! Festival in Rock Hill, SC with a fireworks show beginning at 10 p.m.on July 2.

Check out a list of other Independence Day 2011 festivals across the Tarheel State here and here and here.

                   Have a safe and Happy 4th of July from the Charlotte School of Law Library!

~Jamie Sunnycalb~

Think Global, Eat Local

Do you have plans for the summer that keep you close to home but wish you were visiting an exotic locale? You’re in luck because we have some ideas of how you can experience other cultures without ever leaving the city limits, supporting local businesses at the same time.

Taste of Charlotte

Sample cuisine from all over the world right in your backyard at the 11th Annual Taste of Charlotte June 10-12 featuring food from Woodlands Indian Cuisine, Carribean Hut, Chen’s Bistro and Amelie’s French Bakery, plus many more.

Meals on Wheels

Each Thursday from 5-9 p.m., Charlotte food trucks congregate in the parking lot across from the 7th Street Station for the Chow Down Food Truck Rally offering everything from fried deviled eggs, banh mi and coconut cupcakes.

Farm Fresh

Another great way to support your community while shopping for ingredients with which to make your own international dish is to stock up on fresh fruits, veggies amid other homegrown fare at a farmer’s market.

Cool Treats

Beat the summer heat with a cool and delicious dessert at a locally owned frozen yogurt shop, Tasty Yo , in the heart of NoDa. It’s located next to the Crepe Cellar which features sweet and savory French crepes.

Need more ideas for how to spend your summer vacation? Charlotte Magazine honors the 98 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day with 98 things to do and see.

~Jamie Sunnycalb~