Gay Pride NYC Photo: CarbonNYC

This June will mark 40 years since the Stonewall riots that launched the modern gay movement, and though recent decisions in California have disappointed many, there is still much to celebrate during Pride Month 2009, whether you identify as LGBT or just support your fellow human beings. The travel industry, for one, is showing its tremendous friendliness to the gay community and their wallets with a whole pile of deals. Here are a handful of great ways to take that pride out on the road.

• New York City: Get back to where it all began. NYC&Co’s Rainbow Pilgrimage site has tons of info on touring the Big Apple’s  LGBT historical sites, attractions and events during Pride Month, as well as deals  with the Ritz-Carlton, Gotham Walking Tours, Allure Day Spa and more.

• Iowa: Who needs San Francisco? Head to Des Moines to celebrate the state’s legalization of gay marriage and take part in what is sure to be an exciting PrideFest June 12 to 19. You’ll get a special group rate of $79 per night if you book at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown and request the Capital City Pride block.

• Toronto: Pride Toronto has wedding, leather, golf, budget and party packages that combine hotel stays with various services, tickets deals, free transit passes, coupons and a cocktail reception for those heading to the city’s Pride Week, June 19 to 28.

• Seattle: Book a Deluxe City View room during the last week of June at the luxe Hotel 100 and get free entry to The Cuff Complex, overnight valet parking and 15 percent off spa treatments. Rates start at $389, and you’ll need to book by telephone: 877-315-1088

• Kimpton Hotels is hosting a Summer of Pride offer, which means if you book two weekend nights at any of the chain’s locations though Sept. 27, you’ll get a third night free, plus a $50 dining credit.

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|http://www.travelmuse.com/destinations/US/TX/201/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|http://www.travelmuse.com/destinations/US/NY/029/buffalo]

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|http://www.travelmuse.com/destinations/US/LA/071/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|http://www.travelmuse.com/destinations/US/CA/075/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|http://www.travelmuse.com/destinations/US/WA/033/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|http://www.travelmuse.com/destinations/US/PA/101/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|http://www.travelmuse.com/destinations/US/NY/005/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.|http://www.travelmuse.com/destinations/US/DC/001/00-washington]

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!